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 atCIVICUS, 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.

omaid sharifi portrait

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. 

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Awards & Accomplishments

2024

VOICES OF SOLIDARITY AWARDS
Vital Voices Global Partnership

2022

Global Pluralism Award Laureate

H.H. The Aga Khan

2021

INAUGURAL SHEERAN PRIZE WINNER

ASIA GAME CHANGERS AWARD, ASIA SOCIETY

2018

2016 Accountability Innovation Award Winner

European Union

2017

Anti-Corruption Excellence Award

H.H. Shaikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar and Ban Ki Moon, UN Secretary General

2015

Afghanistan Social Media Outreach Award Winner

Impassion Afghanistan’s third annual Afghan Social Media Summit

Fellowships, Board Memberships and Honors

2022-2025

Elected-Board Member of CIVICUS

2020

Steering Committee Member of Free Speech Hub Afghanistan

2020

Steering Committee Member of Afghanistan Mechanism for Inclusive Peace

2020

Board Member of World Trade Center

2017

American Foreign Relations Council-Rumsfeld Fellow

2016

Millennium Leadership Fellow with Atlantic Council

2011

Asia Society 21 Fellow

About Omaid Sharifi?

Omaid Sharifi is an artivist and President of ArtLords — a collective of self-styled artivists who create street art in Afghanistan and worldwide.  A former fellow at Harvard University, Omaid is a board member of CIVICUS, a worldwide alliance that focuses on strengthening citizen action and civil society. With a career spanning over 19 years, he has demonstrated exceptional skill in planning, designing, and implementing a wide range of projects not only in Afghanistan and South Asia but also in various other international locations. His commitment to the arts and civil society is evident through his extensive involvement and leadership.

Omaid Sharifi is an artivist and President of ArtLords — a collective of self-styled artivists who create street art in Afghanistan and worldwide.  A former fellow at Harvard University, Omaid is a board member of CIVICUS, a worldwide alliance that focuses on strengthening citizen action and civil society. With a career spanning over 19 years, he has demonstrated exceptional skill in planning, designing, and implementing a wide range of projects not only in Afghanistan and South Asia but also in various other international locations. 

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