ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Continuum Platform Launches to Support Iranian Artists Amid War and Sanctions

digital · 2026-08-31

Launched on 13 August, Continuum: Artist Relief for Iran showcases the creations of over 200 Iranian artists for an international audience. This initiative, a non-profit effort by Duran Art Projects based in Canada, features approximately 700 artworks, with all proceeds directed to the artists. Established by Dario Duran and Mariam Rasti, the project seeks to assist artists impacted by war and the economic difficulties stemming from sanctions. The initiative was inspired by the conflict that began on 28 February, which has displaced 3.2 million individuals, according to the UN. Duran escaped from Shiraz, while Rasti departed from Tehran. The platform aims to combat the isolation faced by Iranian artists due to sanctions, and despite obstacles, the feedback has been encouraging, with Duran describing it as 'cultural diplomacy.'

Key facts

  • Platform launched on 13 August
  • Over 200 Iranian artists, around 700 works
  • 100% of proceeds go to artists
  • Founded by Dario Duran and Mariam Rasti
  • War began on 28 February with US and Israeli strikes
  • 3.2 million people displaced internally
  • Duran fled Shiraz, Rasti fled Tehran
  • No commission taken from galleries

Entities

Artists

  • Mina Darijani
  • Ali Akbar Sharifi
  • Erfan Sharaf
  • Dario Duran
  • Mariam Rasti

Institutions

  • Duran Art Projects
  • Continuum: Artist Relief for Iran
  • The Art Newspaper
  • United Nations

Locations

  • Iran
  • Canada
  • Tehran
  • Shiraz
  • Rasht
  • Bam
  • Kerman province
  • Toronto
  • Kerman

Sources