Nadine Abdel Ghaffar: Culture and creativity empower us to stand united in times of crises

- Akatsuki Takahashi: UNESCO is tracking policy measures emerged to ensure access to culture for all and to support current artists

By ; Mohamed El Daba

Art D’Egypte, an expert in organizing artistic and cultural exhibitions, announces the launch of the first online panel discussion about the Resiliart movement, with the participation of leading artists, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals, in cooperation with the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO. The discussion is aimed to raise awareness about the importance of cultural and creative industries in economic development, and explore how to maintain creativity and productivity during the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also tackles many of the problems facing creators. The opening speech was made by Dr. Ghada Abdel Bari, Secretary-General of the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO.

Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, Founder of Art D'Egypte, stated that, "The panel discussion comes as part of the Resiliart global movement that seeks to support artists and creators and encourages them to continue sharing their creativity in face of COVID-19. It also addresses the issues that encounter creators, explores the impact of COVID-19 on their artistic and creative works, and sheds light on their response to the pandemic and how this demonstrates the resilience and sustainability of creative practices. The discussion also touches upon the digital transformation and the new challenges and opportunities resulting from it, and eventually defines what needs to be done (by governments, partners, art associations, and industries) for artists and the creative industry to recover and better rebuild themselves under the new reality."

Abdel Ghaffar added, "The times of crises have shown us how culture and creativity empower us to stand united, and how our favorite films, songs, paintings, and sculptures give us comfort, strength and courage. Art is characterized by resilience and strength at the same time, and thus it inspires us to be the same. Industry professionals and artists continue to offer creative solutions and launch new initiatives that challenge the current events. Therefore, we see more virtual concerts, online museums, and festivals across the world, every day.”

The discussion panel was moderated by Malak Shenouda, and featured Akatsuki Takahashi, the PHD Programme Specialist at UNESCO Regional Bureau for Sciences in the Arab States, Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, and a number of artists.

During the discussion, Takahashi stated: “UNESCO focuses on heritage, contemporary arts, culture and creative industries. Today, in light of COVID-19, UNESCO is tracking policy measures emerged to ensure access to culture for all and to support current artists. Resiliart is an initiative started by UNESCO to advocate for sustainable development through advocacy for the arts. It is an online movement of sorts.”

On his part, visual artist and interior architect Karim El Hayawan said: “The bigger challenge was to adapt to our new day to day reality because I believe art as a practice is the reflection of our beliefs, daily routines, integration, impression, dialogue and connectivity. The pandemic gave me a lead to something that was pre-conceived and with more time, I had the chance to work with more attention”.

Visual artists Ahmed El Shaer also stated: “What occurred during the current pandemic is a new kind of practice, not only for artist but also for the audience”.

Visual artist Sherin Guirguis added: “Even though today technology is very much advanced, reproducing a painting or a sculpture online, does not do the job”.