Candlestar support the work of Magic of Persia (MOP), a non-profit, non-political charity registered in the UK and the USA, dedicated to educating young people on the value and unique contribution of Persian culture to society. MOP achieves its mission through the development and promotion of arts, education and communication programmes, in partnership with world-class institutions. Candlestar works with Magic of Persia in many capacities, ranging from assisting with the PR of events to consulting on projects.

Auctions: Magical Nights in Dubai

Candlestar are delighted to support Magical Nights in Dubai, auctions of artworks by major contemporary Iranian artists including Farhad Moshiri, Y.Z.Kami, Shirin Neshat and Parviz Tanavoli. Funds raised support Magic of Persia's Arts and Education programmes, including the sponsorship of educational workshops and free family days in leading global museums.

The first edition of the auction, in 2007, raised $1.2 million for charity. Highlights included, the sale of Farhad Moshiri's Swarovski crystal adorned painting 'Only Love' (Faghat Eshgh) for $300,000 and Y.Z.Kami's 'Endless Prayers' for $80,000. The auction formed the centre piece of the four day fund-raising event, Magical Nights in Dubai, organised by Magic of Persia 21-24 November 2007.  Humanitarian grants were awarded to The Future Centre for Special Needs, Abu Dhabi and Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs, Dubai. Works by children from Al Noor Training Centre and The Future Centre were also auctioned during the event raising a combined total of $23,000.  

Following the success of the 2007 edition, MOP held its next Contemporary Iranian Art Auction on 11 April 2009 in Dubai, in which 50 pieces of the most renowned Iranian contemporary artists were put under the hammer. The event raised $555,500 for charity. The auction proceeds will also contribute to the sustainability of Magic of Persia Contemporary Art Prize, the first prize launched by Magic of Persia to globally recognise the talent of emerging Iranian artists, administered by Candlestar. The funds raised will provide several bursaries for Iranian artists to study at leading UK arts institutions.

Jussi Pylkkanen, President of Christie’s Middle East and Europe, and the auctioneer for the event sold all 50 lots.  Highlights of the evening included Parviz Tanavoli's 'Standing Heech III' sculpture, which sold for $22,000, and work by Shirin Neshat and Y.Z. Kami.  Alongside these renowned names a number of artworks by upcoming artists were also auctioned, including Shadi Ghadirian’s photographs from the White Square Series, which fetched $8,500 and Ramin Haerizadeh’s 'Today’s Women (30)' which made $12,000, both of whom were recently featured in the 'Unveiled' exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery.

Family Programmes

The first Magic of Persia Family Day was held in 2005 at the British Museum, attracting 15,000 people. The 2006 Family Weekend, held at the Victoria and Albert Museum, drew 40,000 people over the two days. With the success of these events, the British Museum invited Magic of Persia to collaborate on a 3 year project that focused in the first year on the Achaemenid Dynasty (the legacy of Cyrus the Great).

This event was held on the weekend of 21 - 22 March 2009, to coincide with the Norouz (Iranian New Year) celebrations and in conjunction with the major Shah Abbas exhibition. The programme of activities included a show by Tehran based Aran Puppet Theatre, face painting, crafts and storytelling.  

Candlestar provided PR services for these events, listing them in local and national press, arranging television coverage, and ensuring they were covered by as much media as possible.