TEHRAN- The first cultural and artistic festival of Etqan will begin in Tehran on Thursday, featuring a series of stage performances, as announced by the event's secretary during a press conference at Tehran's Art Bureau on Sunday. 

The festival, which aims to enhance the culture of work and effort, transforming these concepts into public discourse, has received a diverse array of submissions, highlighting the creativity and talent present in different art forms, Mohammadreza Baqeri said. 

A total of 2,545 artworks have been submitted to the festival across various categories, including posters, cartoons, photographs, poetry, short stories, stand-up comedy, and both stage and street theater performances, he added.

The largest number of participants came from Tehran, Razavi Khorasan, and Kerman provinces, while the least participation was from Kordestan province, he mentioned. 

Baqeri stated that this event needs to gain visibility, emphasizing that media involvement can significantly aid in this endeavor. 

The festival will also feature a comprehensive awards program, distributing prizes across all categories, including trophies, diplomas, and cash rewards.

The Etqan Festival is a cultural and artistic initiative aimed at promoting the culture of work. It is aligned with the Leader’s emphasis on the need to foster a work-centric culture. 

Organized by the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Art Bureau of the Islamic Ideology Dissemination Organization, the festival will come to an end on September 16. 

SAB/