LOS ANGELES, CA, February 23, 2009- Farhang Foundation, a recently established non-profit organization focused on celebrating Iranian art and culture in Southern California, today announced a Nowruz (Persian New Year) Celebration at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) on March 14 and 15, 2009. 

"We are grateful to LACMA for acknowledging the importance of Iranian culture in Southern California by participating in this Nowruz celebration," said Touraj Daryaee, President of Farhang Foundation. "We are hopeful that Angelenos of all ethnic backgrounds will join us in celebrating the arrival of spring while getting a taste of Iranian culture and hospitality at Nowruz, the most joyous Iranian celebration."

The two-day event is free to the public and will feature a classical Iranian dance recital by the Djanbazian Dance Company on March 14 in the Bing Theater and a talk on the significance and symbolism of the Nowruz tradition by Professor Amin Banani, UCLA, followed by a musical performance by Namad Ensemble on March 15, taking place in the LA Times Central Courtyard.  The March 14 event requires tickets, which are available at LACMA, based on availability. In addition, the weekend programs will highlight Iranian cultural traditions, including a Nowruz "Haftseen" table.

As part of LACMA's Andell Family Sundays on March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 12:30-3:30 p.m. the museum offers In Celebration of the Persian New Year: Focus on Arts of Iran. Highlighting LACMA's collection of Persian art, young visitors will be dazzled by colors, patterns, and calligraphy while words and images will come together as they design their own illuminated calligraphy inspired by the poetry of Rumi. Gallery Teachers will provide interactive tours of the Art of the Middle East galleries: Ancient and Islamic. Other family activities include story-telling from the great epic poem the Shahnama, which tells of the kings and heroes of ancient Iran.

"Iran has an extremely rich and diverse cultural heritage," said LACMA's Michael Govan, CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director, "one that is well-represented by our extensive collections of Persian art, both ancient and Islamic. It is our pleasure to join with Farhang Foundation in celebrating Nowruz and in sharing the traditions of this festive holiday with all of the communities that we serve."

A full calendar of the Farhang Foundation Nowruz Celebration at LACMA will be available at www.farhang.org.