The 9th International Fajr Festival of Handicrafts (Sarv-e Simin) 20 th -24 th February 2025 Tehran Iran
The 9th International Fajr Festival of Handicrafts (Sarv-e Simin) held under the theme “Cultural
Diversity and Convergence” is a prestigious global event showcasing the finest creations in
handicrafts and traditional arts. This festival provides a unique platform for a competitive display of
the most outstanding and valuable works crafted by master artisans and renowned designers.
Designed with an international scope the festival highlights exceptional creativity and innovation in
design technique and the use of high-quality materials. By presenting these remarkable pieces as
exemplary works the festival serves as both a fair and inspiring competition and a model for fostering
artistic excellence on a global scale.
The 9th International Fajr Festival of Handicrafts (Sarv-e Simin) 20 th -24 th February 2025 Tehran, Iran Introduction The 9th International Fajr Festival of Handicrafts (Sarv-e Simin), held under the theme “Cultural Diversity and Convergence,” is a prestigious global event showcasing the finest creations in handicrafts and traditional arts. This festival provides a unique platform for a competitive display of the most outstanding and valuable works crafted by master artisans and renowned designers. Designed with an international scope, the festival highlights exceptional creativity and innovation in design, technique, and the use of high-quality materials. By presenting these remarkable pieces as exemplary works, the festival serves as both a fair and inspiring competition and a model for fostering artistic excellence on a global scale. Main Section of the Festival: Fine Handicrafts: This section is dedicated to showcasing exceptional works of fine (classic) handicrafts, evaluated by a panel of expert judges based on criteria such as quality, craftsmanship, aesthetic appeal, and cultural significance. International participants are invited to submit their works that meet the highest standards of excellence and originality. To participate in this section, artisans must register on the festival’s official website and upload high quality images along with detailed information about their submissions. This ensures fair evaluation and provides an opportunity for their work to be recognized on an international platform. Judging Process The evaluation of submissions for the 9th International Fajr Festival of Handicrafts (Sarv-e Simin) follows three stages listed below: • Initial Selection: Submitted works are reviewed based on the images uploaded. The selection panel evaluates the entries and shortlists a number of works for the next stage, where the original pieces must be submitted. Shortlisting at this stage does not guarantee being accepted for the exhibition. • Physical Review: The received works are compared to their submitted images to ensure consistency and quality. Qualified works are displayed in the festival exhibition. • Final Judging: The works will be evaluated and scored based on listed criteria. Twenty nominees are selected for the last evaluation, and the final winners will be announced at closing event. Criteria To determine the best submissions, the panel evaluates works based on the following criteria: 1. Technical and Artisanal Quality 2. Innovation, Creativity, and Design 3. High-Quality and Sustainable Materials 4. Message and Artistic Narrative 5. Impact on Audience 6. Authenticity and Preservation of Traditions 7. Multicultural and International Collaboration International Awards: The 9th Sarv-e Simin International Festival offers two exclusive awards for international participants: 1. International Award: o Prize: €700 in cash (1 artisan) o Recognition: Sarv-e Simin Trophy 2. Honorable Mention for International Participants: o Prize: €400 in cash (1 artisan) o Recognition: Certificate of Merit Submission Guidelines for Artwork Photographs Submitted photographs of artworks for the 9th Sarv-e Simin International Festival of Handicrafts must adhere to the following instructions, designed to ensure clear, high-quality images suitable for evaluation by the jury: Photo Quality and Resolution • Submitted photographs must be of high resolution with a minimum of 300 DPI, ensuring all details of the artwork are clearly visible. • Files must be in JPEG format with a file size between 1 MB and 2 MB. • The dimensions of the photographs should range between 1000 to 2000 pixels in width or height. Angles and Composition • Participants must provide at least one main image of the artwork, showcasing its entirety. • Additional close-up photographs (maximum 4 images) of specific details, highlighting intricate techniques or unique features, are encouraged to help judges better understand the craftsmanship. Background and Lighting • Photographs must be taken against a simple, pattern-free background (preferably white or gray) to keep the focus on the artwork. • Lighting should be natural or professional, avoiding harsh shadows or direct light that could obscure details. The aim is to capture images that closely resemble the actual appearance of the artwork. File Naming and Submission • All photographs must be uploaded through the festival’s official registration form on the website. • Each file should be named with the artisan’s name for easy identification. Additional Notes Detailed photography guidelines, including text and video instructions, will be available on the festival’s website to assist participants in preparing their submissions.