California State Capitol Celebrates Iranian Culture

In collaboration with the office of California State Senator Blakeslee, Senses Magazine/Senses Cultural, an organization dedicated to creating a more peaceful environment by fostering understanding through sharing arts and ideas across the globe, is hosting a series of Iranian cultural events in Sacramento, CA this June. The purpose of this month long project is to promote a greater understanding of Iranians and Iranian-Americans, by using art and dialogue to promote humanity and an understanding of the Persian culture.

Outside of Iran, the largest number of Iranians reside in the United States, and many of those individuals call California home. California State Senator Blakeslee will graciously host a series of Iranian cultural events this June, in what will hopefully become a yearly festival of Iranian culture.

The month of festivities will feature an exhibition of works by Iranian artists on the first floor of the capital between June 17th and June 23rd, 2012. The exhibit will focus on interpretations of the meaning of peace and human rights for artists in the Iranian-American community. The exhibition looks to break through stereotypes of Iranians as “extremists” or a nation of “mullahs”, established by the depictions of Iranians contained in the popular press and political cartoons. By focusing on the importance of these universal values to the multifaceted Iranian diaspora and the hundreds of thousands of Americans with Iranian heritage, the exhibit intends to educate and share the richness and diversity of the Persian culture with all Californians.

Additionally, a Persian cultural celebration, complete with music, art, and food is planned to take place on the steps of the Capitol building and in Capitol Park. Americans are unfortunately often limited in their exposure to Persian culture, and this event looks to extend an invitation to the Sacramento community at large to experience first hand the wonders of the Persian kitchen, the sweetness of traditional Persian music, and introduce them to the prominence of art in Persian culture.

Finally, the month of Iranian-American festivities will be brought to a close by a forum to be held in the State Capitol Building. Members of the Legislature, their staff, and officials in the Governor’s Administration will be invited to take part in a discussion with respected experts to discuss the significance of the Iranian culture.

All are welcome to attend these exciting cultural events, and those interested in contributing to this unique celebration of Iranian- American culture are encouraged to make donations to the Exhibition. The name of individual donors and corporations who donate enough to cover the cost of at least one panel to be displayed during the Exhibition will be honored for their tax deductible contribution with a mention in the State Senate’s display. (Note - the panels are approximately $500 - $700 each)

Never before has an event of this scale and duration honored this culture. With the success of this series of cultural festivities, it is the hope of Senses Magazine/Senses Cultural, Inc that this precedent will initiate efforts in other states to continue to promote the culture and heritage of Iranian Americans.

National Iranian American Council (NIAC)