The President of Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC), Dr. Moslem Noori, began the AGM session by declaring the quorum has been reached with more than 50% of members voted in the online election.  

Full video of President's report at ICC Annual General Meeting January 2022

He began the presidential report with outlining 3 questions to be answered in his report: When we started? Where we are? And what is next? 

Dr. Noori started with explaining the situation of ICC when the last AGM happened and how the management of the ICC was transferred to the new team: 

• Organization’s financial status
• Open legal cases
• Limited access to the website
• No access to the membership information
• Internal processes
• Electoral polarization
• Trust and transparency

These challenges were addressed by the board of directors one by one: 

• Reducing operational cost
• Identifying places where we could cut cost
• Finding free or low-cost alternatives such as Microsoft
• Negotiate for better pricing on Nationbuilder to host the website and membership
• Closing legal cases
• Pursuing the option to close the case in a timely, yet cost-effective, manner
• Securing organizational insurance for the ICC and its board members
• Defining internal processes on issuing statements, ICC Forum management, etc.
• Improving members relation

Dr. Noori continued with explaining the efforts and achievements of ICC through the last year and outlined the activities in 7 different categories: 

The most important task taken by ICC was advocacy for different issues concerning the Iranian Canadian Community. He separated the advocacy efforts to two parts, the ones initiated by ICC and the ones promoted by ICC.  

The advocacy efforts initiated by ICC:  

• Letter campaign to establish offices for consular services

ICC President explains the efforts to establish offices for consular services

• Urging Global Affairs Canada to remove incorrect reference to Persian Gulf 

At this point, Dr. Noori mentioned that only after a few hours of sending the emails to foreign minister and parliament members, he was contacted by Mr. Majid Jowhari, the Iranian Canadian MP of Richmondhill and was told that this issue is followed to get resolved as soon as possible. He emphasized that the Iranian Canadian community is united on this issue and such incident should not happen again. 

ICC President explains the efforts to remove incorrect reference to Persian Gulf

• Calling for answers, accountability, transparency and justice for the families of PS752 victims
• Communicating important topics for the Iranian-Canadians with all national parties
• Following up on banking issues of the affected members of the Iranian-Canadian community
• Iranian-Canadians’ challenges for child adoption from Iran
• Letter campaign to repeal PEQ, affecting international students
• Discrimination against Iranian-Canadian men who had mandatory military services at IRGC
• Immigration issues
• Prolonged delay visa, permanent residency, and citizenship cases
• Granting permanent residency to the families of the international student victims of flight PS752 

On the issues promoted by ICC, there were advocacy campaigns initiated by other Canadian organizations and ICC decided to support and promote them: 

• #EqualChance campaign by Institute for Canadian Citizenship to give equal chance to medical doctors who studied outside Canada
• Campaigns against Islamophobia
• “Farsi dar BC” campaign to include Farsi as a second language at schools
• NCCM petition regarding Quebec Bill 21

The second category of activities was charity and humanitarian works. Dr. Noori outlined the efforts and as follows: 

• Offering help to Iranian-Canadian charitable organizations
• Connecting charity groups across Canada
• Asking the Canadian Government to donate vaccines to COVAX
• Contacting Relief International and Red Cross about sending medication to Iran
• Supporting a petition asking Canada to send extra AstraZeneca vaccines to Iran 

ICC president explains the efforts on charity and humanitarian aids

Art and culture is another category for which ICC hosted 3 exhibitions and produced a few podcast episodes.   

• Art projects 1400
• New beginnings: Started on 8^th of March to celebrate the Persian New Year and the Iranian Canadian women artists.
• Building up community resilience: To build up community resilience during the Covid pandemic
• Roots and cultural heritage: To bond the Iranian and Indigenous culture in Canada and is the first of its kind.
• ICC podcasts 

ICC had many activities on the topic of mental health. Announcing sources on mental health on the mental health week, Interview with Mr. Majid Jowhari on this issue and three workshops with Dr. Gerami and Dr. Dabbagh.  

• Mental Health week program
• Mental health workshops
• Children, teens, and cyberspace
• Importance of family therapy
• Self-esteem and self-confidence

On public health, Dr. Noori described the efforts to establish a temporary Vaccine clinic in Toronto and the appreciation lunch for the healthcare workers of Markham Stouffville hospital, made possible by a generous donation from one of the ICC members.  

• Vaccine clinic
• Appreciation lunch for the healthcare workers, made possible by an ICC member’s donation 

ICC president on mental health and public health efforts in 2021

On Members Relation, the president of ICC explained the two surveys done on priorities and the increase of membership fees. He emphasized that the first survey was the first of its kind in this capacity among the Iranian Canadian community. He then thanked Kayhan Razavi for his time and efforts to publish 5 newsletters last year and hoped that ICC will continue publishing the newsletters with the help and support of its volunteers. Meetings for the Persian New year, Discussion on member’s priorities and the public meeting to discuss proposed changes to article 1 of the bylaws were done and published on ICC’s YouTube channel for everyone to watch. Also he explained the reopening of ICC Forum in facebook and encouraged all members to keep the discussions around ICC and its activities.  

• Surveys 
• Newsletter 
• Meetings
• Reopening ICC Forum 

Dr. Noori then discussed the sessions and workshops presented by Iranian Canadian Congress on different subjects. The Employment sessions were done with Dr. Beheshti and Dr. Abbaszadeh; The session on “Imact of sanctions on Iran and Iranian diaspora” was done with Dr. Hooglund; Two “indigenous rights” sessions were done with Daniel Bagheri Sarvestani and one session on Immigration was delivered by Shahram Hamraz.  

• Impact of sanctions on Iran and Iranian Diaspora 
• Finding Employment 
• Indigenous rights 
• Immigration

Another activity done by ICC was informing the community by using its information channels.   

• Participation in the Canada 2021 Census and Election
• Canada Blood Services Stem Cells for Life program 
• Volunteers for research projects related to the Iranian-Canadian community 
• Internship and employment opportunities at governmental organizations
• Loss of renowned members of our community
• Government resource for seniors 
• “My Why” social campaign 
• Farsi resources for Covid-19 related topics 
• Extension of PGWP because of Covid-19 
• New permanent residency program for international students 

 Dr.Noori then proceeded to explain the ICC efforts to develop a website to serve as the database for Iranian Canadian community. The website address is iccongress.net which is still in its early days, but more content will be added over time. This was the interesting part of the presentation since this was the first time that ICC released the information about this. Everyone can visit this website at the following address: www.iccongress.net 

The president of ICC outlined the plans for the next year at the end of his report. He mentioned that the financial situation of the organization would be a priority for the coming year. A focused advocacy plan would be a priority to achieve well defined goals  

• Continuing existing initiatives
• Improving financial health of the organization
• A focused advocacy plan
• Expanding the Iranian-Canadians database website

The ICC advocates for the Iranian-Canadian community and promotes greater participation in Canada's civic and political life.  We are able to do this work through the financial support of individuals like you. https://www.iccongress.ca/donate 

In a tweet published on 24 January 2022 on the subject of recent escalations in the Middle East, Foreign Policy CAN (the official Twitter account for Global Affairs Canada) has used the false term “Arabian Gulf” in reference to the Persian Gulf. 

