The press conference for the 5th International Festival of Creativity and Innovation in Islamic Arts and Crafts (ARSICA) was held at Tabriz Islamic Art University, attended by the festival’s scientific and executive secretaries, members of the media, and local journalists.
Organized by Tabriz Islamic Art University in cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), the festival will take place from October 19 to 23, 2025 in Tabriz, Iran. The session aimed to present the festival’s details and answer journalists’ questions.
🎙 Dr. Karim Mirzaei, the festival’s Scientific Secretary, highlighted the festival’s distinguished background, noting:
“ARSICA has played a major role in showcasing the artistic potential of Tabriz and Iran to the world, even contributing to Tabriz being named the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2018.”
He added that over 160 academic papers were submitted to the festival’s secretariat, from which 30 selected papers will be presented at the congress.
Furthermore, 12 international guests from Turkey, Tunisia, Switzerland, Latvia, and Bosnia will participate in both the academic and exhibition sections.
Dr. Mirzaei also emphasized the historical significance of Tabriz in the fields of miniature and calligraphy:
“The Tabriz school of painting and calligraphy, dating back to the Ilkhanid era, has greatly influenced Ottoman, Caucasian, Indian, and Anatolian art — a legacy that must continue to be celebrated.”
He also outlined the festival’s artistic programs, including a National Calligraphy Exhibition featuring leading masters and members of the Calligraphers Association, as well as exhibitions of miniature, illumination, and floral painting by distinguished artists and selected university students.
🌍 Dr. Kazem Pour-Alvar, Head of the International Relations and Protocol Committee, stressed the festival’s global importance:
“Events like ARSICA place Tabriz on the international map and foster opportunities for artistic and academic cooperation with Islamic and global institutions. Such festivals strengthen Iran’s cultural diplomacy and promote Islamic art worldwide.”
🏛 Dr. Ehned Nezhad-Ebrahimi, Executive Secretary of the Festival, remarked that:
“In today’s sensitive political and economic climate, scientific diplomacy is one of the university’s key missions — and this festival is a clear example of that vision in action.”
He also mentioned that the festival will include guided tours of Tabriz’s historical monuments for both domestic and international guests.
🎨 Younes Nasiri, Head of the East Azerbaijan Calligraphers Association, announced the display of selected Iranian calligraphy works at the international ARSICA exhibition in Turkey and a special workshop for youth and association members.
🎭 Majidpour, Deputy Director of the Tabriz Municipality’s Department of Culture and Arts, emphasized the significance of reviving the festival after a six-year hiatus, noting:
“Tabriz needs the joint participation of all cultural sectors to present its artistic identity on the global stage.”
At the end of the press conference, the official poster of the 5th ARSICA International Festival was unveiled.
📍 Public Relations & International Affairs Office
Tabriz Islamic Art University