Following the success of the Magic of Persia's Art Auction in Dubai in November 2007, in which the sale of more than 30 pieces of art from Iran's most established contemporary artists helped to raise over $1 million for various educational programmes around the world, MOP is planning its next Contemporary Iranian Art Auction to be held on 11th April 2009 in Dubai. This will be part of a full 2-day programme of events, which will culminate in a grand auction of nearly 40 pieces of the most renowned Iranian contemporary artists.

Funds raised will support the Magic of Persia Education Programme and Arts Scholarships, sponsoring workshops and free family days in leading museums around the world as well as Omid-e-Mehr, a charitable foundation supporting disadvantaged young women. Humanitarian grants will also be awarded to The Future Centre for Special Needs, Abu Dhabi and Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs, Dubai.

During the Magic of Persia’s Dubai auction, the short list for the Magic of Persia Contemporary Art Prize will also be announced. Launched by Magic of Persia, one of the world’s leading charities dedicated to furthering the understanding of Persian culture and produced by Candlestar, this price focuses exclusively on the work of emerging Iranian artists, in four distinct categories: painting, sculpture, photography and new media.

For more information contact: info@magicofpersia.com or tel. +44 (0) 20 7235 8026.