ArtLords

ArtLords was founded in Kabul in 2014 as a global collective of artists and volunteers that uses art to amplify community voices, spark dialogue, and imagine more peaceful and equitable futures. Beginning with murals that transformed Kabul’s blast walls into vibrant expressions of hope and social change, ArtLords has grown into an international movement whose work spans public art, exhibitions, workshops, and peace-building initiatives. Rooted in the belief that art can create space for healing, connection, and civic participation, ArtLords brings this practice to communities across borders. ArtLords’ work in Vermont is led by its Brattleboro-based artists, connecting the organization’s global practice with the people, communities, and cultural life of the state.

Nowruz in Vermont: Art, Belonging, and Shared Becoming connects Afghan, refugee, immigrant, and rural Vermont communities through a two-year series of safe circles, body-mapping arts and healing workshops, women refugee-made film screenings, a shared mobile artwork, and public Nowruz celebrations. Anchored by ArtLords’ longstanding relationship with the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center and partnerships with the Manchester Community Library, and other partners and allies, the project uses cultural celebration and collaborative artmaking to build belonging, creative connection, and shared civic life. Omaid Sharifi, artivist and President of ArtLords, is leading the project alongside Brattleboro-based artists Negina Azimi, Abdullah Elhan, Marwa Safa Azimi, and Zuhra Nadem.