Celebrating iranian-americans’ rich cultural heritage
Twin cities Iranian Culture Festival
The Twin Cities Iranian Culture Collective joins Iranians worldwide and the global community in mourning the lives lost during the recent protests in Iran. We unequivocally condemn the killing of Iranians who were exercising their fundamental right to peaceful expression. These acts of lethal violence, carried out by the regime in Iran, are unjust, unacceptable, and a grave violation of human dignity.
As an organization dedicated to the celebration and preservation of Iranian culture and heritage, we believe that mourning must be grounded in truth. Iranian culture is deeply rooted in conscience, justice, compassion, and respect for the sanctity of human life. The violent suppression of peaceful voices stands in direct opposition to these enduring values and dishonors the moral legacy of our ancient civilization.
We affirm a clear and essential distinction between the people of Iran and those who rule them. The actions of the regime do not represent the values, dignity, or aspirations of the Iranian people, nor the spirit reflected in Iran’s history, literature, and collective memory. The courage and sacrifices of Iranian youth embody a long-standing cultural resistance to oppression and an unwavering commitment to human dignity.
Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones. We stand in solidarity with all who seek safety, dignity, and the freedom to be heard without fear. We remain committed to fostering a community that honors truth, shared humanity, and the hope for a future where peace and justice prevail for all Iranians.
Upcoming Events
In solidarity with this time of mourning and in honor of the lives lost, our Norooz programs and celebrations will not be held this year. Instead of music and festivity, we enter the new spring with mindful silence, united hearts, and remembrance — holding hope for a season yet to come, when freedom, peace, and justice may fully blossom for the people of Iran.
There are no upcoming events at this time
Featured Twin Cities Iranian Artists and Performers
- Stories from “Iran Through Stories” – A Community Storytelling Evening
On April 6, 2025, we gathered at St. Paul for Iran Through Stories, an evening filled with heartfelt memories, reflections, and experiences from the Iranian community. Through personal stories told in both Farsi and English, we celebrated the richness of Iranian culture and life and the connections between generations, both in Iran and across Minnesota.We… Read more: Stories from “Iran Through Stories” – A Community Storytelling Evening - Emel Sherzad’s Paintings Bring Peace and Amplify Iranian CultureMEET THE ARTIST: Emel Sherzad is a Persian artist and musician now living in Minnesota. While art has been a part of his family for generations, Sherzad has developed his own path in art as a painter. Sherzad’s pieces are constructed from layers of paint and ideas, with the final product something that is unrecognizable from his first brush… Read more: Emel Sherzad’s Paintings Bring Peace and Amplify Iranian Culture
- Nicky Torkzadeh’s Abstract Art Uplifts Nature’s Beauty and Makes a StatementNicky Torkzadeh is an artist based in North Minneapolis, originally from Iran. As a kid, art was Torkzadeh’s primary interest and as she got older, she enrolled in art classes in Iran. In the U.S., she majored in architecture but later realized she didn’t want to pursue that art form. Instead, she worked in graphic… Read more: Nicky Torkzadeh’s Abstract Art Uplifts Nature’s Beauty and Makes a Statement
- Dan Rein: Playing Iranian Instruments as an American MusicianDan Rein is an American musician who plays traditional Iranian instruments. He has studied classical Iranian music for over 25 years and plays music on a variety of Iranian instruments, including the setar and dutar. He also plays the dubanj, an instrument he created which is a cross between an Iranian dutar and a banjo,… Read more: Dan Rein: Playing Iranian Instruments as an American Musician
- Roya Nazari: Creating Powerful Art About Women’s Rights in America and IranRoya Nazari is a local artist, originally from Iran, and a student in the Masters of Fine Arts program at the University of Minnesota. Her art is often meant to ignite conversation about social issues like mental health, the environment, and women’s rights. She shared that the Women Life Freedom movement in Iran inspires some of… Read more: Roya Nazari: Creating Powerful Art About Women’s Rights in America and Iran
Who We Are
The Twin Cities Iranian Culture Collective is a non-religious, non-political, non-partisan 501c3 tax-exempt organization. All are welcome.
What We Do
We organize concerts, festivals and other events that are open to the entire Twin Cities community. Check our events calendar.
Get involved!
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The 2023 Twin Cities Iranian Culture Collective programs are made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.