“Persian Gulf” is the only historically accurate, legally valid and internationally recognized name for the body of water between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. This name has been widely and globally used for over two millennia, as evidenced by thousands of historical maps from across the world. 

In its 2006 report, the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names acknowledged the legitimacy of the name Persian Gulf, citing “6000 maps and more than 200 historical and tourism books from Irastus to Herodotus to Estakhri and Ibn Houghal, who have all called the water body, Persian Gulf” and concluding that “any change, destruction, or alteration of the names registered in historical deeds and maps is like the destruction of ancient works and is considered as an improper action.” 

The term “Arabian Gulf,” on the other hand, is a product of propaganda efforts of some politicians who used it for their political gains by exploiting ethnic tensions in the region and rallying political support for their territorial ambitions. The use of such a term by an official social media account of the Government of Canada is deeply regrettable. Not only is this language diplomatically inflammatory and risks stoking already heightened tensions in the region, but it is also highly offensive to the Iranian-Canadian community.  

Altering significant geographical names that inform the identity of a community amounts to the erasure of that community’s culture and history, which goes against the Canadian Government’s official commitment to multiculturalism. Thus, the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) urges Global Affairs Canada to remove the divisive and misleading statement from its official channels and ensure that the historically accurate name, “Persian Gulf”, be used in all official statements and documents. 

The upcoming Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) annual general meeting (AGM) will be held online on January 30, 2022, at 1:00 pm ET. A video call link to attend the meeting will be shared with the members through email in future communication. The agenda of the meeting is as follows:  

• Call to order  
• President’s report  
• Treasurer’s report and review of the 2020 and 2021 financial statements  
• Q&A   
• Announcement of the board election results  
• Motions  
• Adjournment  

Please note that an election will also be held for the two available seats on the board of directors of the ICC. The election will be held by online voting and will start at 2:00 pm ET on January 23, 2022 and will end at 2:00 PM ET on January 30, 2022, at 2:00 pm. The election will be conducted through a platform called Electionbuddy and you will receive an email from Electionbuddy with instructions for voting.   

  The nomination window for the upcoming election was closed on January 9, 2022, at 11:59 pm ET and the following candidates (ordered alphabetically) will run for the upcoming election:  

• Mr. Daniel Bagheri  
• Mr. Reza Namdari  
• Mr. Mohammad Rad  

You can find information about the candidates by visiting the above links as well as watching this introduction video.  

  The ICC board of directors, based on the results of the first survey and the recommendation of the organizational structure committee, has proposed a motion to modify Article 1 of the ICC by-laws. A public hearing meeting was held on December 12, 2021, to discuss this motion. The recording of this meeting can be found here.    

The ICC members who wish to propose a motion can submit it through this form. Please be advised that all mandatory fields must be completed by providing the required information. The deadline to submit the motions is January 19, at 11:59 pm ET.     

Please note that the board’s motion to modify Article 1 of the by-laws along with nomination eligibility exemption request and member’s motions will be put for vote online through Electionbuddy on the same ballot that you will receive for the board election.     

Thank you for being a valued member of the ICC.  

Today marks the second anniversary of the tragic downing of flight PS752 by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps missiles, and the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters. We take this moment to recommit ourselves to transparency, accountability, and justice for the victims of Flight PS752 and their families.  

On January 8, our community was shaken to its core; this day marks a time of mourning and remembering. The Iranian Canadian Congress extends our condolences to the loved ones and family members who are still feeling the loss of the victims every day. We also hold close our fellow members of the Iranian-Canadian community who were deeply impacted by this tragedy. 

Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims who have been carrying the immense grief of this loss for the past two years. We encourage you to light a candle in remembrance of the brilliant people whose lives were taken that day.  

We encourage our community to come together and support one another as we continue to navigate the pandemic and lockdowns. Please check in on your friends and family at this difficult time and consider donating to these memorial scholarships that are in honor of the victims.

Photo by Saman Tabasinejad

Universities memorial funds accepting donations:

University of Alberta: https://www.ualberta.ca/flight-ps752-memorial/memorial-fund.html

University of British Columbia: https://support.ubc.ca/projects/iranian-student-memorial-award/

Queens University: https://www.givetoqueens.ca/project/view/1209

University of Ottawa: https://www.uottawa.ca/give/iranian-students-memorial-scholarship-fund

University of Manitoba: https://give.umanitoba.ca/funds/PS752-fellowship-page

Western University: https://www.westernconnect.ca/site/SPageNavigator/Flight752_Memorial_Graduate_Scholarship.html

University of Victoria: https://extrweb.uvic.ca/donate-online/iranian-student-memorial

University of Toronto: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/45925 

University of Toronto - Computer Science: https://web.cs.toronto.edu/beiruti-and-saleheh-memorial

I’m Mohammad Vahidirad. My friends have known me as Mohammad Rad for a long time. 

Reasons I decided to run in the ICC elections: 

 For many years, in addition to my business activities, I have put social activities, especially helping immigrants, on my agenda. 

 I may be the only person in the Iranian-Canadian community who has held more than 300 free training seminars for Iranian community and its growth. 

 One of my characteristics that people have known for years that they can count on me and that they have the necessary confidence to raise their problems with me, and I have always tried to help them. 

My only reason for running in the election is to run the congressional education department.  I do not want to do anything else, I will just hold a free monthly educational webinar in the fields of entrepreneurship and employment for the people on behalf of the Congress. 

However, my personal approach is anti-sanctions, anti-violent behavior.  But I feel that the ICC needs first and foremost to be able to provide useful services to the people.  Therefore, my goal in the next year is to hold 12 webinars for the congress, each webinar will be 3 hours long, and the recorded videos of this webinar will be a memory for the people in the future. 

who am I: 

Theoretical mottos have never been enough for me and I have always focused on trying hard to practically operationalize and achieve my goals. However, I am also known as a business theorist and planner, and financing expert at an international level. 

Some of my customers, who are currently my friends, view me as a tree of money and wealth, and believe I have the ability create unique ideas. They recognize me as an economic analyst and business strategist. 

