About Us:

Dastan Arts:

Dastan Arts is a group of independent artists and arts workers with a shared artistic vision.

We strive to create and support work that, while rooted in tradition, is burgeoning with life, beautiful and ripe with meaning; that can be plucked and ingested with delight, or be folded back into the ferment of dreams.

Dastan is a Farsi (Persian) word meaning ‘many hands’. The name Dastan Arts reflects our dedication to collaborative and inclusive modes of working, as well as our focus on handcrafted and ‘handmade’ art and music.

 

Members:

 

Amir Naderi:

Amir Naderi is a Master Craftsmen and experienced art teacher, specialising in fine relief carving on wood. Amir learned woodcarving in the traditional Persian style from the age of twelve, training under carving Master Mr Ali Nori, in his home city of Shiraz. As a young artist he was recognised in Iran for his outstanding work, receiving notable awards in regional and national competitions. In 1999 he took a teaching position at the Organisation of Iranian Handicraft in Shiraz, where he remained for five years, while also teaching privately. Amir has been commissioned for numerous public and private projects including permanent installations for the University of Shiraz and the Bank of Iran. His work ranges from delicate carving and inlay on musical instruments to large public works, using a variety of styles and mediums. In 2004 he moved to Australia, where he continues to practice, as an artist and art teacher.
Amir is also a percussionist (Daff) and singer. Since coming to Australia he has established a performance group called ‘Dastan’, which has played at numerous events and festival in South-East Queensland.
Amir is a qualified carpenter and has a Diploma of Sustainable Energy.

 

Kendra Naderi:

Kendra Naderi is passionate about community and the arts, and particularly interested in the role of creativity and artistic expression in building culturally rich, resilient, and inclusive community. She has explored this interest through the creation of community events such as ‘The Work of Our Hands’ community art weekend (2007-2010) which brings together artists and community members for two days of art, craft and music workshops. Kendra has been involved in ongoing performance work, both musical and spoken word, including having been a member of the Sufi music group ‘Dastan’ since 2004. Kendra has qualifications in Theatre and Music and an Arts degree, majoring in Australian and Cultural Studies, with a Dean’s Commendation for academic achievement. She has worked for the Queensland Folk Federation as a Programme Administration Assistant, and for the University of the Sunshine Coast, tutoring in the area of Indigenous Studies. She is currently a member of the Sunshine Coast RADF (Regional Arts Development Fund) committee, and the Nambour Community Centre management committee.