Celebrated contemporary Iranian artists from both their home nation and the worldwide Iranian Diaspora have donated artworks to go on sale as part of Magic of Persia’s Magical Nights silent and live auctions.

Artists include the winner of the 2008 Abraaj Capital Art Prize, Nazgol Ansarinia; the collector and artist, Fereydoun Ave; and world famous Shirin Neshat and Y. Z. Kami, among many others.Works by the artists participating in either the silent or live auctions will be on show for two weeks prior to the closing date, giving buyers the opportunity to view the works before bidding.

Buyers interested in the works on sale as part of the silent auction will be able to bid online throughout the two-week exhibition whereas artists who are contributing to the live auction will see their works acquired by bidders on the gala night of Saturday 6th November.

The live auction will be conducted by world-renowned auctioneers Christie’s, with all proceeds going towards funding the many projects set up by the Magic of Persia charity. These include scholarships, educational workshops and bursaries for young, aspiring Iranians within the creative fields of film and visual arts.

Click here to view the awesome pieces being auctioned in the 2010 catalogue.

Tickets:

White Night Musical Event, Royal Mirage Htl, Dubai, 5th Nov – $200 pp

Charity Art Auction & Gala Dinner, Abu Dhabi, 6th November – $350 pp

To book both nights – $500 pp

Click here to view and download the Invitation, Booking Form & Absentee Bid Form.

Magic of Persia (MOP) is a non-profit, non-political charity registered in the UK, which works with leading institutions of the world to enable a deeper appreciation for the art, culture and history of Iran. Since 2004, MOP has been dedicated to promoting the positive aspects and contributions that Iranians have made and continue to make both inside and outside of Iran. The charity’s many scholarships, workshops and residencies enable young Iranians to benefit from experiences that enrich both them and the culture to which they return. MOP is passionate and committed to supporting the new generation of emerging Iranian artists and provides them with the necessary platforms to reach new audiences. Magic of Persia is at the forefront of pioneering efforts to identify Iranian art as an essential form of international communication. Global in impact, MOP believes that this cross-culturalexchange is both necessary and vital to fostering a dialogue of hope and progress for future generations.

Examples of projects initiated by Magic of Persia include educational workshops at the British Museum (their latest event that celebrated the Persian New Year received over 40,000 visitors), the Magic of Persia Contemporary Art Prize MOP CAP (where the winner is awarded a solo show at the Saatchi Gallery), the Delfina Foundation art residencies for young Iranian artists (whose studios are Britain’s largest artist residency space and remain unparalleled for its record of more than a dozen Turner Prize nominees), the MOP filmmaking Scholarship at the London Film School (where opportunities are given to young Iranians interested in directing or producing films ranging from whimsical fiction to hard-hitting documentaries), and finally the David Elghanayan/ Magic of Persia Bursary for an outstanding Iranian student to be educated at St Paul’s school (one of the leading academic schools in the United Kingdom).