Seattle-Isfahan Sister City Advocacy

Call for Artists — Deadline Extended ✨
We’re excited to share that the submission deadline for We Are Zoorkhaneh (WAZ) has been extended to May 5th.

This exhibition invites artists to explore Zoorkhaneh not only as a traditional practice, but as a living, evolving cultural space—reflecting themes of identity, community, strength, and transformation.

If you’ve been considering submitting, this is your moment.
🔗 Submit your work: https://forms.gle/sY4qRLWzW7fV6dqg9

📍 View the announcement: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWwrn7DD6oN/?igsh=Y3R1OWRmcTZrbnNq

We would love to see your interpretation and be part of this meaningful collection.

A First-Ever Zoorkhaneh Experience in Washington State | University of Washington
Led by a Female Instructor from Toronto .fitance

✨برای اولین بار در سیاتل:
تمرین زورخانه با حضور مربی زن ایرانی، تلفیقی از سنت، قدرت و فرهنگ.✨

An exclusive, first-time-ever opportunity to discover **Zoorkhaneh**—an ancient Iranian practice of strength, rhythm, and spirit.

This is more than a workshop—it’s a rare chance to experience a **living cultural tradition** where movement, poetry, and community come together.

🗓 May 14, 2026
⏰ 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Recommended arrival: 3:45 PM)

📍 Alder Commons
1315 NE Campus Pkwy, Seattle, WA 98105
Main Entrance: NE 40th St

🎟 Free Admission
🍽 Food & beverages provided
👥 Open to all fitness levels

🧭 What to Expect

• Intercultural dialogue
• Gender equity
• Community & belonging

📲 Sign up via QR code on the flyer
🌐 [www.wearezoorkhaneh.org](http://www.wearezoorkhaneh.org)

🤝 Partner:
Seattle Isfahan Sister City Advocacy

🌍 SponSISCAortLab
Graduate & Professional Student Senate (GPSS)
Campus Sustainability Fund (CSF)
Amnesty International – UW
SmArt Ventures

🎨 Supporter:
Ancient Art

A moment of culture, strength, and connection—
not to be missed.

Grateful to have been part of such a meaningful gathering.

On April 18, SISCA proudly participated in “Nowruz in King County Washington: Cultural Continuity, Identity Reconstruction, and Community Belonging” at the Seattle Art Museum, hosted by Porsesh Policy Research Institute.

This multidisciplinary event brought together research, storytelling, and cultural expression in a powerful way. From the release of original research on the evolving role of Nowruz in our communities, to a curated video showcase capturing lived experiences, the program created space for both reflection and connection.

We were especially honored to have Cathia Geller represent SISCA on the panel, contributing to a thoughtful dialogue alongside fellow researchers and community leaders on identity, belonging, and cultural continuity.

The live dance performance added a beautiful dimension of celebration, and the afternoon concluded with a warm and engaging networking reception—reminding us that community is not only studied, but lived and nurtured together.

Thank you to everyone who joined, contributed, and helped shape this inspiring experience.

SISCA will participate in a free, multidisciplinary event to be held at the Seattle Art Museum on April 18, 2026, from 12 to 3 pm. Nowruz in King County Washington: Cultural Continuity, Identity Reconstruction, and Community Belonging is hosted by the Porsesh Policy Research Institute The program will feature the release of original research findings that offer insights into the role and evolution of Nowruz within local communities. This will be followed by a curated video showcase highlighting lived experiences and cultural narratives, and a panel conversation with researchers and community leaders to reflect on key themes and implications. Cathia Geller, SISCA Board President, will represent SISCA on the panel.

    This free event will also include a live dance performance celebrating cultural traditions and will conclude with a networking reception that will provide space for connection, dialogue, and collaboration. This gathering aims to create a meaningful platform where research and cultural expression come together to inform, engage, and inspire!

Step into a tradition where strength meets poetry, and movement carries meaning.

We invite artists to explore Zoorkhaneh—an ancient Iranian practice rooted in courage, humility, and community—reimagined today as a space for dialogue, inclusion, and transformation.

🎨 Submit your work and be part of this powerful cultural conversation.

🗓 Deadline: April 30, 2026
📍 University of Washington

🤝 In collaboration with:
Seattle Isfahan Sister City Advocacy , Amnesty International – UW , and SmArt Ventures

📩 For questions:
[email protected]
Subject: Zoorkhaneh Call for Art

Scan the QR code to apply.

Sizdahbedar — a day of nature, renewal, and letting go of darkness 🌿

But this year, our hearts are heavier.

As we tie our sabzeh and release it to the water, we carry with us the hopes of millions—hopes for freedom, dignity, and a future without fear.

Today, we don’t just celebrate nature…
We stand in solidarity.

For the voices that cannot be heard.
For the lives that have been taken too soon.
For a future that must be different.

✨ May this Sizdahbedar carry away pain
✨ May it bring strength to those who resist
✨ May it mark a step closer to a Free Iran

سیزده‌بدر مبارک
In hope. In unity. In remembrance.

On behalf of the Seattle–Isfahan Sister City Advocacy (SISCA), we extend our heartfelt wishes to all Iranians, both inside Iran and across the world, celebrating Nowruz in their own meaningful ways.

Rooted in over 3,000 years of tradition, Nowruz reminds us of the enduring triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair. Even in the most difficult of times, it teaches us that no winter lasts forever, and that spring — bringing renewal, resilience, and new possibilities — will always return.

May this new year bring peace, joy, and prosperity to all, and may its spirit inspire unity and hope for all humanity.

Nowruz Pirouz! 🌸✨

از طرف انجمن غیرانتفاعی سیسکا (شهرهای خواهر سیاتل–اصفهان)،
صمیمانه‌ترین شادباش‌های خود را به همه ایرانیان، در داخل و خارج از کشور، که نوروز را هر یک به شیوه‌ای معنادار و دلنشین گرامی می‌دارند، تقدیم می‌کنیم.

نوروز، با پیشینه‌ای بیش از سه هزار سال، نمادی از پیروزی همیشگی روشنایی بر تاریکی، نیکی بر بدی و امید بر ناامیدی است. حتی در دشوارترین روزها، این آیین کهن به ما یادآوری می‌کند که هیچ زمستانی ماندگار نیست و بهار، با نو شدن، پایداری و نویدهای تازه، همواره از راه می‌رسد.

امید که سال نو برای همگان سرشار از صلح، شادی و شکوفایی باشد و روح نوروز الهام‌بخش همبستگی، مهر و امید برای تمامی بشریت گردد.

نوروز پیروز 🌿🤍🕊️