We are pleased to invite you to participate in the 13th Simorgh International Health System Cultural and Artistic Festival, organized by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. This prestigious event aims to promote health culture, foster international cultural diplomacy, and identify and celebrate artistic talents among non-Iranian students studying in Iran, the Iranian health community abroad, and Persian-speaking students worldwide. You can find the official instruction in the attached file.
Festival Categories & Disciplines
The international sector invites submissions across 5 major fields covering 13 distinct disciplines:
- Literature (Persian Language Only): Classic / Modern Poetry, Short Stories, and Literary Prose.
- Visual Arts: Poster Design, Painting, and Freehand Drawing.
- Performing Arts: Naqqali (Traditional Iranian Storytelling) and Dramatic Narrative.
- Music: Traditional Iranian Ensemble Performance and Musical Narrative.
- Film & Photography: Short Films, Documentaries, and Photography.
Key General Topics
Your artistic submissions should ideally revolve around or be inspired by the following foundational themes:
- Iran, the Cradle of Civilization
- Peace and a World Free of Violence
- The Provision, Preservation, and Promotion of Physical and Spiritual Health
Important Rules & Guidelines
- Student Eligibility: All applicants must be currently enrolled university students or have graduated no earlier than the end of the 2025–2026 academic year.
- Originality: Works must be completely authentic, original, and created by the applicant. Submissions must not have won awards in previous national festivals.
- Literature Constraints: Short stories and literary prose must have a maximum length of 3,500 and 2,000 words respectively, typed in 12pt B Nazanin font.
- Physical Artworks: For categories like Painting or Drawing, your digital registration must be accompanied by delivering the original physical artwork to your university's cultural secretariat.
- Practical Validation: Shortlisted finalists in the Visual Arts sector will be required to participate in mandatory live skill-verification workshops during the final phase of the festival.
Timeline & How to Apply
- Registration Portal: https://festivalf.behdasht.gov.ir
- Submission Deadline: February 19, 2026 (30 Bahman 1404)
- Final Stage & Closing Ceremony: May 2026 (Ordibehesht 1405)
Note: Please make sure your registered phone number and email address are correct, as they will serve as the primary communication channels between you and the central secretariat.
For further technical details and registration, please visit the official website or contact Ms. Fareq, Student-Cultural Affairs Specialist.
