The non-governmental Art University Patrons Foundation has been established.
According to the Public Relations Office, the inaugural meeting of the Art University Patrons Foundation of Iran, a non-governmental organization, was held on the evening of Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the Pardis Bagh-e Melli Gallery, with the participation of the university president, members of the board of directors, philanthropists, and several government and cultural officials.
Dr. Alireza Taheri, Dean of the Faculty of Theoretical Sciences and Advanced Art Studies and founder of the Art University Patrons Foundation of Iran, stated that the foundation has begun its work with the aim of “supporting student welfare, developing educational spaces, and encouraging the participation of benefactors in the field of culture and art.”
At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Seyed Behsheed Hosseini, President of the Art University of Iran, welcomed the guests and described the university as “a shared home for artists and thinkers.” He emphasized:
“The Art University carries a national mission—one that cannot be fully realized without the cooperation of benefactors, philanthropists, and cultural institutions. Today, our talented youth need structural support more than ever to bring their creative ideas to life.”
Dr. Seyed Ahmad Khezri, Director General of the Ministerial Office and Public Relations at the Ministry of Science, highlighted the significance of charitable giving to higher education, saying:
“Endowment and financial support for higher education are examples of continuous charity—everlasting deeds. Those who dedicate their resources to the development of universities and the higher education system are, in fact, securing the country’s future, and their names will remain eternal in history.”
He went on to refer to historical examples of philanthropy in education:
“Khwaja Nizam al-Mulk’s name is immortal not for his vizierate, but for founding the first network of schools (the Nizamiyyas). Amir Kabir is remembered through Dar al-Fonun, and Khwaja Rashid al-Din Fazlollah Hamadani—despite losing his life and family due to political conflicts and attempts to erase his name from history—remains known for establishing Rabe‘ Rashidi, the first university town in Tabriz.”
Khezri also cited more recent examples, such as the founding of Kerman University by the late engineer Afzalipour and his wife, Mrs. Fakhereh Savab, adding:
“You have chosen the right path. Whatever you sow on this path will bring eternal life to your spirit, thought, and name. May you always be honored, and may your legacy endure in this land.”
Dr. Fatemeh Mohajerani, the government spokesperson, expressed her delight at attending the event and said:
“The Art University deserves special attention because its mission is to cultivate art and social capital—something our society deeply needs today. One of the most meaningful forms of charity is contributing to education and academia, as it leads to the nurturing of capable and creative individuals.”
Remembering her late father, who was a faculty member at the university, she added:
“This place holds special meaning for me. In a society that, despite its rich culture, faces excessive violence, the need for gentleness and art is greater than ever. This university can, through its art and creativity, help spread peace and sensitivity across society.”
Hojjatoleslam Abdolhossein Khosropanah, Secretary of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, also addressed the gathering, saying:
“The Art University is not merely a place for artistic training. Art is not mere amusement—it shapes lifestyles. Even fields such as art therapy and rehabilitative arts have become crucial today, and the university must play a role in these areas.”
He commended the contributions of NGOs and philanthropists to university development and announced that the Supreme Council has prepared a national “Charitable Endowment Charter,” soon to be ratified.
Khosropanah also praised Dr. Hosseini, the university president, for his wisdom and dedication, adding that the council stands ready to support the university and its benefactors.
Dr. Seyed Zia Hashemi, Deputy for Cultural and Social Affairs to the First Vice President, highlighted the strategic role of universities in soft power and cultural defense, stating:
“This university is one of the strongholds of the soft war against adversaries. Though soft wars may seem less visible than hard wars, they are more complex, prolonged, and challenging. Professors, managers, and benefactors here act as front-line cultural defenders.”
He praised Dr. Hosseini’s leadership, calling him “an insightful, art-savvy, and respected figure among artists and scholars who truly understands committed art.”
Dr. Mohsen Valiey, Deputy Minister for Social Participation at the Ministry of Interior, also addressed the gathering, saying:
“There are nearly 220,000 civic organizations, volunteer groups, and religious associations in Iran, all serving society selflessly. Their collective efforts strengthen social cohesion, civic engagement, and ultimately, national solidarity.”
Engineer Habibollah Bourbour, President of the National Association of Benefactors, concluded the meeting by expressing gratitude to the university leadership and Dr. Taheri for their efforts in establishing the foundation. He explained the administrative process for forming the foundation’s governing bodies and invited interested participants to join as founding and trustee members.
“Charitable work is not new—it is a deep-rooted tradition embedded in human nature. Given the importance of art and the Leader’s emphasis on its value, establishing this foundation is both necessary and a moral duty.”
At the end of the meeting, several participants volunteered to join the foundation’s founding board—marking the official establishment of the Art University Patrons Foundation of Iran on the evening of September 21, 2025.