I am literally a pragmatic person. I have never been a good speaker, but can be a good friend and advisor. 

Many Years ago, I decided to immigrate from Iran to Canada. My immigration was not a reason for stopping my activities in entrepreneurship, but to take an opportunity to expand it. However, after years of living in Canada I learned you should remember the dreams you had when you came to the new country. Most of the times the realities are not as colorful as you expect them to be. Remember your dreams are the foundation of your achievements. 

My Work Experience 

• International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and International Court of Arbitration member

• World Chambers Federation (WCF) member

• World Chambers Congress (WCC) member

• Business with\from\in Canada Book’s Author

• Creator and manager of Canadian franchise 01 Learning (First international Computer learning college for kids) (2019-Present)

• Founder and manager of Canadian franchise Canadian Lifestyle (Supplier of pharmaceutical products and vitamin supplements) (2020-Present)

• Founder and manager of Canadian franchise Global Green Construction (first manufacturer of composite finished products) (2018-Present)

• I-C-P composite production factory’s strategic development deputy (2019-Present)

• Canada Iran Business Association CEO (2015-Present).

• Founder of the legal and commercial group of RSM Capital (2015-Present).

• Owner of the Canada Capital Code Technology company of advertisement and international trading (2014-Present).

• Capital Ideal Holdings finance company owner (2014-Present).

• Deputy and legal representative of Canada Multi-Invest financial resource company (2013-Present).

• Founder and director of Hodhod Cultural Media (The first Persian language non-profit online media in Canada) (2013-Present). 

• Member of the founding board of Persian Language Speakers Association of Quebec from 2015 - 2016.

Education 

• MSc of Business Analysis from University of Montreal
• Network Security diploma from Montreal Teccart College 
• French language certificate from University of Montreal
• Strategic Crisis Management from Moscow State University
• Commercial Management certificate from Amir Kabir University of Technology
• Crisis Management certificate from Payame Noor University 
• Advertisement management certificate from Payame Noor University 
• Digital Advertisement certificate from Shahid Poor Ghazi Center operating under Amir Kabir University of Technology

Daniel Bagheri Sarvestani, is a PhD candidate at the University of Kansas and a Canadian Human Rights advisor with Cuso International. He has been volunteering and working internationally for the better part of the past 7 years. Through his field work, Daniel has developed connections with tribal indigenous communities in Western Asia (Iran), Central America (Costa Rica, Panama, and Honduras) and North America (Canada).  His work focuses on the application of Indigenous Peoples Rights/Human Rights discourses, and it impact in shaping social movements and questions of identity. 

Daniel has been an active member of the Iranian Canadian community. He has served as the president of the Iranian Canadian Association at the University of Guelph (2007-2012) and is currently a member of the Iranian Canadian Association of Immigration consultants. By joining the ICC Daniel aims to address the rising tensions within the Iranian Canadian community concerning issues of islamophobia, systematic discrimination, and political uncertainties abroad and at home.

The nomination window for the upcoming ICC election was closed on December 6, 2021 at 11:59 pm ET. The ICC has received emails from the following individuals (ordered alphabetically): 

1. Mr. Daniel (Mohammad) Bagheri Sarvestani: Mr. Sarvestani has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement. While he is currently an ICC member, upon reviewing his membership history, it was realized that he does not meet the nomination criterion of being a regular member with “good standing for at least one year prior to the election” as outlined in the by-laws. 
2. Mr. Reza (AbdolReza) Namdari: Mr. Namdari has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement and has been a member in good standing for the past year. 
3. Mr. Medi (Mehdi) Shams: Upon reviewing Mr. Shams membership history, it was realized that his membership was expired in June 2021, and he has not renewed his membership since then. Thus, he is currently not a member of the ICC and does not meet the nomination criteria as outlined in the ICC by-laws. Also, Mr. Shams did not provide a picture of a government-issued ID, as requested in the nomination announcement and did not respond to a follow-up email asking him to submit this document. 
4. Mr. Mohammad VahidiRad: Mr. Vahidirad has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement. While he is currently an ICC member, upon reviewing his membership history, it was realized that he does not meet the nomination criterion of being a regular member with “good standing for at least one year prior to the election” as outlined in the by-laws. 

   According to the ICC by-laws, candidates, who do not meet the criterion of being a regular member with good standing for at least one year prior to the election, can request for an exemption from the members. To facilitate such a request, members will be asked if they are in favour of granting such an exemption in this election on the election ballot. If approved by the members, candidates who are an ICC member but do not meet the 1-year requirement, i.e. Mr. Sarvestani and Mr. VahidiRad, will be exempted, and if elected, can serve as an ICC director. 

   Having said the above, the following three candidates will run for the upcoming ICC election (ordered alphabetically): 

   1. Mr. Daniel Bagheri Sarvestani 
   2. Mr. Reza Namdari 
   3. Mr. Mohammad VahidiRad 

   The ICC election committee 

Motion proposed by Organizational Structure Committee to modify article 1 of the By-laws of The Iranian Canadian Congress .

These changes are proposed after several meetings and discussions and are approved by Board of Directors to be presented at the AGM.

This version of article 1 will be presented as a motion to ICC members at AGM on 22nd of December 2021 for their approval. 

Article 1. Definition, Purpose, and Objectives    

  Section 1: Definition   

The Iranian-Canadian Congress (henceforth "ICC") is a "not-for-profit", "non-partisan", "non-governmental" and "non-religious" community organization. ICC is not affiliated with or adherent of any political party (at any municipal, provincial, or federal level), government or governmental group or organization, religion, religious institution, or religious organization. All the income that might be earned by or donated to ICC will be used to pursue the ICC's objectives and keep the ICC running.   

 Section 2: Purpose   

The general purpose of ICC is to uphold and protect the well-being and interests of the Iranian-Canadian community, i.e. Iranians who are resident or citizen of Canada.  

Section 3: Objectives   

The objectives of ICC are, including but are not limited to the following items. These items are meant to set up a general framework for the activities that ICC may get engaged in or initiate. In the spirit of the following objectives, each elected board of directors (henceforth Board of Directors) may set up more specific purposes as its own goals. To achieve the below-mentioned objectives, the Board of Directors sets up an agenda, assigns committees, organizes volunteer workgroups, and writes its internal protocols for achieving its goals according to the by-laws.    

