ArtLords, a collective of Afghan artists known for turning Kabul’s blast walls into social justice murals, has been named to the Museum for the United Nations – Culture for Impact 2025 Top 10 list, the group said on Thursday.
The recognition highlights cultural initiatives that promote social change. ArtLords, founded in Afghanistan and now operating globally, works with at-risk artists — particularly women and Afghan diaspora creatives — to produce murals, exhibitions and digital campaigns aimed at promoting civic engagement and challenging repression.
“We are deeply honored to be featured on the Culture for Impact list,” Omaid Sharifi, ArtLords’ co-founder and president, said in a statement. He said the recognition affirmed that “artists at risk are not alone” and would help the group expand from local art interventions to “lasting cultural infrastructure that protects freedom and nurtures creative expression.”
ArtLords began during the conflict years by painting public murals focused on dignity, women’s rights and accountability. The group now aims to develop the Museum of Art for Freedom, envisioned as a living archive for threatened artistic narratives and a venue to support new work.
Sharifi said the UN recognition “energizes the path ahead — where culture, dialogue, and creativity coalesce to protect human rights and expand civic space.”
