BIYA BIYA Productions is a Creative Agency and Production House rooted in Chicago, founded by Yasmin Zacaria Mikhaiel.
What does BIYA BIYA do?
As a Creative Agency, we meet emerging artists and their artistic homes where they’re at by providing hands-on support. We produce materials that serve them and their audiences (i.e. boutique artist management and development).
Select Services: portfolio building & websites, electronic press kits, artist statements & bios, creative brainstorming sessions, and beyond!
As a Production House, we produce experiences across the city that offer spaces to come gather, come learn, come eat, come dance, and more!
Past Programs: zine-making, Maqam class, calligraphy, Kathak x Dabke dance, and open music mic & jam.
What does BIYA BIYA mean?
In Farsi, BIYA BIYA means “come, come”! As a queer, femme Iranian-American-led company, our team aims to make space that is community-focused, responsive, and vibrant.
Rooted in the lived experience of diaspora kids, we recognize and embrace that everyone has a range of relationships to their heritage. We encourage and facilitate cross-cultural exchange and collaboration without shame in low-stakes community spaces. We want people to feel supported as they (re)connect with themselves and their creativity. BIYA BIYA—all are welcome!
Recent Programs
TAYF: From Ash to Bloom
October 13, 2025 at the Chop Shop
Threading nostalgia and futurism; tracing life from loss to resistance from ash to bloom: TAYF embarks on a musical journey all the way from tarab-focused original arrangements of classical repertoire to Ziad Rahbani, the late pioneering composer and political commentator.
Maqam Workshop with C Mikhail and Karl El Sokhn aka Reckless Darling
photos by Tamara Hijazi
Zine-Making Workshop with Jasjyot Singh Hans and Yasmin Zacaria Mikhaiel
photos by Anna Rogelio Joaquin
Persian Calligraphy Workshop with Parivash Afradi
photos by Yasmin Zacaria Mikhaiel and Mariam
Open Music Mic & Jam
photos by Jordan Esparza-Kelley
Diaspora Duos: Dabke x Kathak Dance Workshop
photos by Anna Rogelio Joaquin
