Canberra - Embassy of Afghanistan in Canberra hosted the Co-Founder and President of the the ArtLords, Mr. Omaid Sharifi to paint  a mural in commemoration of the Buddhas of Bamyan in Afghanistan, the ancient center of civilization & cultural capital of SAARC 2015/16. 

This mural attracted diplomatic corps in Canberra, officials from Australian Government and MPs, students, civil soceity members, journalists and Afghan Community in Canberra to watch, paint together with the artist and enjoy the Afghani cousine at the same time. 

HE Ambassador Wahidullah Waissi welcomed the participants and introduced the ArtLords, the objective behind this mural and talked about the culture of Afghanistan. 

Mr. Omaid Sharifi also in a brief remarks, discussed the objectives behind ArtLords and its public messaging at strategic art context in promoting and protecting human rights, particularly women’s rights, and promoting integrity and thereby opening up the participants’ minds to non-linear approaches in an environment largely dominated by a linear development approach.

In line with ArtLords philosophy, a platform was also offered for participants to come together and discuss issues in an open and conducive manner.

Omaid Sharifiis is the Co-Founder and President of ArtLords. He is also the Millennium Leadership Fellow of Atlantic Council and Asia Society 21 Fellow. Sharifi is a Winner of Best Animation for Peace and Tolerance Award from MiSK-UNDP Youth Forum in New York, Anti-Corruption Excellence Award Winner from Ban Ki-Moon (forme United Nations Secretary General) and Afghanistan’s Social Media Award Winner for encouraging offline action in 2017, 2016 and 2015 respectively. He co-founded the “I See You” campaign against corruption, Hamdeli Network and Sela Foundation in Afghanistan. Omaid Sharifi is U.S. State Department IVLP alumni. His works are also being recognized by the President and First Lady of Afghanistan.

The Mural is completed on the same day and it is open for visitors on daily basis.