Despite some serious obstacles, Iranian contemporary art has received growing recognition outside of the country in the last couple of years. The outside world has started to recognize that Iran has a very vivid art scene and that Iranian art deserves a better reputation than the one it has. 

This is an encouraging development, but there is much more to see. The contemporary cultural scene in Iran is much more diverse and deeper than is mostly known outside. More artists deserve attention. More artwork awaits discovery. 

ARSEH tries to support Iranian artists with contacts, organisational and financial support to present their work abroad. 

Maybe even more important to us is that this is not a one way street. Very rarely, art from abroad can be enjoyed inside Iran. Tehran, Isfahan or Shiraz are almost shunned by the international art scene. Outside artists are missing the opportunity to meet a very interested and quiet knowledgeable audience.

The essence of any art should be the exchange of ideas. Therefore, ARSEH is focusing on bringing foreign artists to Iran. We help with contacts, space, translations, financing and other necessary support. 

ARSEH is a private initiative. We are happy about private as well as governmental support, but we operate independently from any business or political interest. 

Martin Ebbing / Amirali Ghasemi