Farhang.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 29, 2023

 

Announcing The 2023

Farhang Heritage Award Honoree

Lily Amir-Arjomand

 

 

LOS ANGELES – August 29, 2023 – Farhang Foundation is proud to announce that Ms. Lily Amir-Arjomand, the visionary founder of Iran’s Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults (Kānoon-e Parvaresh-e Fekri-e Koodakān va Nojavānān), has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 Farhang Heritage Award. This esteemed accolade recognizes individuals who have devoted their careers to preserving Iranian culture and history, advancing Iranian studies, and enriching society through their extraordinary artistic contributions.

Lily Amir-Arjomand accompanied by students participating in the journalism prize at Kānoon, 1974.

Kānoon was one of the many cultural initiatives under the purview of Empress Farah Pahlavi during the cultural revolution of Iran. Founded in 1965 as the brainchild of Ms. Amir-Arjomand, the innovative institute she established demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the cultural heritage of Iran, consistently enriching the lives of countless individuals through its remarkable efforts. As the founder of Kānoon, Ms. Amir-Arjomand pioneered a cultural institution that quickly became a beacon of artistic expression, education, and community engagement. Under her guidance, the institute blossomed into a groundbreaking hub of creativity, nurturing many artists, writers, and filmmakers, including Abbas Kiarostami, Mohammad Reza Aslani, Farshid Mesghali, Noureddin Zarrinkelk, Parviz Kalantari, Amir Naderi, Ahmadreza Ahmadi, Morteza Momayez and Ali Akbar Sadeghi to name a few.

Empress Farah Pahlavi and Lily Amir-Arjomand at the grand opening of the 20th Kānoon Public Library, circa 1974.

Kānoon’s focus on book publishing and illustration paved the way for exploring diverse artistic realms. The journey from book illustrations led seamlessly into animation, which evolved into productions. Kānoon's innate versatility soon led to producing an eclectic range of products – from intricately designed toys to staging theatrical productions, from music recordings featuring Iranian and Western classical music to poetry recordings.

Yet, Kānoon's impact extended beyond the realm of art and entertainment. The institute organized festivals and conferences that not only celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Iran but also facilitated intellectual exchange on a global scale. These materials, along with other creative works, embarked on journeys with innovative traveling libraries and theaters, transcending geographical boundaries to bring the essence of Iranian culture to all remote regions of Iran.

One of Kānoon's innovative mobile libraries distributing books to students in the Lorestan Province of Iran.

The nurturing environment within Kānoon's walls provided unprecedented freedom and support for the artists it housed. This atmosphere gave birth to a unique cohort of artists, designers, and illustrators who dared to experiment across various mediums. Animation and filmmaking were embraced alongside traditional art forms, and this amalgamation of talents turned Kānoon into a veritable incubator of artistic expression. This platform arrived at a pivotal juncture in Iran's modernization, shaping the nation's visual culture and its transition into the modern era.

The hallmark of Kānoon's creative endeavors was the seamless incorporation of folk elements into their work. This signature style transcended mere visual aesthetics, permeating the essence of the stories told in books, films, and music. Traditional folk songs were imbued with a modern flair, while ancient folk tales found new life through striking graphic illustrations. This juxtaposition of elements created a unique fusion that resonated deeply with audiences, and this distinctive approach became synonymous with Kānoon's identity.

The impact of Kānoon's output during this transformative era cannot be overstated. These works shaped the collective memory of childhood in Iran for an entire generation. The books that were read, the music that was heard, and the cultural experiences that were had – all were woven into the fabric of Iranian identity, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to resonate today.

The renowned international film magazine SIGHT & SOUND recently named Ms. Amir-Arjomand as one of the 100 hidden Heroes of Cinema, namely for being one of the key architects of the New Iranian Cinema, and according to film historian Ehsan Khoshbakht, “she had one thing that no one else in Iran has possessed before or since: trust in the filmmaker.”

"Ms. Amir-Arjomand's vision and tireless commitment to Iranian culture have left an indelible mark on our global heritage," said Dr. Hooshang Pak, Farhang Trustee and Chair of the Farhang Heritage Awards Committee. "Her exceptional leadership of Kānoon has promoted artistic excellence and ignited a passion for our shared heritage among Iranians worldwide."

“As Farhang Foundation honors Ms. Amir-Arjomand with this year’s Heritage Award, it celebrates not only an individual's remarkable achievements but also the enduring legacy of the Kānoon Institute,” said Alireza Ardekani, Executive Director of Farhang Foundation. “Her legacy has forever altered the artistic landscape of Iran and continues to inspire generations.”

Past recipients of the Farhang Foundation Heritage Award include Shirin Neshat, Bahram Beyzaie, Dr. Abbas Milani, Simin Behbahani, Dr. Richard Nelson Frye, Najmieh Batmanglij, and Dr. Ehsan Yarshater.

The Farhang Heritage Award ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 4, as part of the 12th Annual Farhang Foundation Fundraising Gala at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, where Ms. Amir-Arjomand will be officially presented with the Award in recognition of her profound impact on Iranian culture. Tickets to this year's award ceremony will go on sale on Thursday August 31 via Farhang.org.

 

ABOUT FARHANG FOUNDATION

Farhang Foundation is a member-supported nonreligious, nonpolitical and nonprofit foundation established in 2008 to celebrate and promote Iranian art and culture for the benefit of the community-at-large. The foundation supports a broad range of academic and cultural activities by funding university programs, diverse cultural programs such as the celebrations of Nowruz, and Shab-e Yalda as well as musical performances, film screenings and festivals.

 

For media inquiries contact:
Tannaz Guivi | press@farhang.org / 310-666-1546