Shaware3na (Our Streets)

The sociopolitical changes, after the 25th of January revolution, have opened new “stages” for performers and artists: streets, squares and other public spaces so that art is becoming more vivid and interactive in every day life.

 

The Danish Egyptian Dialogue Institute (DEDI) along with Mahatat, a multi-cultural mobile art space founded in 2011 by five individuals from different national and professional backgrounds, are partnering to launch “Shawer3na” project in an effort to support freedom of artistic expression.

 

Shaware3na will take place in the streets of Cairo and around popular street institutions such as local coffee shops, famous buildings and yards and the Cairo metro. It should start on January 18th until June 23rd 2012.

 

The project goals are formulated to establish arts in public space, increase awareness by citizens about arts in public space, further acceptance and interest in public space events by citizens and develop networks between artists, cultural entities and citizens.

 

Activities of the project include the following:

 

Art of Transit: literary and comedic one-man/one-woman performances in wagons of both lines of the Cairo metro;

 

Public Screen: A number of public screenings of film and video art

 

Stop and Dance: an inter-cultural contemporary dance project. Egyptian and international established dancers are holding a workshop for young Egyptian dancers to introduce them to contemporary dance and performance in public space;

 

Performance timeframe: April 1 – 15, 2012

 

For more information about the performances, please email info@mahatatcollective.com

 

The Tree Project: a participatory art project that takes place in Dokki. Residents and artists will work together on artistic designs for the trees of the neighborhood. The material will range from eco-friendly paint over cloth to light and sound.