International Woodworking Event with Iranian and Chinese Artists
WANA (Jun 09) – The international event “World Wood Day 2025”, centered on cultural exchange between Iran and China, is currently underway from June 5 to 10 at the historic Beiglar Beigi Tekyeh in Kermanshah, Iran. Here, art, history, and cultural diplomacy converge to open a new chapter in the civilizational dialogue between the two nations.
Featuring distinguished woodcarving artists from both countries, the event will culminate in the addition of nine Chinese artworks and six Iranian pieces to the permanent collection of the Kermanshah Wood and Woodcarving Museum. The event is organized by Alireza Bavandpour, the official representative of the International Wood Culture Society (IWCS) in Iran, who has been curating this event in Kermanshah for the past four years—now elevating it to an international platform.
“Wood is the shared language of nations,” declared Jing Ling Su, Secretary General of the International Wood Culture Society, at the opening ceremony. He stressed that this global celebration is not only about artistic expression, but also about raising awareness on sustainable use of natural resources and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Su fondly recalled the warm Iranian hospitality and the unforgettable taste of Kermanshahi khoresht-e khalal (slivered almond stew).
International Woodworking Event with Iranian and Chinese Artists / WANA News Agency
On the sidelines of the event, Dariush Farmani, Head of Cultural Heritage for Kermanshah Province, highlighted the deep historical ties between Iran and China, stating: “These two civilizations have been exchanging culture for over two millennia. Today, that bond is being revived through art.” He expressed hope that in future editions, artists from more countries will join this initiative, turning it into a global festival.
Bavandpour also announced plans to launch Iran’s first international woodcarving museum in Kermanshah, featuring over 200 pieces. With 50 additional works, it could become the largest woodcarving museum in the Middle East.
Yet beyond numbers and titles, what sets this event apart is its role in reframing Iran’s cultural image globally and promoting art as a tool of public diplomacy.
Though Kermanshah has not been officially designated a “World City of Woodcarving,” its consistent focus on hosting this event has already placed it on the regional art map—and may soon position it as a rising hub for cultural diplomacy through craft.
