Cairo – Monday, December 1, 2025
Following the success of its pilot year, Sawiris Foundation and Abla Art Foundation are proud to announce the culmination of the second edition of StARTing Point, Egypt’s leading art residency scholarship program supporting creative development and youth empowerment. This year, the program received over 600 applications from talented emerging artists aged 18–30 across the country.
After a rigorous selection process conducted by a specialized jury, consisting of: Dr. Aleya Abdel Hadi, Mohamed Abla, Tarek El Komi, Mohamed Younis, and Eman El Rashidy, 43 artists from almost all Governorates across the country, are chosen to participate in a group exhibition at the Mahmoud Mukhtar Museum, showcasing their work to the public. Out of these, 9 artists (3 painters, 3 sculptors, and 3 printmakers) have been awarded the fully funded residency scholarship at Fayoum Art Center, as follows:
In the field of drawing: Rola Hashmat, Mahmoud Shaaban, and Mona Mohaymen
In the field of sculpture: Shahd Mohamed, Mahmoud Maher, and Menna Allah Mosad
In the field of printmaking: Basma Allah Mohamed, Kholoud Ashraf, and Abeer Abdel Rahim
The exhibition open on December 1st, bringing together prominent artists, members of Egypt’s wider art community, diplomats, ambassadors, and partners from Abla Art Foundation and Sawiris Foundation. The event marks a significant milestone in sustaining Egypt’s first professional art residency program for young artists, offering access to mentorship, fully equipped studios, public presentation opportunities, and national exposure.
StARTing Point is implemented by Abla Art Foundation, a registered non-profit organization dedicated to creating inclusive, sustainable platforms for contemporary art in Egypt. With a particular focus on youth and community engagement, the foundation’s programs connect artistic excellence with broader social and cultural impact. Fayoum Art Center serves as a creative hub for residencies, exhibitions, and educational initiatives throughout the year.
The Sawiris Foundation for Social Development (SFSD) remains a leading philanthropic institution in Egypt. Established in 2001 to support innovative, inclusive, and sustainable development solutions that focus on poverty, unemployment, and access to quality education. SFSD also contributes to Egypt’s cultural and artistic landscape. Over 25 years, it has funded numerous programs in partnership with government, civil society, private sector, and international entities.
The second edition of StARTing Point not only showcases the talent of Egypt’s emerging artists, but also continues to strengthen the national art ecosystem, creating platforms for artistic growth, public engagement, and community impact.
