I’m incredibly honored and humbled to share that I’ve been selected as a 2024 TED Fellow! This is an exciting moment, not just for me, but for everyone involved in the Flying Carpet Festival and the community that has come together around our shared vision. The TED Fellows program celebrates a diverse group of thinkers, artists, and innovators from around the world, each committed to tackling some of society’s biggest challenges in meaningful ways. Being part of this community is truly inspiring, and it energizes me to continue my work with renewed passion:
As an Iranian American composer, I’ve always believed in the transformative power of art, especially when it’s made accessible to the most vulnerable. My journey with the Flying Carpet Festival has been driven by a desire to decentralize and decolonize the arts. I’ve seen firsthand how beauty, music, and creative expression can be life-changing, particularly for young people affected by trauma and displacement. In Turkey, the festival has become a bridge for Syrian refugee youth, offering them a stage to share their skills and passions, and helping to break down social and cultural barriers that often divide us.
The Flying Carpet Festival has brought Circus Heroes to the forefront, celebrating their dedication and talent as artists and integrating them into the local community. Watching these young artists perform and shine reminds me of the importance of our mission, and I feel grateful to play a part in creating spaces where art can heal and inspire unity. In a world often defined by division, I believe that creativity and connection are the keys to fostering understanding.
Becoming a TED Fellow means that this story, our story, will have the chance to reach new audiences worldwide. Through TED, I hope to amplify the festival’s impact and invite others to join us in exploring how art can be a powerful tool for social cohesion and healing. I’m looking forward to sharing more in my TED Talk, which will soon be published on TED.com, where I’ll delve into the journey of the Flying Carpet Festival and how we can continue creating spaces where beauty and hope thrive, even amidst adversity.
This recognition is a testament to the collective spirit of everyone involved in the festival, and I can’t wait to see where this new chapter leads. Thank you to TED for this incredible honor, and to each of you who believe in the power of art to change lives. The journey continues!
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