About Omaid Sharifi
Biography
As Co-Founder and President of ArtLords, I celebrate 20 years of experience. Over the past two decades, I’ve guided a global grassroots movement that transforms walls into catalysts for social change. I’ve led a passionate team of artists and activists, from Afghanistan to the diaspora, turning public spaces into vibrant hubs of civic dialogue. Our striking murals, hands-on workshops, and bold campaigns spark community imagination, driving toward a more inclusive, just, and peaceful world.
Beyond ArtLords, my commitment to pluralism and democracy has led me to serve as an MLP Alumni Board Member at the Atlantic Council, a Board Member at CIVICUS, and a Fellow at Harvard University. These experiences have sharpened my advocacy for cultural diversity, social justice, and inclusive governance on the global stage.
As a recognized speaker, writer, and advisor on art and social justice, I challenge norms and build bridges across divides—using the universal power of creativity to ignite lasting, transformational change.




ArtLords Omaid
ArtLords Foundation: Sharifi co-founded ArtLords in 2014 with Kabir Mokamel, a fellow artist and activist. ArtLords is a grassroots movement that uses art to promote social and political change in Afghanistan. The organization’s mission is to transform Afghanistan’s public spaces into platforms for civic engagement and dialogue. ArtLords has completed over 2,000 murals and street art projects across Afghanistan, addressing issues such as corruption, women’s rights, and peace-building.
Artwork and Initiatives: Sharifi’s artwork often features bold, colorful designs and powerful messages. Some of his most notable works include the “Enough is Enough” Campaign, which uses portraits of Afghan women to challenge gender-based discrimination, and the “I See You” Campaign, which calls for an end to corruption in Afghanistan. Sharifi’s murals can be found in public spaces across Kabul, as well as in other cities and provinces in Afghanistan.
Activism: Sharifi’s activism extends beyond his artwork. He has organized numerous campaigns and events to raise awareness about social and political issues in Afghanistan. He has also worked with local communities, government agencies, and international organizations to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance.
16 Days of Activism with Voices of Solidarity Honoree Omaid Sharifi
Watch as Omaid Sharifi explains about the Murals, he has painted in Afghanistan and around the world and what Art Therapy means to him.
Please unmute the video to hear the sound =>
Awards & Accomplishments
2024
2022
Global Pluralism Award Laureate
2021
INAUGURAL SHEERAN PRIZE WINNER
2018
2016 Accountability Innovation Award Winner
2017
Anti-Corruption Excellence Award
2015
Afghanistan Social Media Outreach Award Winner
Fellowships, Board Memberships and Honors
2022-2025
2020
2020
2020
2017
2016
2011
Asia Society 21 Fellow

“The feeling of destroying a piece of art is not very far from losing a child, because it is your own creation. It is something you have memories with, something you’ve dreamed about. Suddenly, you are putting fire to it – to all your dreams, your aspirations, your hopes.”
Omaid Sharifi
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