• Constructing and facilitating the ways by which members of the Iranian-Canadian community could cooperate with and contribute to the larger Canadian society; among others, the ways for promoting and strengthening the cross-cultural harmony to advance tolerance, understanding, and goodwill among all segments of the multicultural Canadian society.    
• Building up a sense of trust and a participatory environment among the members of the Iranian-Canadian community within which effective engagement to membership and teamwork could be promoted for the sake of fortifying and enhancing the community's stature.   
• Making useful links between various segments of the Iranian-Canadian community, organizations, business owners, investors, job seekers, etc., across Canada.    

• Promoting and celebrating Iranian culture, values, languages, and history, and sustaining the Iranians' prestige, dignity, and reputation in Canada.    
• Directing resources and aspirations of the Iranian-Canadian community towards improving the quality of its members' lives in Canada and helping them find their desired place in the Canadian society to facilitate their positive integration into the fabric of the Canadian civic life. 
• Advocating peace, dialogue, and collaboration between Canada and other nations, particularly Iran, to mitigate the concerns of Iranian-Canadians, Canada and other countries; thus, enhancing the quality of people’s lives by easing their minds from those concerns.  
• Advocating changes, alternatives, and proposals that are aligned with upholding and protecting the interest and well-being of the Iranian-Canadian community in any political, public, and legislating climates at the municipal, provincial, and federal level. That may be included but not limited to:    

                 - Making public policy dialogue with the Canadian governmental executive, authoritative or legislatorial bodies, and influential figures for advocating,        demanding change, or proposing new laws, policies, or decisions favoring the Iranian-Canadian Community and empowering their developmental activities.   

              - Highlighting all entities' positions on the issues relevant to or essential for the Iranian-Canadian community at any governmental level so that the members of the Iranian-Canadian community would be able to make an informed decision.    

              - Reflecting the issues that are important for and relevant to the Iranian-Canadian community, to all entities.    

As communicated previously with you, the next ICC annual general meeting (AGM) will be held on December 22 from 8 pm to 10 pm ET (5 pm to 7 pm PT) through a videoconferencing platform. Please note that only ICC members who have joined/renewed their membership by December 6, 2021, at 11:59 pm ET will be entitled to attend the upcoming AGM and vote in the election.  

Here, we like to provide the following updates on the upcoming ICC election and AGM: 

• First, we like to correct the nomination deadline from December 1, 2021, at 11:59 pm ET to December 6, 2021, at 11:59 pm ET. 
• In the upcoming election, members will choose two new board members. The election will be held online, starting and ending prior to the AGM. Members will receive a link through email to participate in the election after December 6. Election results will be announced in the AGM. 
• The ICC board of directors has selected an election committee, consisting of three ICC members, to oversee the election process. These individuals are: Ms. Afsaneh Kefayati, Mr. Habib Ghaffari, and Mr. Reza Sohrabi. 
• Instructions to register for the AGM will be shared with the members after December 6. Registered members will receive a link to participate in the AGM. 
• The organizational structure committee has proposed changes to the by-laws. These changes have been approved by the board of directors and will be put for the members vote. In addition, the board of directors are currently working on finding a practical and effective way for submitting motions by the members. Further updates on how members can submit their motions as well as voting on them and the proposed by-laws changes will be provided in future communications. 

Stay tuned for further updates on the upcoming ICC election and AGM! 

Iranian Canadian Congress

The ICC board of directors is pleased to announce that the next ICC annual general meeting (AGM) will be held on December 22 from 8 pm to 10 pm ET (5 pm to 7 pm PT). The meeting will be held on a videoconferencing platform.  

An online election will also be held for the available seats in the ICC board of directors. We encourage all interested members to consult with Section 2 of Article 5 of the ICC by-laws for nomination eligibility, and if eligible, declare their nomination by sending an email to elections@iccongress.ca. The deadline for sending nomination emails is December 6, 2021, at 11:59 pm ET. The email must include and attach the following: 

• A confirmation by the nominee that he or she has nominated himself or herself, or that he or she has been nominated by others and has accepted such nomination, for election to the ICC board of directors; 
• A confirmation by the nominee that he/she meets the eligibility criteria, as set out in Section 2 of Article 5 of the ICC by-laws; 
• A government-issued ID; and 
• A synopsis of the nominee’s background/biographical sketch and the reasons they wish to serve as a director on the ICC board of directors (maximum 300 words in English. Farsi is optional. This information is to be provided in a MS Word or pdf file format). A passport size photo of the nominee in digital format is also optional. Information and the photograph provided by the nominees will be posted on the ICC website. 

Please note that only ICC members who have joined/renewed their membership by December 6, 2021, at 11:59 pm ET will be entitled to attend the upcoming AGM and vote in the election. For any membership questions, you may contact secretary@iccongress.ca. 

Further details such as instructions to register for attending the AGM, and the link for online voting as well as the AGM videoconferencing will be shared with the members in future communications. 

The Announcement of Launching the Third Stage of Art Project 1400: Roots, Culture, and Communal healing/Resilience Building

The Iranian Canadian Congress is proud to announce the launch of the third stage of its Art Project 1400 on December 21, synchronous with the Persian celebration of winter solstice, a long-lasting Persian tradition, Shab-e-Yalda. Our project is about communal healing and Shab-e-Yalda which is the darkest and longest night of the year can symbolically be considered as an occasion in which the Persian families come together for support, healing, and building community resilience to face the longest and darkest night. It is the time for gathering in unity and solidarity and looking forward to a new beginning when the darkness fades out and the brightness of light fades in.

The theme of this stage: Roots & Culture

It is well-known that traditions and understanding cultural roots give people a sense of belonging to something greater than themselves. The theme of this stage, emphasizing on pottery, is to explore the domain of arts and artifacts that are bearing or expressing cultural values. We want to celebrate Iran's cultural heritage alongside with that of the Canadian First Nation’s to establish a sense of communal empowerment and create a feeling grounded in history and culture.

The structure of the exhibition

Unlike previous exhibitions, where we invited just the artists to present their work, in this exhibition, we have three sections: First Nation’s Antiquity, Iranian Antiquity and Contemporary artists. At this stage, in addition to artists, we also invite all Iranian and Canadian experts, commentators, historians, philosophers, etc. who may have a written, spoken, and/or created piece in relation to the theme of the project to submit their work to the exhibition; these works could be about ancient art works, their history, meaning, relation to culture, etc. The “Contemporary” section is specifically considered for exhibiting the works of contemporary Iranian Canadian and Canadian artists. These works may include showing a sample of, or inspired by the Persian or indigenous Canadian pottery, stone, and metal artifacts of the ancient times.

How to participate

Please send your pieces to art.project@iccongress.ca. In the body of your email, please include a short biography of yourself and your education. The deadline for sending your works is December 15, 2021. In the subject of your email, please indicate the category in which you want to participate; either “Iranian Antiquity”, “Contemporary” or “the Frist Nation’s Antiquity”.

