FREE Creative Workshop with Artist Sharzadian

Event Description

Join the Sovereign Art Foundation and Iranian artist Sharzadian for a magical afternoon of storytelling and creativity inspired by The Conference of the Birds, the timeless Persian poem by Farid ud-Din Attar.

In this beautiful tale, a flock of birds embark on a journey in search of truth and discover that the answer they seek lies not in one leader, but in their unity and the connections they share with one another.

Inspired by this story, children will each create a unique mirrored feather using colour, shape and reflective materials. At the end of the workshop, all of the individual feathers will be brought together to form a single Simorgh, a mythical bird and a collective artwork created by many hands and many voices.

Through making, storytelling and collaboration, participants will explore ideas of imagination, perspective, belonging and the beauty that emerges when individual pieces come together to create something larger.

What We Will Do

• Discover the story of The Conference of the Birds
• Explore colour, reflection and geometry
• Create their own mirrored feather inspired by Persian art and storytelling

• Contribute to a collaborative artwork celebrating connection and unity
• Take part in a creative journey guided by artist Sharzadian

About the Artist

Sharzadian is an Iranian artist based in Lisbon whose work explores light, perception and transformation through mirror, glass and mixed media. Inspired by Persian poetry and literature, her artworks invite viewers to look again, shift perspective and discover new ways of seeing themselves and the world around them.

Her work has been exhibited internationally, including a permanent commission in Tangier and presentations during Lisbon Design Week.

About Dona Ajuda

Dona Ajuda is a cultural and environmental initiative based in the former Mercado do Rato in Lisbon. The space hosts a diverse programme of community events, workshops, exhibitions, and creative projects that promote sustainability, collaboration, and participation for people of all ages.

Learn more at: donaajuda.pt

About the Sovereign Art Foundation in Portugal

This event forms part of the Sovereign Art Foundation's ongoing work in Portugal, expanding access to the arts for children, families, and communities through creative workshops, educational programmes, and artist-led activities.

The Foundation also organises the Sovereign Portuguese Art Prize, an initiative that celebrates contemporary art and supports emerging and established artists across the country. Funds raised through our events and programmes help sustain community-based arts initiatives that inspire creativity, promote inclusion, and strengthen wellbeing through art.

Learn more about our programmes in Portugal:
https://www.sovereignartfoundation.com/expressive-arts-programme-portugal/

Important Information

• Places are limited.
• This workshop is designed for children aged 7–12, although parents, guardians, and family members are very welcome to stay, participate, and enjoy the experience.
• Participation is free.
• All materials are provided.
• No previous experience is required.
• The workshop will be conducted in English.