Commemorate the arrival of spring and the Persian New Year, Nowruz, with an engaging family event at the library!
Local author Anna Jafarpour will do a special reading, and share stories, hands-on crafts, and activities that bring the traditions of this ancient holiday to life.
This event is best suited to school-aged children ages 5-11 years old. All families are welcome!
Nowruz is the Persian New Year celebrating spring's arrival, welcoming brighter days ahead and nature's renewal.
At the Fremont Branch, students will learn about Nowruz festivities and the science behind the vernal equinox, followed by an interactive art workshop session creating designs for cards inspired by springtime symbols, envelopes and stamps provided! No experience needed, art supplies & materials provided.
An evening of poetry and music for witnessing, remembrance, and shared humanify in multiple languages with English translations
Bring a poem that resonates and share.
PEYVAND YOUTH ART WORKSHOP: A CREATIVE SPACE FOR THE YOUTH 12-17
SPONSORED BY KING COUNTY BEST STARTS FOR KIDS
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
RSVS AT https://tinyurl.com/2dumk52j
Gaza Is Our Home is a profoundly personal documentary that peels back the layers of devastation within the Gaza Strip.
What began as an auto-generated slideshow on Monear's iPhone of his own trip to see his family in 2021, has since transformed into a feature-length documentary. Through a tapestry of intimate interviews, unfiltered personal footage, and raw storytelling, "Gaza Is Our Home" transcends political rhetoric and confronts audiences with the agonizing reality and ongoing cruelty thrust upon the film-makers own family. It is more than just a documentary... Rather, Gaza Is Our Home stands as a testament to the humanity behind the over 33,362 innocent lives massacred since Oct 2023... As the crisis in Gaza reaches unbearable levels, the film emerges as an unflinching portrayal of the human cost of conflict, laying bare the raw emotions, shattered dreams, and incomprehensible strength of those trapped within its suffocating embrace. Viewers witness the brilliant smiles and faces of innocence, abruptly contrasted with horrific losses, and stories untold. From childhood recollections to the present-day struggles of his family, the documentary navigates the tumultuous currents of Gaza's ongoing tragedy with an unyielding commitment to truth. Each frame representing a defiant declaration of the right to exist, to be seen, and to be heard in a world that has long ignored their cries. —Monear Shaer
Gaza Is Our Home is a profoundly personal documentary that peels back the layers of devastation within the Gaza Strip.
What began as an auto-generated slideshow on Monear's iPhone of his own trip to see his family in 2021, has since transformed into a feature-length documentary. Through a tapestry of intimate interviews, unfiltered personal footage, and raw storytelling, "Gaza Is Our Home" transcends political rhetoric and confronts audiences with the agonizing reality and ongoing cruelty thrust upon the film-makers own family. It is more than just a documentary... Rather, Gaza Is Our Home stands as a testament to the humanity behind the over 33,362 innocent lives massacred since Oct 2023... As the crisis in Gaza reaches unbearable levels, the film emerges as an unflinching portrayal of the human cost of conflict, laying bare the raw emotions, shattered dreams, and incomprehensible strength of those trapped within its suffocating embrace. Viewers witness the brilliant smiles and faces of innocence, abruptly contrasted with horrific losses, and stories untold. From childhood recollections to the present-day struggles of his family, the documentary navigates the tumultuous currents of Gaza's ongoing tragedy with an unyielding commitment to truth. Each frame representing a defiant declaration of the right to exist, to be seen, and to be heard in a world that has long ignored their cries. —Monear Shaer
Join Seattle Public Library & Peyvand Non-Profit Organization for a youth art workshop focused on creating self-portraits and handmade paper booklets known as “zines” with collage art materials to brainstorm ideas for the new year.
Art supplies & materials provided * No experience required
PEYVAND YOUTH ART WORKSHOP: A CREATIVE SPACE FOR THE YOUTH 12-17
SPONSORED BY KING COUNTY BEST STARTS FOR KIDS
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
RSVS AT https://tinyurl.com/2dumk52j
Join Peyvand NPO & Seattle Public Library on Dec 22, 4–6 PM for a creative celebration of Shab-e Yalda — the Persian winter solstice festival marking the victory of light over darkness.
