Former Culture Min Farouk Hosny Receives Nile Award & Donates Prize to Abu El Rish Children's Hospital

Former Egyptian Minister of Culture and renowned artist Farouk Hosny has announced that he will donate the full EGP 500,000 cash prize accompanying his 2026 Nile Award in Arts to Abu El Rish Children's Hospital.

Hosny made the announcement shortly after being named this year's recipient of the prestigious award by Egypt's Supreme Council of Culture, expressing his pride in receiving the country's highest cultural honour.

The veteran artist thanked the institutions that nominated him for the award, including Cairo University, the Academy of Arts, the Actors' Syndicate, and the Society of Art Lovers, describing their support as a reflection of appreciation and loyalty. 

He also extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, the Supreme Council of Culture, and its members for their confidence in his career.

While pledging to keep the symbolic value of the Nile Award, Hosny said he wanted its financial reward to benefit society through supporting children's healthcare.

"I am honoured to keep the award's moral value. At the same time, I am donating its financial value to Abu El Rish Children's Hospital, believing that the impact of culture and art is only complete when it serves society and humanity," he said.

Hosny also congratulated all recipients of the 2026 State Awards, wishing them continued success in their artistic and academic careers.

The Nile Award, presented annually by the Supreme Council of Culture, is Egypt's highest state honour in the fields of arts, literature and social sciences. In addition to a gold medal and certificate, the award carries a cash prize of EGP 500,000.

One of Egypt's most prominent contemporary artists, Hosny served as Minister of Culture from 1987 to 2011, overseeing major cultural initiatives, including the launch of the Grand Egyptian Museum project. 

Since leaving office, he has remained active in the arts through international exhibitions and the Farouk Hosny Foundation for Culture and Arts, which inaugurated the Farouk Hosny Museum of Arts in Zamalek earlier this year.