Lapis Ball, Calligraphy keepsake.

AGA KHAN MUSEUM SEPTEMBER 2025

Chalipa at Lapis Ball 2025 — Aga Khan Museum

In September 2025, Chalipa Art Centre was honoured to take part in Lapis Ball 2025, the Aga Khan Museum’s distinguished invite-only gala and one of Canada’s most anticipated philanthropic events.

Held in Toronto, Lapis Ball brings together visionary leaders, philanthropists, and supporters of the arts to celebrate the Museum’s mission of enriching lives through creativity, cultural dialogue, and pluralism. The evening featured an elegant cocktail reception, a gourmet dinner, and an unforgettable artistic program in the beautifully designed setting of Aga Khan Park, followed by the immersive Sundown Soirée inside the Museum.

As part of this memorable celebration, Laleh Rasaee and Farhad Vatandoost, experienced Persian calligraphy artists and instructors representing Chalipa, presented a live calligraphy performance. Their work showcased the grace, rhythm, and cultural depth of Persian calligraphy, contributing to an evening dedicated to art, heritage, and meaningful connection.

Chalipa was proud to be part of this inspiring event and to share the timeless beauty of Persian calligraphy with a distinguished and diverse audience.

Aga Khan Museum Performance
Spring 2025

Chalipa at the Aga Khan Museum — April 2025

In April 2025, Chalipa Art Centre had the remarkable opportunity to present a live Islamic and Persian calligraphy performance at the Aga Khan Museum for the Museum’s Development Department.

The performance featured a variety of distinguished scripts, including Thulth, Naskh, Nastaliq, Shekaste Nastaliq, and Kufi, presented on exquisite handmade paper from Iran. Through fluid, precise, and expressive strokes, the artists showcased the beauty and depth of Islamic and Persian calligraphic traditions.

The event created a vibrant and elegant atmosphere, leaving the audience inspired and deeply appreciative of this timeless art form.

Discovering Persian Calligraphy:

THE ART OF BEAUTIFUL WRITING

September 2023

Calligraphy Performance at Harbourfront Centre — September 2023

On September 21, 2023, Chalipa Art Centre was honoured to lead a calligraphy workshop at Harbourfront Centre, presented in collaboration with the Toronto International Festival of Authors and the Aga Khan Museum.

The workshop offered participants a meaningful hands-on introduction to the beauty, technique, and cultural significance of calligraphy. Guided by experienced calligraphers, attendees explored traditional letterforms, practiced essential strokes, and connected with the artistic heritage behind this timeless art form.

This inspiring event encouraged cultural exchange, creative expression, and a deeper appreciation for the elegance and history of calligraphy.

Aga Khan Museum Summer 2022

First Persian Calligraphy Workshop with Aga Khan Museum — June 2022

On June 12, 2022, Chalipa Art Centre was proud to present its first collaboration with the Aga Khan Museum, offering an introductory Persian calligraphy workshop in Toronto.

Led by calligraphy artists Laleh Rasaee and Farhad Vatandoost, the workshop introduced participants to Nastaliq, an 800-year-old Persian script celebrated for its elegance, rhythm, and timeless beauty. Through guided demonstrations and hands-on practice, attendees explored the script’s materials, tools, ink, and paper while experiencing the meditative beauty of Persian calligraphy.

This meaningful collaboration marked an important moment for Chalipa, sharing the art of Persian calligraphy with a wider Toronto audience through one of the city’s leading cultural institutions.