The project

The art space “artellewa” is an independent, non-profit-project, initiated from several characters from different diciplines (fine arts, sociology, photgraphy), who came together in the conviction of a need of bringing art to areas far off from any organised cultural acitivities. Our work shall contribute to the cultural development and education of locals as well as for a better understanding for contemporary visual arts.The idea of doing art exhibitions in ard el lewa
We have several purposes. The idea behind this art space especially and the initiative in general is to bring cultural education in form of art exhibitions, performances and video shows to poorer educated people to offer them an extraordinary place of rest and relieve in a residential domain, where art is in general considered as a good of luxury.Furthermore with this art space we want to gain publicity for poorer areas like these, and to start building up informal structures of alternative education for the people of this area in general and for the younger egyptian population especially.

The area “ard el lewa”

Ard el lewa, a residential area in the north-west of giza, situated west of the railway, is one of the outskirt-slums of greater Cairo. Situated in between the two great informal areas boulag al dakrour and embaba, there is until now, although loads of people live here, no place or space for art or other cultural activities like movies, concerts or theatres existing .

The art space “artellewa”

The place itself is two small exhibition rooms, one small shop-like showcase of 2.5 x 2.5 meters, which is open to the street, so by-passers have a view inside the “shop”. In this room we present the work of different artists, which created their pieces especially for this concept of a small open space. Furthermore there is a roof top space (~80 sqm), where we plan to held discussions on the actual exhibitions (“meet the artist”), as well as art-lectures, workshops and films-screenings.