Sawiris Foundation and the Abla Art Foundation Celebrate the Program’s Achievements and Reaffirm Their Partnership to Support Egypt’s Emerging Artists
Sawiris Foundation and the Abla Art Foundation are celebrating the conclusion of the second edition of the “StARTing Point” Art Residency Program with a final exhibition showcasing the works created by nine emerging Egyptian artists during residencies of up to three months at the Fayoum Art Center.
The “StARTing Point” Art Residency Program is one of Egypt’s few dedicated initiatives designed to support emerging visual artists through an intensive creative residency in Tunis Village, Fayoum, focusing on painting, sculpture, and printmaking.
The second edition attracted significant interest, receiving approximately 600 applications from across Egypt. Following a rigorous evaluation process, the jury selected 43 artists representing 13 governorates to participate in a collective exhibition. From this group, nine artists were awarded residency grants and completed their artistic residencies at the Fayoum Art Center.
Building on the success of its pilot edition, the program has established itself as a transformative platform for artistic development, community engagement, and the preservation of cultural heritage while empowering a new generation of Egyptian artists. Throughout the residency, participants were given dedicated time and space to develop new artistic projects within a fully equipped creative environment. They also benefited from professional mentorship, knowledge exchange, and direct engagement with local artists and craftspeople in Tunis Village, enriching both their artistic practice and their connection to Egypt’s cultural heritage.
The closing exhibition presents the artworks produced during the residency period, offering the public, collectors, and members of the artistic community an opportunity to engage with and acquire works by some of Egypt’s most promising emerging artists.
The program is implemented by the Abla Art Foundation, a registered non-profit organization dedicated to creating inclusive and sustainable platforms for the arts in Egypt, with a particular focus on young artists and local communities. The Fayoum Art Center serves as a year-round creative hub hosting artist residencies, exhibitions, and educational programs.
Commenting on the program, Mohamed Abla, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Mohamed Abla Art Foundation, said: “We hope this initiative becomes an inspiring model that encourages more institutions to seriously invest in supporting young artists, particularly within the cultural sector, given its vital role in shaping society and creating lasting positive impact. Through our international network, we also strive to create opportunities for cultural exchange that enrich the artistic experiences of young creators while showcasing Egyptian culture to wider audiences around the world.”
Sawiris Foundation continues to support the program in recognition of the transformative role of the arts in expanding opportunities for individuals and strengthening community development. The partnership represents a successful model for advancing arts and culture in Egypt while empowering talented young artists.
Commenting on the partnership, Laila Hosny, Executive Director of Sawiris Foundation, said: “Investing in talent and creativity is an investment in a more diverse, vibrant, and resilient future for society. The ‘Starting Point’ Art Residency Program is one of the initiatives that best reflects this commitment by providing emerging artists with a supportive environment where they can refine their artistic practice, dedicate time to experimentation and learning, and build more sustainable professional careers.”
She added: “We are proud to continue implementing this program in partnership with the Abla Art Foundation, whose expertise has helped create an inspiring environment for learning and creativity over the years. Today, we are delighted to witness the results of this journey through artworks that reflect the diversity of voices and artistic perspectives of a new generation of creators, reaffirming the importance of sustained investment in young creative talent as a means of enriching Egypt’s cultural landscape.”
The Abla Art Foundation is a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to supporting contemporary arts, promoting cultural exchange, and empowering emerging Egyptian artists through residency programs, exhibitions, and educational and community-based initiatives. The Foundation builds upon the artistic and cultural legacy of the Fayoum Art Center, established by Mohamed Abla in 2006 in Tunis Village, Fayoum, which has since become a vibrant creative hub bringing together artists from Egypt and around the world in an environment that fosters artistic dialogue and sustainable cultural production.
Sawiris Foundation supports this program as one of Egypt’s pioneering philanthropic development organizations. Established in 2001 through an endowment from the Sawiris family, the Foundation advances innovative solutions that promote inclusive and sustainable development by addressing the country’s most pressing challenges, including multidimensional poverty, unemployment, and limited access to quality education and essential services. The Foundation also places special emphasis on supporting Egypt’s arts and cultural sector, recognizing its fundamental role in advancing human development.
