By Sama Marwan,
Under the leadership of Dr. Walid Qannoush, 2024 has been an exceptional year for Egypt’s fine arts sector, marked by a wide array of achievements and activities that have strengthened its status both regionally and internationally. The sector organized around 1,200 artistic and cultural events, including solo and group exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and artistic performances, attracting a diverse audience of various ages and cultural backgrounds.
Community and Artistic Initiatives: Bringing Art to Everyday Life
To enhance community engagement, the fine arts sector launched several initiatives, including “The Garden of Creativity” and “You Are Not Alone.” These initiatives involved 17 cultural and artistic tours aimed at integrating art into daily life and exposing different demographics to its beauty. Additionally, the sector conducted nine workshops as part of the “Decent Life” initiative and 181 workshops focusing on heritage crafts and arts, benefiting nearly 40,000 citizens and honing their skills.
Heritage and Crafts: A Cornerstone of Activities
Preserving Egypt’s heritage remained a top priority, as demonstrated by 18 exhibitions showcasing traditional craft products. These efforts have helped raise public awareness about the significance of heritage arts and their role in shaping Egypt’s cultural identity.
International Engagement: A Strong Egyptian Presence on the Global Stage
On the international front, Egypt’s participation in the 59th Venice Biennale was a standout event of the year. Artist Wael Shawky presented his acclaimed artwork “Drama 1882,” which received widespread praise from critics and audiences alike. Additionally, the long-awaited return of the Egypt International Triennial for Graphic Arts after a 20-year hiatus highlighted the sector’s commitment to global artistic dialogue. Preparations are also underway for the third edition of the Cairo International Biennale for Children’s Arts, reflecting the sector’s dedication to promoting Egyptian creativity on a global scale.
Art Exhibitions Showcasing Young and Established Artists
The fine arts sector enriched Egypt’s cultural landscape with several prominent exhibitions and salons. These included the 34th and 35th editions of the Youth Salon, the 44th edition of the General Exhibition, and the 60th Cairo Salon, which coincided with the centenary of the Society of Fine Arts Lovers. The sector also organized the “In the Company of Mahmoud Saeed” exhibition and the ninth Cairo International Forum for Arabic Calligraphy Arts, in collaboration with the Cultural Development Fund.
Year-End Highlights: Inspiring Future Generations
The year concluded with exhibitions such as “Tomorrow is What Comes Next” and “The Harvest of the Summer Activity Program – Our Culture in Our Vacation.” These events showcased the outcomes of the “Garden of Creativity” initiative and demonstrated the sector’s success in fostering artistic awareness among younger generations.
With this extensive range of events and achievements, the fine arts sector, under Dr. Walid Qannoush’s leadership, has solidified its position as a leading institution supporting artistic creativity in Egypt. It continues to enrich local and global culture while playing a vital role in preserving and promoting Egypt’s artistic heritage.
