Hypatia Art Week
Hypatia Art Week is a groundbreaking week-long cultural festival dedicated to women in the arts, held in the historic city of Alexandria, Egypt. Organized by the Kemet Foundation for Development , this vibrant event celebrates the creativity, resilience, and vision of female artists, designers, filmmakers, and artisans from across Egypt and around the world. Taking place across iconic cultural venues—including El Horryea Creativity Center, the Russian House, and the Italian Consulate—the festival transforms Alexandria into a dynamic platform for artistic expression, dialogue, and empowerment.
Location: Multiple Cultural Venues, Alexandria
Duration: 1 Week
Closing Ceremony Venue: El Horryea Creativity Center
Focus Areas: Female Empowerment | Cultural Exchange | Art Tourism | Community Engagement | Creative Economy
Participation: 185 female artists and creatives from 11 countries, including Egypt, Palestine, Greece, Lebanon, Mexico, Russia, France, and Spain
Event Highlights
Visual Arts Exhibition
Showcasing over 60 artworks by 45 female painters, sculptors, and mixed-media artists, this exhibition highlights diverse cultural narratives and artistic styles. Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture, it attracted more than 1,000 visitors and provided a prestigious platform for women to gain visibility in the fine arts scene.
Anamel Handicrafts & Heritage Exhibition
Over 40 Egyptian female artisans displayed traditional handmade crafts—leatherwork, pottery, embroidery, and shell art—preserving intangible cultural heritage while creating economic opportunities. Hosted under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the exhibition drew 700+ visitors and celebrated the artistry embedded in Egypt’s identity.
Fashion & Jewelry Show
Alexandria’s first all-female-led fashion showcase featured 23 young designers and entrepreneurs, presenting innovative collections in fashion and jewelry. Held at the Russian House, the event also trained 20 aspiring models and filled a critical gap in the local creative ecosystem.
Screening of Short Films by Female Filmmakers
The Italian Consulate hosted a powerful cinematic experience featuring films by 7 Egyptian women directors, exploring themes of gender, climate, and family. Followed by live Q&A sessions, the screening fostered dialogue and highlighted women’s growing influence in audiovisual storytelling.
Musical Night
A classical concert by violinist Hala Hassan and pianist Sally Magdy captivated 400 attendees with moving performances, reaffirming women’s contributions to music and high art.
Women’s Talk: Stories of Inspiration
Six pioneering women—from former Governor Nadia Abdou to filmmaker Dina Abdel Salam —shared their journeys in leadership, art, and culture, inspiring a full audience of young creatives and community members.
Workshops & Capacity Building
Hypatia Art Week invested in the next generation through hands-on training:
- A Digital Game Design workshop (with the British Council and British University in Egypt) introduced 20 young women to coding and game development.
- A Comics Character Design workshop (in partnership with the Greek Cultural Foundation) nurtured storytelling and illustration skills among aspiring female artists.
Hypatia Art Week aims to position Alexandria as a leading hub for women in culture and creativity, aligning with its recognition as a 2025 Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue by the Union for the Mediterranean (UFM). The event directly supports 9 UN Sustainable Development Goals , including Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work (SDG 8), and Sustainable Cities (SDG 11).
With over 70% of participants achieving direct sales , 25 new partnership agreements , and widespread media and diplomatic engagement, Hypatia Art Week is more than a festival—it is a movement. It empowers women economically, elevates their artistic voices, and fosters international collaboration, all while enriching Alexandria’s cultural landscape.
By centering women as creators, leaders, and innovators, Hypatia Art Week is shaping the future of the creative industries—one bold, brilliant woman at a time
