Norooz 1389: Persian New Year at The British Museum

The arts have always proved to be an effective way of engaging with young people, and the creativity that lies at the heart of these events helps to generate enthusiasm for both ancient and modern Persian culture. The event is free and open to families of all nationalities and religions. As well as helping children to identify with Iranian culture, the workshops also aim to alleviate stereotypes, which can be formed all too easily as a result of the current political climate, and finally to provide a platform for the burgeoning Persian art scene.

Magic of Persia is a non-profit, non-political charity whose principal objective is to educate young people about the unique and significant contribution of Persian culture to society. The charity was founded by Shirley Elghanian, an Iranian woman living in London, who realised that her children had very limited knowledge about Persian culture and tradition. Conscious of the fact that heritage is a fundamental part of a person’s identity; Shirley sought a means of enhancing young people’s cultural awareness.

To celebrate the 2010 Persian New, The British Museum has joined forces with the charity Magic of Persia for a weekend of workshops and activities aimed at re-educating children about the rich and diverse cultural traditions and heritage of Iran. On the weekend of the 20th and 21st of March, events including games, arts and crafts, performances of Iranian music and dance will be organised for families and young people. The arts have always proved to be an effective way of engaging with young people, and the creativity that lies at the heart of these events helps to generate enthusiasm for both ancient and modern Persian culture. The event is free and open to families of all nationalities and religions.

As well as helping children to identify with Iranian culture, the workshops also aim to alleviate stereotypes, which can be formed all too easily as a result of the current political climate, and finally to provide a platform for the burgeoning Persian art scene. Magic of Persia is a non-profit, non-political charity whose principal objective is to educate young people about the unique and significant contribution of Persian culture to society.

The charity was founded by Shirley Elghanian, an Iranian woman living in London, who realised that her children had very limited knowledge about Persian culture and tradition. Conscious of the fact that heritage is a fundamental part of a person’s identity; Shirley sought a means of enhancing young people’s cultural awareness.