Cultural ProfessionaLS
List of cultural professionals dedicated to the enrichment and preservation of our shared cultural legacy. Our community brings together expertise across various creative and academic disciplines.
Looking to hire a cultural professional or learn a traditional cultural art?
Send us a message or call 708-377-3152 to get connected.
Yasmin Zacaria Mikhaiel
Calligraphy workshop
Yasmin Zacaria Mikhaiel is a Chicago-based dramaturg, arts journalist, and cultural producer. As a queer, Iranian-American femme, their praxis across producing live, digital, and print media centers audience experience that is community-focused, responsive, and vibrant.
She founded BIYA BIYA Productions to cross-cultural exchange, collaboration, and arts management to intergenerational artists. Learn more at www.yasminzacaria.com
Hava
Teacher & Audio Typist
آموزگار آموزشی زبان پارسی از ۸ سال به بالا.
سابقه: از سال ۲۰۰۰ بیش از ۱۰۰ دانش آموز زبان پارسی در شیکاگو
حوّا- سلیمی
Persian language teacher for ages 8 and up.
Experience: Since 2000, has taught Persian to more than 100 students in Chicago.
* پیاده سازی نوارهای صوتی فارسی: سخنرانی، کنفرانس، پادکست، پنل های فارسی و برنامه های رادیویی و... در واژه نگاری فارسی. * واژه نگاری کتاب و مقالات گوناگون فارسی، انگلیسی و فرانسه و ... * * *
• Transcription of Persian audio recordings, including lectures, conferences, podcasts, Persian-language panels, radio programs, and more.
• Typing and transcription of books and various articles in Persian, English, French, and other languages.
Ali Arshi
Iranian composer
Ali Arshi is an Iranian composer, tar player, vocalist, educator, and live audio engineer whose work bridges Persian classical traditions with contemporary, cinematic, and music technology practices. A graduate of Berklee College of Music’s Screen Scoring program on a full-tuition scholarship, he received the String Department Achievement Award for excellence in performance. He is the founder and artistic leader of RazAvaz, an ensemble exploring Persian poetry, microtonality, and improvisation, and has performed in festivals and numerous concerts internationally. His multidisciplinary work spans film and media composition, music technology, intercultural collaborations, live sound production, and performance. Ali has also worked as a live audio engineer for international artists, including providing sound for a concert by Kayhan Kalhor, contributed to video game music and sound design, and has been featured in international media such as VoyageLA and Bold Journey. Through his artistic and educational work, he continues to reimagine Persian musical heritage for global audiences.
Habib Merzabatli is a professional photographer, santoor instructor, and musician based in the Chicago area.
He completed his high school education in Tabriz before graduating from the Department of Physics at Ankara University. Alongside his academic studies, he taught himself to play the santoor and immersed himself in the rich tradition of Persian classical music, mastering the published works of the renowned masters Abolhasan Saba and Faramarz Payvar.
In addition to his work as a photographer, Habib teaches the santoor and is dedicated to preserving and sharing the traditions of Persian classical music. His background in science and music has shaped the way he sees the world, fostering a keen eye for details, a deep appreciation for beauty, and a creative perspective that informs both his photography and his teaching.
Whether behind the camera or teaching music, Habib is committed to craftsmanship, creativity, and helping others appreciate the beauty of art.
Habbib Marzabadi
Santoor Teacher
Hossein Khandan
Film Maker
Hossein Khandan is an award winning filmmaker, photographer, and educator with more than 47 years extensive international experience in film, theater, and visual arts. Throughout his career, he has taught filmmaking and photography in numerous international schools as well as at Ningbo University in China, mentoring students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds.
His latest feature film “Waiting for Kiarostami” has won seven awards including best director, and best film award from five Continents International film festival.
He has showcasted his photography in nine solo exhibition around the world.
He is also founder and Artistic Director of the “Woman, Life, Freedom “ Film Festival which is promoting freedom of expression, intercultural dialogue, and artistic collaboration across borders.
Ahmad Shirani
Antique Carpet Restoration
Ahmad Shirani is a master artisan specializing in the repair, restoration, and conservation of antique handwoven carpets, with particular expertise in Persian rugs. Born in Esfahan, Iran, a city renowned for its rich tradition of Persian carpet weaving, he began his career in 1973 and has dedicated more than five decades to preserving the beauty and craftsmanship of handmade rugs.
Throughout his career, Mr. Shirani has traveled internationally, providing expert restoration services and sharing his knowledge with students and professionals interested in the traditional techniques of rug repair and conservation.
In 1981, he moved to the United States, where he has continued to restore valuable handmade rugs from around the world. His work combines traditional Persian craftsmanship with decades of practical experience, ensuring that each rug retains its historical, artistic, and cultural value.
Today, Ahmad Shirani offers instruction to individuals who wish to learn the specialized art of repairing and maintaining handmade rugs. His training covers traditional restoration techniques, proper maintenance practices, and the skills required to preserve antique and fine handwoven carpets for future generations