Iran Heritage Foundation: Preserving Persian Cultural Legacy
The Iran Heritage Foundation (IHF) is a dedicated organization committed to the promotion and protection of Iran's vast cultural legacy. Spanning ancient, medieval, and modern eras, the foundation works to ensure that the artistic and historical achievements of Iran are recognized and preserved for future generations through global academic and artistic initiatives.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1990 in the United Kingdom.
- Legal Status: Registered charity since 1991 (No. 1001785).
- Funding: Solely supported by individuals, corporations, and fundraising; no government or lobbying funds are accepted.
- Governance: Managed by a body of trustees, an advisory board, and grant-giving committees.
- Global Reach: Operates in the UK and internationally, including a parallel organization in the US.
Organizational Structure and Funding
Established in the UK, the IHF operates as an independent charity. To maintain its autonomy and integrity, the foundation adheres to a strict funding policy: it does not accept financial support from any government organizations or lobbying groups. Instead, its operations are sustained through the generosity of individual contributors, corporate donations, and various fundraising events.
The leadership structure ensures professional oversight, with a board of trustees guiding the foundation's mission, supported by specialized grant-giving committees and an advisory board.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Mission and Core Activities
The primary goal of the Iran Heritage Foundation is to protect and promote Iranian cultural heritage using the most effective methods available. The foundation achieves this through a diverse range of activities designed to bridge the gap between academic research and public appreciation.
Academic and Artistic Support
The IHF provides critical financial support to the scholarly community and the arts through:
- Grants: Funding for academic research and contemporary arts projects.
- Fellowships and Internships: Supporting scholars and students at prestigious museums and universities.
- Events: Organizing monthly gatherings at Asia House in London.
Public Engagement and Exhibitions
Beyond academia, the foundation sponsors seminars, conferences, and exhibitions to bring Iranian history and art to a wider audience, both within the United Kingdom and across the globe.
IHF America and International Impact
In 2010, the foundation expanded its reach by establishing IHF America, an independent parallel organization based in New York state. This entity has been instrumental in bringing Iranian heritage to the United States.
Notable achievements of IHF America include supporting a curatorial post at the Freer Gallery of Art (formerly the Freer Sackler gallery) in Washington DC. Additionally, the organization played a major role in 2013 by facilitating the British Museum's tour of the Cyrus Cylinder exhibition, which visited five different museum venues across the United States.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1990 (UK) |
| Charity Number | 1001785 |
| Current Co-Chairs | Ali Rashidian and Alireza Rastegar (since 2017) |
| US Branch | IHF America (est. 2010) |
| Key US Project | Cyrus Cylinder exhibition tour (2013) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Iran Heritage Foundation funded?
The foundation is funded through contributions from individuals and corporations, as well as fundraising events. It explicitly does not accept money from lobbying groups or government organizations.
What is the role of IHF America?
IHF America is an independent parallel organization established in 2010 in New York. It focuses on promoting Iranian heritage in the US, including supporting curatorial roles and major museum exhibitions.
Who leads the Iran Heritage Foundation?
Since 2017, the foundation has been led by Co-Chairs Ali Rashidian and Alireza Rastegar.
What types of projects does the IHF support?
The IHF provides grants for contemporary arts and academic projects, sponsors fellowships and internships at universities and museums, and organizes seminars and exhibitions.
Where does the IHF hold its monthly events?
The foundation organizes monthly events at Asia House located in London.