آغاز بکار مرحله سوم برنامه هنری 1400: ریشه ها، فرهنگ و درمان اجتماعی/ایجاد تاب آوری

کنگره ایرانیان کانادا مفتخر است که سومین مرحله از برنامه هنری 1400 خود را در ۲۱ دسامبر امسال همزمان با جشن سنت دیرپای ایرانی، شب یلدا، اعلام کند. برنامه ما در مورد التیام جمعی است و شب یلدا را می توان به طور نمادین به عنوان مناسبتی در نظر گرفت که در آن خانواده های ایرانی برای حمایت، التیام و ایجاد تاب آوری جمعی برای گذراندن دراز ترین و تاریک ترین شب ها گرد هم می آیند. تاریک ترین شب زمانیست برای جمع شدن، اتحاد، همبستگی و چشم انتظار آغازی نو بودن که تاریکی را محو و روشنایی نور را شکوفا می کند.

موضوع این مرحله: ریشه ها و فرهنگ

مشهور است که سنت ها و درک ریشه های فرهنگی به مردم احساس تعلق به چیزی گرانتر از خودشان می دهد. موضوع این مرحله با تأکید بر سفالگری، کاوش در حوزه هنرها و آثاری است که حامل یا بیانگر ارزش های فرهنگی هستند. ما می‌خواهیم میراث فرهنگی ایران را در کنار میراث بومیان کانادا جشن بگیریم تا از این طریق حسی از توانمندی جمعی ایجاد کرده و احساسی مبتنی بر ریشه داشتن در تاریخ و فرهنگ ایجاد کنیم.

ساختار نمایشگاه

برخلاف نمایشگاه‌های قبلی که فقط از هنرمندان برای ارائه آثارشان دعوت می‌کردیم، در این نمایشگاه سه بخش بومیان باستان ، ایرانیان باستان و هنرمندان معاصر داریم. در این مرحله، علاوه بر هنرمندان، از تمامی کارشناسان، مفسران، مورخان و فیلسوفان ایرانی و کانادایی که ممکن است اثری مکتوب، گفتاری ویا خلق شده در باب موضوع این مرحله داشته باشند دعوت می کنیم تا آثار خود را ارسال کنند. کارهای ارسالی به این نمایشگاه در بخش بومیان باستان و ایرانیان باستان می تواند درباره آثار هنری باستانی، تاریخچه آنها، معنای آنها، ارتباط آنها با فرهنگ و از این قبیل باشد. بخش «معاصر» به طور خاص برای نمایش آثار هنرمندان معاصر ایرانی کانادایی و کانادایی در نظر گرفته شده است. این آثار ممکن است شامل نمایش نمونه یا الهام گرفته شده از سفال، سنگ و مصنوعات فلزی ایرانی یا بومی کانادا در دوران باستان باشد.

نحوه شرکت کردن

خواهشمندیم کارهای خود را به آدرس art.project@iccongress.ca

 ارسال کنید. لطفاً در متن ایمیل خود، بیوگرافی کوتاهی از خود، تحصیلاتتان و توضیح کوتاهی درباره کارتان درج کنید. آخرین مهلت ارسال آثار شما 15 دسامبر 2021 می باشد. لطفاً در موضوع ایمیل خود، نام بخشی را که می خواهید در آن شرکت کنید را قید نمایید: «ایران باستان»، «معاصر» یا «بومیان باستان».

Positioning Principles at Iranian Canadian Congress

The mission of the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) is to advance the interests and well-being of Iranian-Canadians. Some have tried in the past to use ICC to pursue aggressive political goals that are inconsistent with this supportive role. Such past efforts were possibly the cause of hesitancy to join ICC for many Iranian-Canadians who do not intend to participate in aggressive political efforts.  

First principle: The Iranian-Canadian Congress should encourage what is beneficial to the preservation of the dignity, interests and rights of Iranian-Canadians. 

Second principle: The Iranian-Canadian Congress must oppose anything that is detrimental to the dignity, interests, and rights of Iranian-Canadians or discriminates against them. 

Third principle: The Iranian-Canadian Congress should not interfere in anything that has nothing to do with the interests of Canadian-Iranians. 

Fourth principle: ICC’s positions should follow and respect Canadian and international law. Also, given that many members of the ICC have the citizenship of other countries, and since taking any  position  may have side effects for some members of the ICC and others, it is necessary that the security and interests of the majority of the ICC members in those countries be considered in the positions taken by the ICC. 

Fifth principle: The Iranian-Canadian Congress cannot take a position that could be used for sanctions, war or any threat, aggression, or encroachment on the security or national interests of countries, even more so Iran or Canada. 

اصول موضع گیری کنگره ایرانیان کانادا  

مأموریت کنگره ایرانیان کانادا پیشبرد منافع و رفاه ایرانی - کانادایی ها است.  برخی در گذشته تلاش کرده اند از کنگره  برای پیشبرد اهداف سیاسی تهاجمی که با نقش حمایتی هماهنگ نیستند، استفاده کنند. این امکان موجب تردید بسیاری از کانادایی های ایرانی شده بود که قصد ندارند در تلاش های سیاسی تهاجمی شرکت کنند، اما می خواهند به کنگره بپیوندند

اصل یک : کنگره  ایرانیان کانادا باید آنچه برای حفظ کرامت، منافع و حقوق ایرانیان کانادا سودمند است را تشویق کند

اصل دو : کنگره  ایرانیان کانادا باید با آنچه برای حفظ کرامت، منافع و حقوق ایرانیان کانادا زیان‌بار باشد یا موجب تبعیض برعلیه ایشان باشد مخالفت نماید

اصل سه : کنگره  ایرانیان کانادا باید در مورد آنچه ربطی به منافع ایرانیان کانادا ندارد، دخالت نکند

اصل چهار : موضع گیری های کنگره باید در چهارچوب قوانین کانادا و قوانین بین المللی باشد. همچنین با توجه به اینکه بسیاری اعضای کنگره تابعیت سایر کشورها را نیز دارا هستند و از آنجا که هر موضع گیری ممکن است منجر به آسیب های جانبی برای بعضی دیگر از اعضا کنگره و سایرین  شود لازم است در موضع گیری های کنگره امنیت و منافع  اکثریت اعضای کنگره در آن کشورها نیز در نظر گرفته شود

اصل پنج : کنگره  ایرانیان کانادا نمیتواند موضعی اتخاذ کند که ممکن است برای تحریم ها، جنگ یا هر نوع تهدید، تهاجم یا تجاوز به امنیت یا منافع ملی کشورها ، بخصوص ایران یا کانادا ، مورد استفاده قرار گیرد

The Iranian Canadian Congress has received reports of dual Iranian Canadian citizens being denied entrance to the United States. We have obtained a report written by the American Immigration Lawyers Association on the heightened scrutiny of individuals of Iranian descent at the US border. According to this document, completing mandatory military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) can result in inadmissibility to the US under INA 212(a)(3)(B) for having been involved in terrorist activities. Further, the document states that in some cases, the inadmissibility to the US was even extended to the family members (e.g. a spouse) or those who served in other branches of the Iranian military. The document adds that non-US immigrants with IRGC military service should be advised of the high likelihood of being denied admission by the US Customs and Border Protection and returned to their port of origin. 

