Migrating Gallery
Al Azhar Park, created by Agha Khan Foundation, has hosted an outstanding exhibition, which lined up Cairo, Paris and Athens on a “Mediterranean Line” axis by displaying the works by renowned Egyptian, French and Greek artists. The aim was to illustrate the values common between these three civilisations. The “Migrating Gallery” will then travel between the three capitals with three to six shows every year, so that the project may act as a cultural bridge.
Flamenco in Cairo
Spanish dancer and choreographer Antonio Gades, a myth of flamenco and the creator of landmark choreographies for Carmen, Blood Wedding, Amor Brujo and Suite Flamenca, set up a foundation just before he died in 2004. Its most important project was a dance company that would preserve his artistic heritage and perform his masterpieces, taking the best of Spanish dancing all over the world. To raving audiences, the Company has toured Egypt for the first time performing Carmen and Blood Wedding at the Cairo Opera House and at the Sayed Darwish Theatre in Alexandria. There was also a special performance of Suite Flamenca for the Gala Night of the Cairo International Film Festival on 18 November.
Japan in New Valley
A contract was recently signed between the Japanese embassy in Cairo and the New Horizon Association for Social Development, by virtue of which Japan will extend $81,653 for the establishment of an agricultural vocational training facility in the New Valley governorate. This is the third such project in that region sponsored by Japan since last year. The New Valley consists of a huge land area but water is scarce, thus farmers there can merely produce food enough for their daily meals. The New Horizon is planning a vocational training facility to help underprivileged farmers increase their agricultural produce. Through the Japanese grant, the facility will be provided with a cultivator, a composting machine and irrigation system for 100 feddans. The grant is extended under the Japanese Government’s Assistance Scheme for Grassroots and Human Security Projects. This scheme was launched in Egypt in 1994 and 116 projects have been already implemented by the end of March 2008, totalling some $4.55 million.
King Khufu’s Boat
Also under the Japanese Assistance Scheme for Cultural Grassroots Projects, Japan is extending a $88,495 grant to the Institute for Restoration of King Khufu’s Second Solar Boat. The sum will go for a work tent that will be used to preserve the wooden pieces of the second solar boat while excavating and reconstructing it. Inside the tent, the temperature and humidity will be maintained at the level suitable to preserve the wooden pieces.
Japanese Language
The Japanese Embassy in Cairo has joined Cairo University in celebrating the provision of Japanese language learning equipment to the university through a Japanese grant of LE1.86 million. Cairo University’s Department of Japanese Language and Literature was established in 1974, and is one of the most competitive and popular departments in Cairo University. The project aims at further improving the educational environment for Japanese-language-learning students.