Honoring Central Stage
For the Preservation and Advancement of Iranian Dance and Culture WHEREAS, Central Stage was founded in Richmond in 2007 by artists Shahrzad Khorsandi and Mansour Taeed as a performance and rehearsal space for Iranian-American artists of all ages; and WHEREAS, Central Stage became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2017, saving the venue through community fundraising and transforming it into a lasting cultural institution; and WHEREAS, Central Stage has since hosted over 55 shows annually, collaborated with more than 25 organizations, and welcomed artists ranging from master musicians like Keyhan Kalhor and Hossein Alizadeh to exiled performers such as Mohsen Namjoo and Ali Azimi, as well as artists from Afghanistan and other regions; and
WHEREAS, the theater continues to serve Richmond and the greater East Bay through its offerings of plays, concerts, cultural celebrations such as Yalda and Nowruz, and community- centered events that foster connection and artistic expression; and WHEREAS, Central Stage is located in the Richmond Annex neighborhood at 5221 Central Avenue, Richmond, California 94804, and serves as a vital hub for grassroots creativity and cultural exchange; and
WHEREAS, the venue provides affordable, accessible, and professional services for artists of all backgrounds, while building community through open artistic expression and cultural celebration; and
WHEREAS, Central Stage stands as a model for grassroots arts innovation and resilience, particularly within the Iranian-American and broader AAPI communities.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Mayor Eduardo Martinez, and the Richmond City Council do hereby formally recognize and honor Central Stage for its contributions to Richmond’s cultural vitality, and for its unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting the arts and heritage of the Iranian-American community.
___________________________ ______________________________ Mayor Eduardo Martinez Council Member Soheila Bana City of Richmond District 4 April 22, 2025