Governors Island Arts, the public arts and cultural program presented by the Trust for Governors Island, is pleased to present Bahar Behbahani’s Damask Rose: A Gathering, a spring celebration inspired by the traditions of Persian Gardens. The work centers Damask Rose, an immigrant flora from the East, and honors migration and hospitality. Featuring more than two dozen partners, Damask Rose is a celebration of community, joy, and resilience.

Created by: Bahar Behbahani
Weaving team: Shamsy Behbahani, Pooran Shams, Fazilat Hakimzadeh, Mehrnoush Jelveh, Irandokht Farjad, Shahin Mazid-Abadi, Abbas & Nikoo Afshar

MEET THE PARTNERS

• Program partners: ArteEast, Asia Contemporary Art Forum, Eat Offbeat, New York Kurdish Cultural Center, Pardis for Children, SAG NYC, Tea Arts & Culture
• Sound partners: Afropolka with performers Kaïssa Doumbè, Maciek Schejbal, Malang Jobarteh, Barzakh Café, SAG Radio with Sasan Oskouei, Imal Gnawa
• Weaving together with Cynthia Alberto, Weaving Hand
• Horticulture experts: Half Hollow Nursery, Hortus Life
• With the warmth of: Ahmad Tea, Kermanshah Rug
• Official hydration partner: Jabin Beverage Company
• Program conspirators: Maryam Ghoreishi and Elaine Khuu
• Architectural wisdom and spatial strategy: Maneli Afshang and Ava Sarabi
• Botanical cyanotype workshop with artist Natalia Nakazawa
• Movement and flower muses: Kaoru Shimizu and Milād
• Digital community partner: Nimruz
• With support from KODA and Materials for the Arts
• Damask Rose: A Gathering was made possible through in-kind fabrication support through Powerhouse Arts’ 2026 Artist Subsidy Program