Afghan Artists Showcase Cultural and Artistic Works in Montreal

Montreal, Canada — The Montreal branch of the Sayed Kayan Association (SKA) hosted an inspiring exhibition of Afghan art and culture on July 27, 2025. The event, which brought together Afghan-Canadian artists, community members, and Canadian officials, highlighted the contributions of Afghan heritage to Canada’s multicultural fabric.

The exhibition featured works from several Afghan-Canadian artists, including Mohammad Saber Yaqoot Hosseini Khodari, Abdul Hakim Maqsudi, Sediq Danish, Shams Talash, Rahmatullah Ashrafi, Karim Rezai, and Fareeha Rahmani. Through painting, calligraphy, cinema, and mixed media, the artists reflected on themes of identity, spirituality, migration, and resilience.

A Multicultural Gathering

The event welcomed Canadian dignitaries such as Mr. Vassilios Karidogiannis, advisor to Laval’s municipality, and Mr. Fayçal El-Khoury, Member of Parliament for Laval, alongside Afghan community leaders from across Canada. Representing SKA were Mr. Deljam Sufi Zada, President of the Association, and members of the leadership councils from Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa, and Montreal.

The program, presented bilingually in Persian and French by Ms. Maqadasa Adil, began with a video highlighting SKA’s past initiatives, followed by remarks from Mr. Hamidullah Ahmadi, Head of SKA Montreal. He emphasized the Association’s mission to support democratic and pluralistic values within Canada’s Afghan diaspora and called for deeper cooperation with Canadian institutions, especially municipalities, in fostering integration through cultural exchange.

Voices of Support

Artists presented their work and shared their creative journeys, reflecting on the importance of cultural spaces for Afghan heritage in Canada. Canadian officials praised the event:

• Mr. Karidogiannis commended SKA’s role in advancing cultural diversity in Quebec.
• MP Fayçal El-Khoury expressed gratitude for the Afghan community’s constructive role in Canada’s social and economic development, stating: “Continue your great work — Canada is proud of you.”

Cultural Performances and Engagement

The program also included a musical performance by Nasir Ayam (vocals) and Ahmad Zia Sufi Zada (instrumental), which added vibrancy to the evening. Guests later toured the art exhibition, engaging directly with the artists and their works, creating an atmosphere of dialogue and mutual appreciation.

In closing, SKA announced the release of the second issue of the SKA Quarterly Journal, copies of which were distributed to attendees. The event concluded with a reception, fostering further connections among artists, officials, and community members.

Celebrating Afghan Creativity

This exhibition reaffirmed SKA’s commitment to providing platforms for Afghan artists in Canada and promoting cultural exchange as a pathway to integration and mutual understanding. By bridging Afghan heritage with Canada’s multicultural identity, SKA continues to honor its mission of serving both Afghan communities abroad and the broader society in which they live.