Announcing the Winner of the 2025 Nowruz Banner Competition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, February 10, 2025
Farhang Foundation Announces Winner Of The 2025 Nowruz Banner Design Competition.
Los Angeles, CA – February 10, 2025 – Farhang Foundation is thrilled to announce that Rashid Rahnama, a talented graphic artist from Melbourne, Australia, has been selected as the winner of the 2025 Nowruz Banner Design Competition. Rahnama’s captivating design was chosen for its vibrant representation of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, and will be prominently displayed across Los Angeles in celebration of this significant cultural event.
This year’s competition, celebrating Farhang Foundation’s 15th Annual Nowruz Celebration, invited artists worldwide to submit original designs that encapsulate the essence of Nowruz and Iranian culture. Rahnama’s winning artwork will be showcased on over 600 street banners throughout major boulevards and streets of Los Angeles during February and March 2025, leading up to the Nowruz festivities on March 9 at UCLA’s Dickson Court and Royce Hall. In addition to this honor, Rahnama will receive a $2,000 cash prize.
“I am deeply honored and thrilled to have my design selected for this year’s Farhang Nowruz campaign,” said Rahnama. “The inspiration for this artwork draws from the rich cultural heritage of Iran, which I sought to encapsulate through a blend of historical symbolism and natural painting elements. By incorporating a winged lion-griffin from the Achaemenid period—an element also found in the Farhang Foundation logo—and adorning it with flowers and nightingales from Iranian paintings, I aimed to create a piece that symbolizes renewal, beauty, and the celebration of life, which are core themes of Nowruz. It is my hope that this design brings joy and inspiration to everyone as we celebrate Nowruz together.”
Hormoz Ameri, Trustee of Farhang Foundation and Chair of the Nowruz Committee, also praised the selection, stating, “We are delighted to feature Rashid Rahnama’s exceptional design as the visual centerpiece of our 2025 Nowruz celebrations. His artwork beautifully captures the spirit of renewal and cultural richness that Nowruz represents.”
Adding to this, Alireza Ardekani, Executive Director of Farhang Foundation, commended the artist’s vision and creativity: “Rashid Rahnama’s winning design is a stunning and meaningful tribute to the heritage and beauty of Nowruz. His ability to merge historic Iranian symbolism with artistic elegance has resulted in a banner that will undoubtedly resonate with our community and all who see it throughout Los Angeles. We are incredibly proud to present his work as centerpiece of our 2025 Nowruz celebrations."
Rahnama’s design will also be featured across Farhang Foundation’s digital platforms, social media, public relations, and print campaigns, further highlighting his contribution to promoting Iranian art and culture.
Farhang Foundation’s Annual Nowruz Banner Design Competition has been a cherished tradition since its inception in 2011, engaging artists globally to share their interpretations of Nowruz. The foundation remains committed to celebrating and promoting the richness of Iranian art and culture for the betterment of society as a whole.
For more information about Farhang Foundation and upcoming Nowruz events, please visit Farhang.org.
About Rashid Rahnama
Rashid Rahnama, born in Isfahan in 1984, is a Melbourne-based Graphic Designer and Art Director with over 15 years of experience. Holding a Bachelor’s in Industrial Design and a Master’s in Graphic Design, he has consistently pushed creative boundaries in advertising and visual communication. His work has been recognized globally, earning prestigious awards such as Gold Stellars at the PosterStellars International Poster Competition (USA, 2024), First Prize at the YES! WE WANT JAZZ competition (Poland, 2021), and Silver Stellars (USA, 2022). He has showcased his designs in major exhibitions and competitions worldwide, including France, Russia, China, South Korea, Mexico, Indonesia, Australia, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Poland, and Iraq.
Rashid believes design is a powerful tool for communication and inspiration. His work is both visually striking and thought-provoking, reflecting contemporary trends. Committed to artistic exploration, he continues to shape global design discourse through his innovative approach and international presence. For more information visit Rashid Rahnama's website or follow him on Instagram
About Farhang Foundation
Farhang Foundation is a member supported nonpolitical, nonreligious, and not-for-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting the richness of Iranian art and culture for the betterment of society as a whole. With a singular mission at its core, the Foundation strives to preserve, nurture, and share the diverse heritage of Iran with the global community. Through steadfast commitment, the Foundation supports a wide array of academic, artistic, and cultural programs and initiatives, fostering collaborative partnerships with esteemed universities, renowned museums, and the vibrant world of performing arts. These partnerships enable the Foundation to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the multifaceted aspects of Iranian culture and promote cross-cultural dialogue.
Media Contact:
Tannaz Guivi
Phone: 310-666-1546
Email: press@farhang.org
