Expansion into Fine Arts
While traditional crafts were the program’s foundation, the inclusion of painting and sculpture marked a significant innovation. This expansion reflected a modernist impulse in Iranian cultural policy:
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Painting Classes: These combined instruction in Persian miniature techniques with Western-style oil and watercolor painting. The curriculum included perspective, anatomy, and composition—skills rarely emphasized in traditional miniature art.
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Sculpture Classes: Sculpture, largely absent from Iranian visual culture for centuries due to religious restrictions, was reintroduced. Students learned clay modeling, stone carving, and bronze casting, producing both figurative and decorative works.
By embracing these fine arts disciplines, the project signaled Iran’s willingness to engage with global art trends while retaining a distinct national character.
Artist Support
In addition to teaching, the program provided:
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Stipends for talented but financially struggling artists.
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Workshops equipped with modern tools alongside traditional equipment.
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Material subsidies for expensive resources like pigments, metals, and fine textiles.
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Commissions for public and private buildings, ensuring a steady flow of income to artisans.