Creativity Shaping Impact
Spotlighting Handicrafts and Performing Arts at the Grand Egyptian Museum
26 November 2024
On November 18, 2024, DROSOS Foundation and Nahdet El Mahrousa co-hosted an exclusive gathering at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) to spotlight the transformative impact of Egypt’s creative industries.
This event marked a significant milestone, highlighting the impact of Nahdet El Mahrousa’s five-year collaboration with DROSOS Foundation, a Swiss-based nonprofit. Their joint efforts have supported social enterprises in handicrafts and performing arts, preserving cultural heritage, promoting dialogue, creating jobs, and expanding access to global markets.
In addition to offering DROSOS Foundation’s board members the opportunity to experience the program’s achievements firsthand, the gathering welcomed prominent guests and key stakeholders from both the handicrafts and performing arts industries.
Highlights from the Evening
The evening featured speeches from key figures in creative industries, including senior leadership from DROSOS Foundation, Nahdet El Mahrousa, and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Guests also explored a live exhibit showcasing a dozen handicraft startups, each representing a rich tapestry of creative products.
These startups—Jozee, Bagaweet, Tayet’s, Threads of Hope, ElHaddad, Norag, Athar Lina, Turath Genawy, Kendaka, Jazeel, VeryNile, and Gezazy— are reshaping Egypt’s cultural landscape, addressing pressing social challenges, and generating economic value.
Artistic performances set the tone for the evening, beginning with a rendition of El Leila El Kebira, a puppet musical that has been a cultural staple in Egypt since the 1960s, presented by Fabrica Musical Theater.
This was followed by a contemporary dance piece choreographed by Hazem Header, Founder and Artistic Director of Breaking Walls. Exclusively created for this gathering, the choreography depicted Egypt’s evolving identity, showcasing the impact of cultural shifts on dress, behavior, and beliefs through dynamic movement and costume.
Both Fabrica and Breaking Walls are alumni of Nahdet El Mahrousa’s five-year program, in partnership with DROSOS Foundation.
Notable Elements
At the event’s closing, small group thematic discussions were held to encourage dialogue among participants, exploring the intersections of creativity with technology, sustainability, and global reach.
The venue also played a key role in reflecting the program’s goals. Serving as a bridge between Egypt’s cultural heritage and global audiences, the museum symbolizes the program’s efforts to elevate Egyptian crafts and arts to the international stage.
Reflections from Attendees
The event left a lasting impression on attendees, who praised both the quality of the presentations and the overall atmosphere.
“It was a great way to showcase Nahdet El Mahrousa’s impact and highlight the incredible talents you support. Excellent curation, venue choice, and warm energy,” said Mohamed Rahmy, Director of Private Sector Engagement UCCD (USAID funded project) at the American University in Cairo and former Managing Director at Endeavor Egypt.
Cathy Costain, Head of Arts Programmes at the British Council in Egypt, also echoed his sentiment.
“I want to go back and see the Art Space again—beautiful products,” she added.
Looking Ahead
While this event was invite-only, a larger, week-long public showcase of Egypt’s creative industries, Fenoon El Mahrousa, is scheduled for December 8–14, across different venues. The showcase will feature expanded exhibits, live performances, and activities for a broader audience. Pre-registration is now open for attendees.
In the meantime, the creative startups featured at the GEM event will continue to exhibit at the GEM Art Space 2 until Friday November 29, offering opportunities for external visitors to explore their work firsthand.
Through its support of creative social entrepreneurs, DROSOS Foundation and Nahdet El Mahrousa are driving cultural preservation, economic growth, and innovation, paving the way for a thriving future for Egypt’s creative industries.
About Fenoon El Mahrousa
Fenoun El Mahrousa bridges creative industries, entrepreneurship, and the social impact born from their intersection. The week-long event features cultural and creative activities from across Egypt, celebrating art, innovation, and community.
