The first edition of the World Art Forum (WAF): International Contemporary Art Forum for Sustainable Development kicked off on Saturday and for three days at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC).
It was organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Ministry of Planning, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Emigration, and the Ministry of Environment, in a partnership with the United Nations, and the New York International Contemporary Art Society.
The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Ghada Waly, Director-General United Nations Office, the Minister of Planning Dr. Hala Saied, Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, artist Randa Fouad, and veteran actor Hussein Fahmy, alongside several artists, officials, and ambassadors.
Dr. Ahmed Ghoniem, the Executive Director for NMEC authority, expressed his sincere pleasure by selecting the museum to host the event, asserting that NMEC’s role is not only displaying artifacts, but also has a cultural, educational, and scientific role.
Ghoniem highlighted that fine art is an integral part of contemporary civilization, in addition, it is considered a continuation of the ancient civilization that is represented in statues, inscriptions, and formations on the walls of temples, tombs, mosques, and churches.
It is worthy to mention that more than 150 artists participated in the event from 30 countries.
Moreover, WAF targeted linking between the contemporary fine arts, UN SDGs, and Egypt Vision 2030 in terms of improving humans’ culture, and enhancing their identities, alongside asserting the role of arts as a universal language of communication between different nations and cultures.
Contributed by Rana Atef