Youth ages 12–17 will explore the science of the winter solstice, learn about Persian poetry & folklore, and create festive art inspired by Yalda’s symbolic fruits and the night sky.
🎨 All art supplies provided.
📍 High Point Library
🔗 RSVP required — scan the QR code in the flyer!
Winner of Best Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Actor
at the Children’s Film Festival of Iran
Two boys, two distant shores—each searching for what was lost. Sea Boys is a tender story of loss, hope, and unexpected connection.
PEYVAND YOUTH ART WORKSHOP: A CREATIVE SPACE FOR THE YOUTH 12-17
SPONSORED BY KING COUNTY BEST STARTS FOR KIDS
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
RSVS AT https://tinyurl.com/2dumk52j
This talk examines how Iranian musicians have turned to intercultural collaborations—since the aftermath of the 1979 Revolution and into the present—as a way to connect with the wider world. Through examples from Iran and its diaspora, it explores whether these encounters reflect modernization, inclusiveness, or both, and considers the line between cultural exoticism and genuine artistic exchange.
Hesam Abedini is an Iranian–American composer, performer, improviser, and educator whose work explores intercultural dialogue between classical Persian music, jazz, Western contemporary traditions, and computer music. A founding member of the Sibarg Ensemble, he is recognized for a polystylistic approach that integrates diverse musical languages through improvisation and new composition. His works have been performed by ensembles including the JACK Quartet, Del Sol Quartet, Eclipse Quartet, Hypercube, and loadbang.
Celebrate Persian Arts & Culture – Sept 20 at Seattle Center!
Join us at the Armory for a festive day of music, dance, visual art, and delicious Persian food. Meet local artists, shop handmade treasures, and sip tea as you enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Iran.
This summer, Peyvand is proud to offer a unique opportunity for children to move, create, and connect through dance.
The Peyvand Summer Dance Camp is a week-long program designed for children ages 7–12, blending ballet, modern, and Persian dance in a nurturing and inclusive environment. Led by acclaimed dancer and choreographer Soraya Arjomand, students will engage in daily movement sessions and prepare for a celebratory performance at the end of the week.
Peyvand NPO in collaboration with the Bellevue High School MENA Club proudly present an evening of classical Persian music with the renowned NAMĀD Ensemble, featuring distinguished vocalist Mahbobe Golzari.
This special performance brings together four master artists whose musical dialogue bridges centuries of tradition with contemporary sensibility. The ensemble includes:
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience! Join Namad Ensemble's master musicians for an unforgettable, hands-on musical gathering. Sing along with beloved Persian songs, learn the secrets of classical Persian music, and experience the pure joy of making music together. This event is informal, interactive, and open to everyone. Don’t miss it!
Event in Persian. Registration Required.
Come see The Crowd at the 2025 Seattle International Film Festival.
"A sweet tribute to those leaving and those who have left." —Michael McKinney, The Stranger
Since the rise of recent social movements in Iran, there has been a new wave of filmmaking characterized by films that openly challenge the rules of state censorship. Such is The Crowd, a first feature from director Sahand Kabiri, who drew on his own experience to create this vibrant portrait of a younger generation who are determined to live life on their own terms.
Come see The Crowd at the 2025 Seattle International Film Festival.
"A sweet tribute to those leaving and those who have left." —Michael McKinney, The Stranger
Since the rise of recent social movements in Iran, there has been a new wave of filmmaking characterized by films that openly challenge the rules of state censorship. Such is The Crowd, a first feature from director Sahand Kabiri, who drew on his own experience to create this vibrant portrait of a younger generation who are determined to live life on their own terms.
Join us for a joyous Nowruz celebration as we welcome the Persian New Year with community, culture, and the electrifying rhythms of Siriya Ensemble—bringing the vibrant and soulful music of Southern Iran to Seattle!
Brought to you by Early Music Seattle and proudly sponsored by Peyvand Nonprofit and SISCA.
A Youth Empowerment Event
Nowruz, an ancient celebration of nature’s rebirth, the first day of Spring. It is a time of renewal, joy, and community! 🌿
We invite you and your youth to celebrate with us through the cherished tradition of egg painting, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings. Let your creativity shine as we decorate colorful eggs together, embracing the spirit of spring!
