Philadelphia is missing something… a
We need your help!!
New mural coming to Philly by an Iranian Artist
This idea began a few years ago, when a few Iranian members of the diaspora and I dreamed of sharing the beauty and resilience of Iran with Philadelphia through a mural.
This year, I finally felt confident enough in my role as a project manager at Mural Arts to make it happen.
Now, with a universal and uplifting design, I'm seeking the right wall and community support to bring this vision to life.
I was looking for an Iranian artist based in Iran whose work reflected hope, resilience, and beauty.
Nasim Bahari’s (@nasim.bahary) illustrations, especially those created during Iran’s internet shutdown, felt like the right fit.
Her work is universal, uplifting, and translates beautifully into murals.
The work includes a cypress tree, two rabbits, birds, green plants, and red poppies. Each carrying symbolic meaning in Persian culture.
The cypress tree represents resilience, dignity, freedom, and endurance.
The rabbits suggest life, renewal, innocence, and continuity.
The birds symbolize freedom, peace, and the longing of the human spirit.
The green landscape represents healing, growth, and tranquility.
The red poppies hold a powerful place in Iranian cultural memory, symbolizing sacrifice, remembrance, resilience, and hope after hardship.
We have received Nasim Bahari’s (@nasim.bahary) consent to use her artwork that you see in this image.
Mural Arts Philadelphia is excited to support this project.
The next step is securing initial funding.
Nasim created this artwork during Iran's internet shutdown in the winter of 2026. She shared:
“Drawing became my way of managing the stress. With the internet cut off, we had very limited access to news or communication, which only heightened the anxiety. Creating art gave me something to focus on and helped me regain a sense of calm.
One thing I consciously avoided was bringing the war itself into my drawings. I didn't want to paint dark, violent, or destructive scenes. Instead, I chose to create brighter, greener, more hopeful images. The world outside was already filled with fear and darkness; I wanted my sketchbook to be a safe place - a space where beauty still existed and where I could breathe for a while”.
Once the mural is underway, we'd love for you to become part of it. There will be a chance to share your own message on a small tile that will become part of the final installation. Stay tuned for ways to participate!
How you can help:
Donate — We aim to raise $3000. Upon reaching our goal Mural Arts Philadelphia will match those funds.
Our fundraising provides assurance to Mural Arts that this project is in fact supported by the local community.
Spread the word — Tag a friend, share with your community and expand our reach for a quick turnaround.