According to Tehran SAMA, Javad Shoushtari, Managing Director of Tehran Beautification Organization said: “Considering the vastness and anxieties of Tehran nothing but art could bring it peace. Should there be better facilities and determination (on behalf of authorities) there is much enthusiasm on the side of artists and whenever we have scheduled a program they have welcomed it. Without a shred of doubt, it is our duty to expand such a pacifying environment in the city and this could not be done except with the assistance of artists.”
Shoushtari who is also the secretary general of the symposium, said that last year the symposium was held at Milad Tower but in order to avoid traffic problems this year it will be held at Qasr Garden Museum which has a more appropriate space for the public. “By attending the garden museum and observing the process of making sculptures citizens would become acquainted with this hard work. This year, artists from different countries such as Portugal, Mexico, Japan, Spain and Italy are present in the symposium and will make stone sculptures.”
According to Shoushtari, eight foreign artists, 11 Iranians and 12 students would make statues during the 20-day symposium. The material in the fourth symposium like the first one is stone. In this round over 300 artists have participated, 99 of whom foreign nationals. Meanwhile, out of the total selected works to be made during the 20-day symposium 10 foreign participants are present whose number has been doubled in comparison with the past year.
Shoushtari added that the third sculpture biennial will be held in Tehran within the next months. Also, the biennial of wall paintings and handicrafts will be held in the calendar month of Ordibehest (April-May). To honor the late Master Abolhassan Khan Sediqi, in the closing ceremony of the symposium documents of his works will be unveiled.