Online platform connects hundreds of emerging Iranian artists with collectors abroad

An online platform called Continuum was launched on August 13, connecting over 200 Iranian artists with buyers worldwide. The non-profit, founded by Canada-based curators Dario Duran and Mariam Rasti, aims to provide financial relief to artists whose livelihoods have been affected by war and economic sanctions. The platform features around 700 works by emerging or underrepresented Iranian artists, with 100% of proceeds going straight to the artists.

The idea for Continuum emerged during the war that started on February 28, when joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran led to retaliatory attacks, causing over 3.2 million people to temporarily displace within the country. The founders, who had moved to Iran from Canada, witnessed artists selling their materials just to survive. Duran shared his concerns with galleries, friends, and colleagues, receiving an emotional response that motivated him to create the platform.

Iranian artists face significant challenges in gaining international exposure due to shipping and payment issues, as well as visa restrictions. Continuum aims to overcome these barriers by offering direct sales to buyers abroad. The project was built with a curatorial process that excludes commission, ensuring artists receive maximum benefit. While not every applicant is accepted, the initiative has received widespread support from global partners.

Continuum is more than just a sales platform; it's a piece of cultural diplomacy that seeks to maintain connection and visibility for artists in remote areas. For participating artists, such as the Bam-based couple Mina Darijani and Ali Akbar Sharifi, the platform represents an opportunity to connect their work with a broader audience and provide a path for their creative pursuits.