The ICC is concerned by the findings of this report as many Iranian Canadian males can be potentially affected by the described actions of the US Department of State and Department of Homeland Security. 

If you are a dual Iranian Canadian citizen and have been denied entry to the United States in recent months, please fill this form. 

(برای مشاهده خبرنامه روی عکس کلیک نمایید)

دوستان وهمراهان گرامی،

پنجمین شماره خبرنامه کنگره ایرانیان کانادا را خدمت شما ارایه میکنیم. هدف ما آشنایی اعضای کنگره و جامعه ایرانی کانادایی با فعالیت های مدیران کنگره و داوطلبانی است که سعی در شکوفایی و پیشرفت این جامعه پویا دارند.

این شماره از خبرنامه شامل مطالب زیر است:

• تحلیل نتایج نظرسنجی اولویت های اعضای کنگره؛ کارگروه سیاست گذاری

• هنر و تقویت تاب آوری گروهی در برابر بحران؛ معرفی برگزیدگان و قدردانی از هنرمندان شرکت کننده، کارگروه سلامت روان

• پاسخ احزاب لیبرال، ان دی پی و سبز به پرسش های کنگره ایرانیان کانادا

• تلاش کنگره ایرانیان کانادا برای برقراری روابط کنسولی بین ایران و کانادا

• مصاحبه دکتر مسلم نوری: هیات مدیره کنگره ایرانیان کانادا در پی تامین منافع جامعه ایرانی است

• تبعیض به خاطر ملیت و مذهب حتی برای فرزندخواندگی

• حمایت کنگره ایرانیان کانادا از درخواست صدور به موقع ویزا برای دانشجویان ایرانی؛

ما ضمن تشکر از داوطلبانی که در انتشار این خبرنامه تلاش ما را یاری مینمایند بطور ویژه از داوطلبانی که زحمت ویراستاری و صفحه آرایی را میکشند، تشکر میکنیم.

روابط عمومی کنگره ایرانیان کانادا از تمامی هنرمندان، صاحب نظران، نویسندگان،... دعوت میکند که با ارسال آثار و مطالب خود به هر چه پر محتوا تر شدن این خبرنامه یاری رسانند؛ علاقه‌مندان میتوانند از طریق ایمیل با ما تماس بگیرند.

نیازمند کمکهای مالی، فکری و تخصصی شما هستیم.

The president of ICC, Dr. Moslem Noori invites the Iranian Canadian community to participate in ⁦federal election⁩ on 20th of September 2021

‏ دعوت دکتر مسلم نوری، رئیس کنگره ایرانیان کانادا از جامعه ایرانی کانادایی برای مشارکت در انتخابات فدرال کانادا در روز ۲۰ سپتامبر ۲۰۲۱

https://youtu.be/54HRJpoDlTs

The Green Party's response to questions on topics of Importance for Iranian-Canadians

Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) has sent questions on the topics of importance for Iranian Canadians for the 5 major political parties in federal election 2021 which will be held on September 20th. 

The questions were based on the ICC's survey focusing on the concerns and expectations of its members. The survey shows that issues such as immigration, diplomatic relations, supporting families of victims of the flight PS752, sanctions, and the problem of fugitives are among the top major concerns of the Iranian Canadian community. 

ICC will reflect any and all answers received from the political parties with the Iranian Canadian community to be able to to make an informed decision in the upcoming election.

The New Democratic Party's response to questions on topics of Importance for Iranian-Canadians

Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) has sent questions on the topics of importance for Iranian Canadians for the 5 major political parties in federal election 2021 which will be held on September 20th. 

The questions were based on the ICC's survey focusing on the concerns and expectations of its members. The survey shows that issues such as immigration, diplomatic relations, supporting families of victims of the flight PS752, sanctions, and the problem of fugitives are among the top major concerns of the Iranian Canadian community. 

ICC will reflect any and all answers received from the political parties with the Iranian Canadian community to be able to to make an informed decision in the upcoming election.

The Liberal party's response to questions on topics of Importance for Iranian-Canadians

Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) has sent questions on the topics of importance for Iranian Canadians for the 5 major political parties in federal election 2021 which will be held on September 20th. 

The questions were based on the ICC's survey focusing on the concerns and expectations of its members. The survey shows that issues such as immigration, diplomatic relations, supporting families of victims of the flight PS752, sanctions, and the problem of fugitives are among the top major concerns of the Iranian Canadian community. 

ICC will reflect any and all answers received from the political parties with the Iranian Canadian community to be able to to make an informed decision in the upcoming election.

بررسی نتایج نظرسنجی اولویت های کنگره ایرانیان کانادا

کودکان، نوجوانان و فضای مجازی

https://youtu.be/X_JDA9557lo

اهمیت سلامت روان در خانواده و ضرورت خانواده درمانی

Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) has sent questions on the topics of importance for Iranian Canadians for the 5 major political parties in federal election 2021 which will be held on September 20th. 

The questions were based on the ICC's survey focusing on the concerns and expectations of its members. The survey shows that issues such as immigration, diplomatic relations, supporting families of victims of the flight PS752, sanctions, and the problem of fugitives are among the top major concerns of the Iranian Canadian community. 

ICC will reflect any and all answers received from the political parties with the Iranian Canadian community to be able to to make an informed decision in the upcoming election.

The English and French version of the questions already sent for the party leaders and some of their candidates in the ridings with the most populated Iranian Canadians are as follows: 

Questions on the Topics of Importance for Iranian-Canadians

Iranian Canadian community is an active part of the Canadian society that contributes to all sectors of social life, from the public sector, politics, administration, to the private sector, manufacturing, businesses, and academia. The Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) is the largest Iranian Canadian community organization with over 3000 active members.

