The 18th Fajr Visual Arts Festival opened in Shushtar, near the UNESCO-listed Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System. The festival focuses on water through art. Its theme is “My Land / Iran, the Embodiment of Water.” Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Abbas Salehi, Deputy Minister Mehdi Shafiei, and Director General Aydin Mehdizadeh attended the opening. Additionally, they honored a veteran local artist. They also signed an agreement to expand cultural activities in Khuzestan province.
The “My Land” program started on February 9. It will run all year. Through workshops across Iran, it teaches people about water management using art. Moreover, the Ministry of Energy and the Iran Water Resources Management Company organize the program. Saeedeh Arian, secretary of the program, said all 31 provinces take part in over 170 events. For example, each province runs five workshops, exhibitions, and other programs about water culture. So far, 13 provinces, including Ardabil, Kerman, Kermanshah, and Lorestan, have started activities.
The program revives traditional rain-seeking doll rituals. In addition, events take place in urban and rural areas. Historic sites like Shafiabad Castle, the Gohar Riz Qanat, and the Tomb of Saadi host programs. The festival highlights creativity among rural women, teenagers, and students. Furthermore, it encourages installations and performance art. The main exhibition, “Baba Ab Dad” (Father Gave Water), will open in Tehran at the Imam Ali Religious Arts Museum. Meanwhile, the closing ceremony will take place on March 3 at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art. During the event, organizers will review the year’s activities. They will also announce next year’s programs.
The Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System dates back to the Achaemenid era. It developed further during the Sassanid period. The system uses dams, canals, tunnels, and watermills to manage the Karun River. As a result, it supported agriculture and industry. In 2009, the site joined UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Overall, the 18th Fajr Visual Arts Festival emphasizes water, community, and creative art. Thus, it shows how art can connect heritage, society, and environmental responsibility.