This is a free, youth event. Whether you're familiar with Nowruz or discovering it for the first time, we welcome you to join us in this vibrant celebration of culture, art, and togetherness.
Join us for a storytelling session at the Lynnwood Library
We will share the story of Nowruz, an ancient secular holiday celebrating the first day of Spring by 300 million people across the globe.
We will have children art and culture activities following the storytelling session.
Nowruz, an ancient celebration of nature’s rebirth, the first day of Spring. It is a time of renewal, joy, and community! 🌿
We invite you and your youth to celebrate with us through the cherished tradition of egg painting, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings. Let your creativity shine as we decorate colorful eggs together, embracing the spirit of spring!
This is a free, youth event. Whether you're familiar with Nowruz or discovering it for the first time, we welcome you to join us in this vibrant celebration of culture, art, and togetherness.
You are invited to join us for Nowruz in Olympia as we celebrate the New Year.
We are gathering at the Capitol Building in Olympia to advocate for the recognition of our collective identities.
We will enjoy traditional food and refreshments alongside a display of the traditional haft seen table, performances of dance by Soraya Arjomand and Parmida Ziaei , and an exhibition of visual art by Peyvand Artists and other local community artists. Come dressed in your cultural attire to proudly showcase your heritage, and enjoy Hanif Zarrabi-Kashani dressed as Baba Nowruz.
Nowruz, an ancient celebration of nature’s rebirth, the first day of Spring. It is a time of renewal, joy, and community! 🌿
We invite you to celebrate with us through the cherished tradition of egg painting, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings. Let your creativity shine as we decorate colorful eggs together, embracing the spirit of spring!
This is a free, adult only event. Whether you're familiar with Nowruz or discovering it for the first time, we welcome you to join us in this vibrant celebration of culture, art, and togetherness.
Speak Up! Take Action! Create Change!
NAAPR (New American Alliance For Policy & Research), in collaboration with Peyvand nonprofit, Kabul Washington Bridge and a coalition of other community-based organizations, will convene the New Americans Legislative Education and Advocacy Day at the Washington State Capitol on Thursday, February 27, 2025. We hope you'll be able to join us to advocate with and on behalf of our refugees and other displaced people.
Our goal is to increase refugees’ visibility, contributions and challenges.
Know Your Place is a slice-of-life drama set in present-day Seattle. Robel Haile (15, Eritrean-American) and his best friend Fahmi Tadesse (15, Ethiopian-American) embark on a journey to drop off a suitcase with medicine and cash to a friend traveling back to Eritrea because of a family member’s sudden illness. An unexpected turn transmutes Robel’s simple errand into an odyssey across the rapidly gentrifying city, navigating directions to make his delivery on time, along with the challenges of familial responsibility, self-identification, and dislocation amid the ongoing redevelopment and displacement of the only community he’s ever known as home.
In “The Dawn is Too Far: Stories of Iranian-American Life” we share the powerful narratives of individuals from the Bay Area Iranian diaspora community, who contribute to and creatively respond to their history, and indeed add to the richness of this region.
At a time when immigrants, primarily from black and brown communities--from Mexico, to the Caribbean, and the Middle East-- have been vilified and stereotyped as criminals, drug-runners and terrorists, it is especially important to hear the real story of immigrants.
Q & A with the director following the show.
In “The Dawn is Too Far: Stories of Iranian-American Life” we share the powerful narratives of individuals from the Bay Area Iranian diaspora community, who contribute to and creatively respond to their history, and indeed add to the richness of this region.
At a time when immigrants, primarily from black and brown communities--from Mexico, to the Caribbean, and the Middle East-- have been vilified and stereotyped as criminals, drug-runners and terrorists, it is especially important to hear the real story of immigrants.
Q & A with the director following the show.
This documentary is about the life of “Habibeh”, a self-taught painter who, according to her, has created 4000 works with her special tools and techniques during seven years. For “Habibeh”, art is a medium to endure the imposed and unwanted sufferings of her life. Habibeh’s works had not been widely displayed until the making of this film.
There will be a discussion session following the film.
