A much-needed facelift It seems hard to believe that this shot was taken by Sherif Sonbol at Al-Muizz Street, in the heart of Fatimid Cairo. The Ministry of Culture has done a fine job of restoring the historical street, renewing the monuments, dealing with the underground water problem and adding a nice touch of golden lights at night. The monumental problems that lie beyond the walls of the same street would seem so distant to the casual observer. Within the framework of celebrations to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Egypt and under the patronage of Culture Minister Farouk Hosni, Ambassador of Mexico to Egypt Jaime Nualart and President of the Fine Arts Sector Mohsen Shaalan, the " Sensacional Mexican Street Graphics" exhibition was inaugurated at the Qait Bay Palace in Alexandria. Over a four-year period, more than 30 Mexican artists photographed the popular graphic art that decorates store fronts, windows, vehicles, posters and magazines all over Mexico to create the collection. The exhibition consists of drawings, posters, paintings, murals, labels and signs of the most varied advertisements that show the vitality of Mexican design. The exhibition will continue till 17 August 2008, running daily from 10am to 2pm and from 6 to 10pm. "National Reactions" was the title of the art exhibition inaugurated at the headquarters of the Arab League last week by the Arab League secretary-general assistant Mohamed Sobieh and a galaxy of plastic artists. The exhibition showcases oil paintings, drawings, portraits and sculpture by six artists: Magdi Mahmoud, Mohsen Darwish, Murtada Anis, Hossam Rabie, Youssef Abdallah and Al-Ahram art critic Nagwa El-Ashri. It is running through 2 August. Under the auspices of the newly named head of the General Organisation of Culture Palaces Ahmed Megahed, the Beautiful Art Caravan moved from Port Said carrying 28 children to Cairo to visit a number of its landmarks. They visited the Modern Art Museum at the Cairo Opera House and enjoyed a rich cultural programme with the help of head of the Children's Culture Palace Zeinab El-Assal, after which they headed to Al-Fustat Park for some outdoor fun. photos: Abdel-Hamid Eid Lebanese pop singer Elissa delivered a thrilling performance at La Hacienda Village in Ras Sedr, which lasted until the early morning hours. The celebrated singer had the audience chanting along as she sang her favourite pieces in her first concert this summer in Ras Sedr. The Middle East Music Awards celebration was held at the Mena House Oberoi Hotel to choose the best music stars for 2007. Lebanese Rami Ayash received the award of best male singer, Morrocan Samira Said was the best female singer, while the award for best music arrangement went to Tareq Madkour. Best composer was given to Walid Saad, best lyricist went to Ayman Bahgat Qamar, and Rami Sabri received the award for best rising singer. At a ceremony held at the Cairo Opera House's Creativity Centre, the Mohamed Shebl Award for Filmmaking was given to filmmaker Saad Hendawi for his movie Alwan Al-Sama Al-Sabaa (Heaven's Seven Colours), while the award for the best short film was granted to Aidy Nazifa (Clean Hands) directed by Karim Fanous. The prizes were handed over by head of the Egyptian Writers Union and Al-Ahram Hebdo Chief Editor Mohamed Salmawi. In the presence of Alexandria Governor Adel Labib, the Sixth Alexandria International Song and Music Festival was opened at Sayed Darwish Hall in Alexandria. The opening was attended by the festival director, multi-talented artist Samir Sabri, and its honorary director, gorgeous actress Yossra. A galaxy of singers were given awards, such as Mohamed Hamza and Fayza Kamel. This year's round was dedicated to the name of late composer Baligh Hamdi. Among this year's participants were Lebanese pop singer Pascal Meshealani, Nelly and Poussi. On the sidelines of the festival, veteran Algerian singer Warda gave a concert after long years of absence. Warda 's concert was preceded by a belly dancing show presented by Dina. Al-Ahram cartoonist Said Badawi had his second collection of children books released this week. Published by Al-Zahraa Library, the collection is made up of six parts, each telling a simple story through colourful illustrations in a manner that is appealing to children. An English version of the collection has recently gone to press.
