#NotACrime: The Right to Fly in Sydney

The #NotACrime global street art campaign teamed up with curators and street artists in New York City, as well as in Brazil, South Africa, and Australia, to produce murals highlighting the denial of higher education to Iran's Baha'i religious minority.

IranWire's new series featuring the artists and their murals will continue over the coming months as the #NotACrime project spreads to more cities around the world.

The #NotACrime campaign hit the streets of Sydney with an unusual collaboration. Australian duo Krimsone and Scott Nagy teamed up with the Baha’i community and Lentil As Anything café to paint a mural in the heart of Newtown, Sydney. 

“The mural depicts the Persian national bird, a nightingale, as it takes flight aided by study tools. The bondage around the wings are a symbol of the Iranian government taking away the right to fly and excel in life,” described artist Krimsone. “I hope the mural gives people information about the campaign. The more people who are informed, the more action will take place.” 

The mural inspired passers by to speak out. “My father was a holocaust survivor; his education ceased at seven years old. Denying people their education is the greatest denial,” said one woman.  She continued with a message of hope for the Baha’is in Iran: ‘If you have a dream, stick with it, don’t let it go.”

The mural is situated behind Lentil As Anything, a non-profit café where customers pay what they feel the food is worth. The café has been running for 13 years in three different Sydney locations and supports community projects involved with education. “Instead of being told something, you have to look at the mural and take what you understand,” said one of the café’s regulars. “Everyone’s understanding will be personal to them and they will feel it in their hearts.”

“The campaign gives a voice to people who don’t have one. It connects people who are struggling to artists who can inform others," said Krimsone when asked about his motivation to paint for the campaign. “I don’t know anyone personally affected but I am still trying to do this for them.”

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#NotACrime Global Street Art: Johannesburg

#NotACrime: A Global street art project for human rights in Iran

#NotACrime Street Art Provokes Debate in NYC