How Immigration And Neurodiversity Made Me Start A Business

I'm so excited to announce the launch of my public art company, Art-Full Spaces.

Art-Full Spaces is a public art, installation, and event company that creates inclusive and immersive art in the public arena. Our mission is to create public art that inspires, educates, and unites people from different backgrounds and cultures. We believe that public art can be an integral part of a vibrant and engaging community, allowing people to come together and celebrate the beauty of art.

My name is Nazanin Amiri-Meers and as the founder of Art-Full Spaces, I’d like to share with you a bit about myself and how I came to start this company.

I chose art as a profession at 17. Even though many young girls in my birth country, Iran, were not afforded the same privilege, I pursued art to the highest degree. My passion for academia, research, and social service has taken me to many communities. I've witnessed art's magical power in transforming and healing people. I'm now a professional artist and educator, determined to use my art to make a positive difference in people's lives.

The idea for Art-Full Spaces came to me when I moved to the United States in 2014 to pursue an MFA in Visual Arts. Adjusting to a new culture proved challenging, and I struggled to find common ground in my new environment. I realized that to feel truly comfortable in a space, I might need to create it myself, as many environments lack the specific elements that bring me tranquility.

I also came to realize that I value privacy and the ability to control my surroundings more than most people. It wasn't until I learned I was neurodivergent that everything started to make sense. Being neurodivergent means that my brain operates differently from the "neurotypical" person, affecting my social preferences, learning style, communication, and how I process my environment. Accepting this fact has allowed me to gain a better understanding of how to create a safe and inclusive environment for neurodiverse individuals. My ultimate goal is to provide a welcoming space that caters to diverse psychological needs.

I'm studying how social and cultural factors affect people's space perception. Lack of privacy in public spaces overwhelms modern individuals. I aim to create public spaces that balance privacy and security, offering a sanctuary for people. As the founder of "Art-Full Spaces," I'm committed to creating a platform for artists in the community to participate and promoting social cohesion and inclusivity.