Bisheh Project: A Home for Artists, Art Professionals, and Those Who Connect Them

One evening, exhaustion and loneliness overwhelmed us. After years of striving to build our artistic practice in a new country, we felt invisible. No one seemed to see us—our work, our efforts, our presence. That night, we made a decision: if the world didn’t offer us a space, we would create one.

For the past seven years, We have faced countless challenges as immigrant artists navigating the U.S. art world. Back in Iran, we were not only artists but also facilitators of creative exchange. Through Rybon Art Center and Kooshk Artist Residency, we worked to uplift young Iranian artists, creating platforms for them to connect with the global art scene. When we moved to the U.S., we believed that returning to school—Tooraj at SVA and me at City College of New York—would help us integrate and rebuild. We embraced the unknown, investing in ourselves because we believed in our vision.

Yet, despite our efforts, the feeling of isolation persisted. The art world here was different, and we saw so many artists—immigrants, emerging talents, those outside the mainstream—struggling to find their place, just as we were. But it wasn’t just artists. Curators, writers, gallerists, collectors, and all those who connect and support the arts also faced challenges in accessing diverse voices, fostering meaningful relationships, and creating sustainable careers. That night, I realized something important: we were not alone in this experience. And if I could create something that helped us, it could help others too.

That’s how the Bisheh Project was born.

At its core, the Bisheh Project is about connection, collaboration, and belonging. It is a platform for artists, art professionals, and those who bridge the two—a project where ideas are exchanged, opportunities are created, and relationships are built. Whether you are an artist searching for visibility, a curator seeking fresh perspectives, a collector looking for meaningful connections, or someone passionate about shaping the future of art, Bisheh Project is for you.

The Bisheh Project is more than just an initiative—it is a movement toward visibility, accessibility, and empowerment in the arts. It is a reminder that no one should have to navigate this journey alone.

And this is just the beginning.

Why “Bisheh”?

In Persian, Bisheh means thicket—a wild, uncultivated place rich with trees and undergrowth. In classical literature, it is far more than a patch of wilderness. Bisheh is the domain of lions, mystics, and seekers. It is where the brave confront the unknown, where solitude reveals truth, and where the boundaries between the visible and invisible begin to blur. Untamed and symbolic, Bisheh stands beyond order—a place of silence, spirit, and transformation.