Head of ICRO outlined cultural diplomacy goals during the 'Last Bell' exhibition in Najaf

The Head of the Islamic Organization for Culture and Relations (ICRO), Hojjat ol-Islam Mohammad Mehdi Imanipur, visited the art and photography exhibition 'The Last Bell' in Najaf, Iraq. This exhibition is dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Shajara Tayyib school in Minab.

The exhibition was organized through the joint efforts of the Sarir Association, the Islamic Organization for Culture and Relations, and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts. It utilizes calligraphy, photography, and artistic narratives to reflect on the human aspects of the tragedy at the Shajara Tayyib school, according to the ILNA agency.

On February 28, the Shajara Tayyib primary school in Minab, Hormozgan province, became the site of a catastrophic massacre during the initial waves of aggression launched by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran. The attack occurred while students, children aged 7 to 12, were beginning their morning lessons. A precise missile strike led to the collapse of the school building, burying students and teachers under the rubble. Official reports confirmed that the total number of fatalities was 168, and at least 95 sustained serious injuries, marking one of the most horrific atrocities in the early days of the conflict.

During his visit to the exhibition, commenting on the strategic support provided by ICRO to artists, Imanipur stated that the development of cultural diplomacy for the Islamic Republic of Iran is impossible without relying on the potential of authentic Iranian-Islamic art. He noted that the organization has developed several programs to present and support artists on the international stage using a strategic approach.

He announced plans to establish a calligraphy association within ICRO. According to him, the formation of this association will serve as a basis for identifying, organizing, and sending renowned Iranian calligraphers and artists to various countries to conduct master classes, specialized meetings, and cultural events so that authentic Iranian-Islamic art can be better represented on the world stage.

The Head of ICRO also named the creation of an authority center for Islamic scripts and Quranic calligraphy as another major program of the organization. He emphasized that establishing this body will facilitate broad interaction with calligraphers, Quran writers, and artists from across the region and the Islamic world, leading to synergy in cultural and artistic capabilities in this field.

Referring to new mechanisms designed to enhance the professional status of artists, he reported that the organization has developed new structures allowing qualified and capable artists to receive the necessary support to effectively participate in international events and showcase Iranian cultural and artistic achievements abroad.

Imanipur defined the support for the production of thoughts, ideas, and cultural works as a fundamental mission of ICRO. He stated that holding exhibitions such as 'The Last Bell' is a prime example of using the power of art to convey human concepts, generate ideas, and strengthen cultural dialogue between nations, and this path will be pursued seriously.

Concluding his speech, the head of ICRO emphasized the comprehensive support for traditional and Islamic arts by the organization. He stressed that the Islamic Organization for Culture and Relations will firmly support artists and activists in the field of traditional and Islamic arts, viewing the development of cultural diplomacy based on these civilizational capacities as one of its strategic priorities.