Heritage meets contemporary design in Art Jameel's alumni exhibition, January 3-6 2017

Dubai, UAE, December 27, 2016:  From January 3 to 6, 2017, Art Jameel presents its second alumni exhibition, displaying the work of students from the Art Jameel Programme for Traditional Arts and Crafts. Hosted by the British Council in Cairo, the programme alumni will exhibit a variety of traditional arts and crafts in different media, including wood, ceramic, gypsum, glass, metal and jewellery. An opening reception for the cultural community and leading local dignitaries will be held on January 3, 6 p.m.

'The work of the alumni represents the character of the programme,” said Mahmoud Sakr, who directs the Art Jameel programme in Cairo. “We aim to complete the journey of traditional arts and crafts and make new masterpieces that are inspired by our artistic heritage, and which are relevant to our contemporary context.'

Alumni Exhibition at the British Council, Cairo, January 2016 

Established in 2008 as a partnership between Art Jameel, the Prince's School of Traditional Arts, and Egypt's Ministry of Culture, the two-year programme at the Foustat Traditional Crafts Center teaches young Egyptians  traditional arts and crafts and aims to provide job opportunities for graduates. More than 55 graduates have gone on to teach at academic institutions, venture into the world of furniture design, and hold successful exhibitions of their artwork. 2016's graduating class consisted of 17 promising students working in three specialisations: ceramics, wood and metalwork.

The annual alumni exhibition provides an opportunity for former students of the programme to exhibit artworks completed since graduation, and for art-lovers to acquire the valuable works: pieces on display are for sale. Last year's inaugural alumni exhibition, also held at the British Council, was a great success, with more than 110 pieces of woodwork, ceramics, and jewelry displayed by 14 artists. This year, Art Jameel expects an even broader range of contributions from its alumni, making for a truly engaging exhibition, where heritage and contemporary design intersect.

Mohamed Attiya, 2016 Graduates (wood work)

The second annual alumni exhibition of the Art Jameel Programme for Traditional Arts and Crafts will be held at the British Council, 192 El Nil Street, Agouza, Cairo, between 3 and 6 January 2016.  Opening hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.