TEHRAN- The calligraphy section of the 21st edition of Imam Reza (AS) International Festival will host a number of master calligraphers from the Muslim world, the organizers have announced. 

During a press conference held in Tehran on Tuesday, the director of Imam Reza (AS) International Art and Cultural Foundation Morteza Saeidizadeh stated that artists from Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Pakistan have been invited to participate in the calligraphy section of the festival.

Explaining further, he mentioned that the artworks of artists from the mentioned countries will be received and showcased in a special exhibition in Tehran and Mashhad, as per the implemented plans.

He also revealed that a special award has been designed for graphic works focusing on Gaza and resistance. 

In elaborating on future plans for organizing the festival, he highlighted efforts such as relying on and utilizing specialized institutions, increasing public use of products produced at the Imam Reza (AS) festival, launching a system called "Panjereh" (Window) to showcase Razavi products post-festival, collaborating with institutions and specialized collections, and organizing over 500 cultural and artistic programs in various cities during the festival period.

He expressed hope that the Imam Reza (AS) festival will be established as one of the most professional religious festivals in the country over the next five years.

“We have passed the transitional period of the festival and are now focused on the future. I hope that with new approaches, we can achieve impactful events in Razavi cultural development through collaboration with other cultural institutions.”

The initial assessment by the organizers is a ten-year goal, with aspirations to see the Imam Reza (AS) Festival reach the level of festivals like Fajr by 2033 or 2034, he noted.

He also emphasized that this festival, advancing Razavi culture and human interactions, naturally entails many efforts that must be fulfilled and recognized internationally.

The Imam Reza (AS) International Festival is held annually in various provinces of the country as well as in several other countries.

This festival encompasses various fields such as articles, plays or screenplays, produced shows, stories, visual arts, books, literary texts, poetry, press and digital works, and radio and television productions.

The festival will come to an end in Mashhad on May 19, 2024 that marks the birthday of Imam Reza (AS).

SAB/