Iranian Culture and Art Club

The Iranian Culture and Art Club (ICAC) in Fresno, CA offers comprehensive cultural education programs designed to promote understanding and appreciation of Iranian heritage. Since its founding in 1995, ICAC has provided affordable, high-quality instruction across multiple disciplines including Persian language classes, traditional dance, music, theater, and poetry. The organization serves Fresno County residents of all ages through bilingual English-Persian lectures and performance series featuring dynamic artists, writers, poets, and scholars. Persian language classes have been a cornerstone of ICAC's mission, with over 500 children and adults participating since 1990. Students progress from foundational language skills to performance opportunities, with recent cohorts staging more than ten historical and traditional plays at community events. ICAC's dance program combines instruction with full costume and prop creation, enabling talented local dancers to develop skills while sharing authentic Persian cultural traditions. The organization also celebrates significant cultural observances including Nourooz (Iranian New Year), Yalda (Celebration of Lights), and Shanbeh Souri (Fire Ceremony). ICAC's volunteer-driven approach and partnerships with local institutions including Fort Washington Elementary School, the Islamic Cultural Center, and Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno ensure accessible programming throughout the San Joaquin Valley. By combining education with cultural celebration, ICAC fosters cross-cultural understanding while preserving Iranian heritage for current and future generations in the Fresno community.