Recently, the ICC has conducted a survey focusing on the concerns and expectations of its members. The survey shows that issues such as immigration, diplomatic relations, supporting families of victims of the flight PS752, sanctions, and the problem of fugitives are among the top major concerns of the Iranian Canadian community, which are presented to you in the form of questions subsequently on this letter.  Thus, on account of enabling the members of the Iranian Canadian community to make an informed decision in the upcoming election, we will be grateful if you please kindly rejoinder the following questions based on your party’s positions on these matters in full and utmost clarity.

Immigration

The community is concerned about the processing time of the Iranians’ immigration applications that appears to be significantly longer than that of the other nationalities; to the extent that it may appear to be a case of discrimination or double standard. Do you have any plans for investigating this issue and for taking appropriate measures to resolve it?

Diplomatic Relations

For such a long time, ordinary Iranian Canadians who have ties to their country of origin, including businesspersons, have been experiencing a great deal of distress and uneasiness due to the lack of diplomatic and economic relations with Iran. This is contrary to the experience of immigrants from other countries in Canada who have access to at least basic consular affairs. If elected:

• What is your policy regarding restoring the Canada-Iran relationship?
• Do you intend to open a bureau of consular affairs so that the Iranian Canadians would not be forced to receive their consular services from Iran’s interest section office in the United States?
• In disastrous situations such as the present pandemic, will you open up humanitarian avenues for aiding those in need in Iran?

Flight PS752

Regarding the shooting down of flight PS752:

• What are your plans for assuring the victims’ families that justice will be done according to international laws?
• Will you grant permanent residency to the families of the victims who were international students?

Sanctions

Considering the ongoing international efforts for reviving JCPOA to remove nuclear sanctions against Iran:

• How do you foresee Canada’s role and plan in establishing peace and stability in the Middle East? Is starting a functional relationship with Iran a part of it?
• The US unilateral sanctions have made it extremely difficult for Iranian Canadians to make essential financial transactions with Iran, such as sending money to their families or make humanitarian contributions. What actions will you take to remove the barriers on such transactions?

Fugitives

In the absence of diplomatic relations with Iran, Canada has become a safe haven for the Iranian embezzlers and defalcators, many of whom are under prosecution by Interpol. These individuals enter Canada with dirty money, and they face no hindrance for seeking their personal benefits in Canada with that money. What is your plan for tackling this issue?

 Questions sur les sujets d'importance pour les Irano- Canadiens

 La communauté Irano-Canadienne prend part activement à la société canadienne et contribue à toutes les sphères de la vie sociale, allant du secteur public, politique, administratif, au secteur privé, manufacturier, universitaire ou à celui des affaires. Le

Congrès Irano-Canadien (ICC) est la plus grande organisation communautaire Irano-Canadienne avec plus de 3000 membres actifs.

Récemment, l'ICC a mené une enquête portant sur les préoccupations et les attentes de ses membres. Le sondage montre que des questions telles que l'immigration, les relations diplomatiques, l'accompagnement des familles des victimes du vol PS752, les sanctions, et le problème des fugitifs sont parmi les principales préoccupations de la communauté Irano-Canadienne, qui vous sont présentées sous forme de questions ci-après. Ainsi, afin de permettre aux membres de la communauté Irano-Canadienne de prendre une décision éclairée lors des prochaines élections, nous vous serions reconnaissants de bien vouloir répondre en toute clarté aux questions suivantes sur la base des positions de votre parti en la matière.

Immigration

 La communauté est préoccupée par le délai de traitement des demandes d'immigration des Iraniens qui semble être nettement plus long que celui des autres nationalités ; dans la mesure où cela peut apparaître comme un cas de discrimination ou de double standard. Avez-vous l'intention d'enquêter sur ce problème et de prendre les mesures appropriées pour le résoudre? 

Relations diplomatiques 

Pendant si longtemps, les Iraniens Canadiens ordinaires qui ont des liens avec leur pays d'origine, y compris les hommes d'affaires, ont vécu beaucoup de détresse et de malaise en raison du manque de relations diplomatiques et économiques avec l'Iran. Ceci est contraire à l'expérience des immigrants d'autres pays au Canada qui ont accès au moins aux affaires consulaires de base. Si élu :

• Quelle est votre politique concernant le rétablissement des relations Canada-Iran?
• Avez-vous l'intention d'ouvrir un bureau des affaires consulaires afin que les Canadiens d'origine iranienne ne soient pas obligés de recevoir leurs services consulaires du bureau de la section des intérêts iraniens aux États-Unis?
• Dans des situations désastreuses telles que la pandémie actuelle, ouvrirez-vous des voies humanitaires pour aider ceux qui en ont besoin en Iran ?

Vol PS752 

Concernant l'abattage du vol PS752 :

• Quels sont vos plans pour assurer aux familles des victimes que justice sera rendue conformément aux lois internationales ?
• Accorderez-vous la résidence permanente aux familles des victimes qui étaient des étudiants internationaux ?

 Les sanctions 

Considérant les efforts internationaux en cours pour relancer le

PAGC (Plan d’action global commun) afin de lever les sanctions nucléaires contre l'Iran :

• Comment envisagez-vous le rôle et le plan du Canada dans l'établissement de la paix et de la stabilité au Moyen-Orient? La mise en place d'une relation fonctionnelle avec l'Iran en fait-elle partie ?
• Avec les sanctions unilatérales américaines, il est devenu extrêmement difficile pour les Canadiens d'origine iranienne d’effectuer des transactions financières essentielles avec l'Iran, comme envoyer de l'argent à leurs familles ou faire des contributions humanitaires. Quelles mesures prendrez-vous pour supprimer les obstacles à de telles transactions ?

Fugitifs 

En l'absence de relations diplomatiques avec l'Iran, le Canada est devenu un refuge pour les détourneurs de fonds et les fraudeurs Iraniens, dont plusieurs font l'objet de poursuites par Interpol. Ces personnes entrent au Canada avec de l'argent « sale » et elles n'ont aucun scrupule à chercher à le blanchir pour leur bénéfice personnel. Quel est votre plan pour résoudre ce problème ?

پاسخ مسلم نوری، رئیس کنگره ایرانیان کانادا به احمد تبریزی: کنگره را مقروض و سیاست‌زده تحویل گرفتیم؛ اما راه ما متفاوت است

Application of International Indigenous People Rights Discourses in Practice;
with Daniel Sarvestani, Indigenous Rights Advisor

https://youtu.be/rE62hkneatY

Indigenous rights: Practicing healing
; with Daniel Sarvestani, Indigenous Rights Advisor

https://youtu.be/56MNadnMqfQ

 Art Project 1400:
Building up Community Resilience

ICC health committee is launching the second phase of Art Project 1400. All passionate and committed artists are invited to submit their artworks exploring the theme of Art, Community and Resilience. Our goal is focused on how we may appeal to art for helping people building up resilience in the time of collective or individual crisis during this covid-19 outbreak. The exhibition will be an online event in which we look to promote Iranian as well as Iranian Canadian artists.

