First national festival of calligraphy started work on 6th May in Qazvin north Iran.The festival includes works of Iranian artists from 29 provinces.

Preparation for the long awited festival started last year with it's secretariat held in Qazvin and according to the secretary of the event so far 408 artists with 571 works have succeded entering the competitions.

The festival representing one of the oldest art forms in the country includes different styles of calligraphy ;Nastaaligh with 278 works, 130 works of broken nastaaligh, 44 works of tholth and 72 works in modern inclinations of the ancient art.

It has been announced by the secretariat  that The participating artists were selected from among 730 artists who registered to participate inj the event.

The first national calligraphy festival will be held on Ordibehesht 1389( May 2010) in Qazvin- North Tehran.

Saadalsaltaneh's Sara in Qazvin Bazar( an old building of Qajar era renovated recently) is the chosen venue for the biennial.  

Shafee the organizer of the event told reporters "The opening ceremony will be on 22nd Ordibehest and the event will continue for one week. Along the main event will be seminars and discussions about calligraphy and specially sessions for critics to discuss the works represented in the exhibitions."

He also hoped to internationalize the event, regarding the history of Islamic calligraphy in Iran. In this years festival organizers have invited Turkish and Emirate calligraphers to be present as members of the jury.