El Mesaحa Art and Culture Centre was officially inaugurated in February 2012. Founded as a corporate social responsibility initiative from Career Gates, established by the MSA University, the centre prides itself as a place for artists and performers to learn and grow and hopes to become a hub for young Egyptian talent. It would be easy to miss the wonderful brown and orange villa that is the home of the Mesaحa Art and Culture Centre in the crowded Mesaha Street in Dokki. The Arabic letter in the middle of the name is intentional, it emphasises the multicultural vision of the Mesaحa Art and Culture Centre. The name of the centre does not just refer to the street it is in, the literal translation of the word mesaha is ‘space' and adequately describes what the founders intended to create. The idea behind the name, according to the centre was to “to create a new visual identity by mixing between the Arabic ornamental arts and modern life." A good example of this vision can be found in the music courses on offer at Mesaحa; you can learn how to play oriental instruments like the Nay and Oud as well as piano and modern drums. The centre also provides arts, crafts and cinematography and photography courses. The courses are comprehensive and run over several weeks and are offered in several levels. They are a little costly though, ranging from EGP 600 to EGP 900 per level, but offer good value for money. If you do not have time for a full course there is ample opportunity to partake in a workshop, and the price is more affordable. Workshops are organised on a large variety subjects, ranging from origami, to aircraft modelling and make-up and cost around EGP 150. Mesaحa hosts a variety of events ranging from fashion shows and bazaars to cultural days and film seminars, film weeks and exhibitions. Hany Adly, the Senior Events Coordinator and member of the management team said the centre hosts six to nine exhibitions each month in three different halls. “To encourage young artists we charge them a nominal fee to showcase their work. Our events are open to everyone and we do not charge an admittance fee, unless they are private events," he told The Daily News Egypt. One of our favourite activities in Mesaحa is their cinema club. It is the perfect venue to sit back, relax and enjoy those foreign films and independent movies that are rarely shown in the traditional cinemas. If you need a break and are looking to do something that is both fun and culturally enriching, be sure to keep an eye out for the centre's monthly schedule.