Submission guidelines

The submission should contain one image of the artwork that could be submitted electronically to our email here. We encourage artists to supplement their work along with a short written statement and/or a 1-minute video talking about their work or of the process of how they create it. The written statement should include a brief biography and an explanation about the artwork and preferably be around 150 words. The online exhibition will start on July 1^st and will be open until July 31st 2021. The works of 30 artists will be chosen for the exhibition and prizes will be given to the three selected works. The virtual exhibition will be shown on the ICC website, Facebook and Instagram, artists are encouraged to invite viewers to see their artistic works. 

Artists are welcome to submit their work using any medium: painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, photography, textile, installation, etc. The submission is not age or gender-specific.

Each submission should be titled in this format: “Name of the Piece; Full Name of Artist.” Works should be submitted as high-resolution JPEG images.

Deadline for submissions: May 15-June 15, 2021

Email for submissions: art.project@iccongress.ca

[i] CMHA/UBC study on the effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of vulnerable populations.

https://cmha.ca/documents/summary-of-findings

[ii] Zajonc, R.B. Feeling and Thinking: Preferences need no inferences. American Psychologist 35 (1980): 157-93.

[iii] Levenson, Robert W. Blood, Sweat, and Fears: The Autonomic Architecture of Emotion.

[iv] 4 Torre, Jared B. and Matthew D. Lieberman, Putting Feeling into Words: Affect Labeling as Implicit Emotion

Regulation,” Emotion Review 10.2 (2018): 116-124.

[v] Lindquist

[vi] University of California - Los Angeles. "Putting Feelings into Words Produces Therapeutic Effects in The Brain."

ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 22 June 2007. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070622090727.htm>.

[vii] Expressive Writing: Connections to Physical and Mental Health James W. Pennebaker and Cindy K. Chung The

Oxford Handbook of Health Psychology Edited by Howard S. Friedman

[viii] Torre, Jared B. and Matthew D. Lieberman, Putting Feeling into Words: Affect Labeling as Implicit Emotion

Regulation,” Emotion Review 10.2 (2018): 116-124.

[ix] Niles, A. N., Craske, M. G., Lieberman, M. D., & Hur, C. (2015). Affect labeling enhances exposure effectiveness for

public speaking anxiety. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 68, 27–36.

[x] 0 Herschfield, Hal E., Susanne Scheibe, Tamara L. Sims, and Laura L. Carstensen, “When Feeling Bad Can be Good:

Mixed Emotions Benefit Physical Health Across Adulthood,” Society for Personality and Social Psychology 4.1

(2013): 54-61.

[xi] Graham, S. M., Huang, J. Y., Clark, M. S., & Helgeson, V. S. (2008). The Positives of Negative Emotions:

Willingness to Express Negative Emotions Promotes Relationships. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin,

34(3), 394–406.

Behring Bayandor is an artist based in Canada.

Painting on leather.

1400 Art Project - Farzaneh Jalalypour

1400 Art Project - Fatemeh Sereshti

1400 Art Project - Zohreh Vahidifard

1400 Art Project - Fattaneh (Fatemeh) Alipoor Yousefi

1400 Art Project - Hengameh Farhadi

1400 Art Project - Mojgan Taheri (Jija)

1400 Art Project - Katayoun Shaybani

1400 Art Project - Mahsa Servatkhah

1400 Art Project - Mahtab Firouzabadi

1400 Art Project - Marjan Nemati

1400 Art Project - Maryam Kashi

1400 Art Project - Maryam Parvaresh

1400 Art Project - Maryam Salman

1400 Art Project - Masoumeh (Behnaz) Bayandor

1400 Art Project - Mehri Tavakolian

1400 Art Project - Mehrnaz Tanbakoosaz

1400 Art Project - Melina Badir

1400 Art Project - Melina Jahanian

1400 Art Project - Mitra Burton

1400 Art Project - Mitra Tabatabaee

1400 Art Project - Mobina Rezaei

1400 Art Project - Mohadese Shavandi

1400 Art Project - Mozhgan Alerbrahim

1400 Art Project - Nadereh Haki

1400 Art Project - Neda Farnia

1400 Art Project - Nayereh Badlazadeh

1400 Art Project - Niloufar Entekhabi

1400 Art Project - Neekta Torabian

1400 Art Project - Parinaz Gorgani

1400 Art Project - Samaneh Yarahmadi

1400 Art Project - Sara Abedi

1400 Art Project - Sarvi Parish

1400 Art Project - Seyedeh Masoumeh Nazlabadi

1400 Art Project - Shaghayegh Amaninia

1400 Art Project - Susam Mirfatah

1400 Art Project - Zahra (Melina) Rostami

1400 Art Project - Tayebe Joodaki

1400 Art Project - Zahra Abbasi

1400 Art Project - Aileen Bahmanipour

As a species, we human beings have dealt with our stresses, anxieties, fears, and griefs with arts. The drawings on cave walls dating back to the first signs of human existence on the planet earth show that the arts' healing power is part of our DNA.

 Tragedies plagued 2020 after disasters and death. Millions died, and millions lost loved ones. Several million jobs vanished. The whole world went into a lockdown and spent months in uncertainty. 

We are still not out of the woods. We have no idea what the post-pandemic world would look like. Who will survive, who will even manage to hold on to his/her job and what are our challenges. The struggle to cope with the most unprecedented crisis for our generation continues to linger on.

In these challenging times, we need to build our community and communal bonds. We need to break our isolation. We need to heal and deal with our ongoing complexities. And remain hopeful, energized, and inspired.

The Art project attempts to reach out to what can bring us together, strengthen our communal bonds, and help us deal with the everyday hardship that has fallen upon us. Art heals us![1]

It has kickstarted with a focus on women since data shows that the burden of community psychological and physical health disproportionately falls on women[2]. Global data also shows that women typically are overrepresented among those with less access to economic resources and, as a result, have suffered disproportionately. [3]. Not to mention the fact that quarantine has led to a rise in domestic violence[4].

 For these reasons, and to help commemorate International Women’s Day  on March 8, we have decided to launch this effort. Join us in this effort for community resilience building and support Art Project 1400.

[1] https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/sporting-moments/201905/art-healing-expression

[2] https://theconversation.com/the-covid-19-pandemic-exacerbates-the-pressures-faced-by-women-caregivers-143576

[3] https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20201021-why-this-recession-disproportionately-affects-women

[4] https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20201021-why-this-recession-disproportionately-affects-women