Four decades of championing
visual culture

Founded in 1985 by Hossein Farmani, Farmani Group is an independent global organization dedicated to discovering, supporting, recognizing, and celebrating exceptional creative talent. What began with the launch of VUE Magazine has grown into a worldwide network of publications, creative ventures, cultural initiatives, museums, exhibitions, foundations, and internationally respected awards. Our journey began in 1985 with the launch of  VUE Magazine, followed by **FotoFolio Magazine**, publications created to showcase contemporary photography and provide a platform for emerging and established artists from around the world. As the organization grew, so did its vision. Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Farmani Group expanded into publishing, branding, advertising, and creative communications through ventures including Fontographics, Farmani Yamanouchi, Inc. (FYI), a full-service advertising agency, and additional publications such as Latin Style Magazine. These early ventures shared a common purpose: to help creative people and great ideas reach a wider audience. In 1995, while the commercial internet was still in its infancy, Farmani Group embraced the digital frontier with the creation of Artnet.net, one of the earliest online platforms serving the international art community. Believing that technology would fundamentally transform how art was discovered, shared, and collected, Hossein Farmani often described the company's role as "the foot soldiers of the Internet." That pioneering vision led to the creation of the world's first online fine art and photography auction, opening new opportunities for artists, galleries, collectors, and institutions to connect across borders through emerging digital technology. As the creative industries continued to evolve, Farmani Group recognized another need: meaningful recognition. Beginning in the early 2000s, the organization established a growing family of independent international awards and foundations dedicated to honoring excellence in photography, design, architecture, advertising, publishing, and humanitarian achievement. Today, Farmani Group operates 28 independent international awards and foundations, including some of the world's most respected programs for creative professionals. Collectively, these programs have received more than one million submissions from creatives representing over 100 countries and have recognized  more than 20,000 photographers, designers, architects, advertisers, artists, and emerging talents. Thousands of internationally respected professionals have served as jurors, helping maintain the integrity, credibility, and global reputation of every program. Beyond its awards, Farmani Group continues to support the creative community through museums, exhibitions, educational initiatives, publications, and cultural partnerships that preserve creative heritage while inspiring future generations. From publishing and advertising to internet innovation, from pioneering digital art commerce to building global platforms for creative recognition, Farmani Group has remained committed to one enduring purpose: To discover, recognize, celebrate, and elevate exceptional creative talent around the world. Because we believe recognition is more than an award—it is an investment in people, their ideas, and the creative legacy they leave behind.