Iranian and Kazakh art academies expand relations

TEHRAN,Nov. 24(MNA) -- The Iranian Academy of Arts (IAA) and the Zhurgenov Kazakh National Academy of Arts have expanded their cultural relations by dispatching artists to both countries. Following the agreement signed between the two academies last year, they both agreed to hold joint cultural programs. Iranian Rasul Danapur, an expert on inlaid works will be traveling to Kazakhstan next week, while Kazakh artist Bulat Tur Gunbai will be coming to Iran this week to hold a workshop on contemporary art of Asia, an IAA official Abdorrahim Firuzzadeh said. A variety of programs has been arranged for the artist including lectures, sessions with Iranian artists and visiting different art and cultural locations across the capital, he said. Moreover, IAA will be hosting a session reviewing art of Kazakhstan and Central Asia on Friday. Firuzzadeh also added that Iranian Academy of Arts has arranged several programs in Kazakhstan in 2012 including a workshop on Iranian art of calligraphy as well as holding an exhibition of paintings by young Iranian artists. “The art of calligraphy is an original Persian art form inspired by Islamic thoughts and Kazakh artists are interested in this art. This compels us to decide to introduce more of this art form,” he added.