Minister of Culture inaugurates the activities of the ninth edition of the Cairo International Forum for the Art of Arabic Calligraphy
Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hano: Arabic calligraphy is a living art that is renewed and developed through generations and it is an inexhaustible source that inspires artists and creators throughout the ages.
Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hano, Minister of Culture, inaugurated the activities of the ninth edition of the Cairo International Forum for the Art of Arabic Calligraphy, "The Great Calligrapher Mohamed Hamam Edition, which is organized by the Cultural Development Fund Sector. Headed by architect Hamdi El-Satohi, Assistant Minister for Cultural Projects and Supervisor of the Fund Sector, in cooperation with the Egyptian Society for Arabic Calligraphy. This edition bears the slogan "Renewed Building." it was attended by : Dr. Osama Talaat, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Culture; Dr. Walid Qanoush, Head of the Plastic Arts Sector; the great artist Mohamed Baghdadi, General Commissar of the Forum; and an array of participating artists.
Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hano, Minister of Culture, said that the Arabic Calligraphy Forum celebrates art that reflects our identity and the Islamic civilization. As we celebrate this great art, we celebrate our history and civilization, and we emphasize the importance of preserving this precious legacy, through which we emphasize that Arabic calligraphy is not just a traditional art, but rather a living art that is renewed and developed with each generation. It is an inexhaustible source that inspires artists and creators throughout the ages. In our contemporary world, characterized by speed and technological development, Arabic calligraphy still maintains its charm and magic, as a way of self-expression and a gateway to beauty and creativity.
The Minister of Culture called on artists, calligraphers, researchers, and fans of Arabic calligraphy to participate actively in the Activities of this forum and to contribute to enriching this ancient cultural heritage. And to pass it on to future generations as a witness to our creativity and civilization.
The activities of the new edition began with the opening of the "General Exhibition of Arabic Calligraphy" at the Palace of Arts, in the Opera Square, with the participation of 160 male and female artists from 16 Arab and foreign countries, namely: "United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, India, Lebanon, Poland, Sultanate of Oman, Iraq, China, Syria, Indonesia, Morocco, Thailand, Libya, Italy, Yemen.
The number of participants in the official competition of the forum reached 80 contestants from Egypt and 31 foreign and Arab contestants, in addition to the participation of a group of senior calligraphers, guests of honor , honorees, and the participating trainees from the "Khader Al-Borsaidi School of Arabic Calligraphy in Cairo," numbering 35 male and female students.
The activities also included organizing an International Scientific Symposium held at Al-Hanager Cinema from 25 to 27 October 2024, which discusses and presents several academic researches related to the arts of Arabic calligraphy, in addition to presenting specialized artistic workshops that provide Rich practical experiences for those interested in Arabic calligraphy.