Egypt, Elsewedy review progress on Ain Sokhna phosphate complex    US employment cost index 3.6% up in year to June 2025    Egypt welcomes Canada, Malta's decision to recognise Palestinian state    Pakistan says successfully concluded 'landmark trade deal' with US    Sterling set for sharpest monthly drop since 2022    Egypt, Brazil sign deal to boost pharmaceutical cooperation    Modon Holding posts AED 2.1bn net profit in H1 2025    Egypt's Electricity Ministry says new power cable for Giza area operational    Egypt's Al-Sisi, Italian defence minister discuss Gaza, security cooperation    Egypt's FM discusses Gaza, Nile dam with US senators    Aid airdrops intensify as famine deepens in Gaza amid mounting international criticism    Egypt exports first high-tech potato seeds to Uzbekistan after opening market    Health minister showcases AI's impact on healthcare at Huawei Cloud Summit    On anti-trafficking day, Egypt's PM calls fight a 'moral and humanitarian duty'    Egypt strengthens healthcare partnerships to enhance maternity, multiple sclerosis, and stroke care    Egypt keeps Gaza aid flowing, total tops 533,000 tons: minister    Indian Embassy to launch cultural festival in Assiut, film fest in Cairo    Egyptian aid convoy heads toward Gaza as humanitarian crisis deepens    Culture minister launches national plan to revive film industry, modernise cinematic assets    I won't trade my identity to please market: Douzi    Sisi sends letter to Nigerian president affirming strategic ties    Two militants killed in foiled plot to revive 'Hasm' operations: Interior ministry    Egypt, Somalia discuss closer environmental cooperation    Egypt's EHA, Huawei discuss enhanced digital health    Foreign, housing ministers discuss Egypt's role in African development push    Egypt reveals heritage e-training portal    Three ancient rock-cut tombs discovered in Aswan    Sisi launches new support initiative for families of war, terrorism victims    Egypt expands e-ticketing to 110 heritage sites, adds self-service kiosks at Saqqara    Egypt's Irrigation Minister urges scientific cooperation to tackle water scarcity    Palm Hills Squash Open debuts with 48 international stars, $250,000 prize pool    On Sport to broadcast Pan Arab Golf Championship for Juniors and Ladies in Egypt    Golf Festival in Cairo to mark Arab Golf Federation's 50th anniversary    Germany among EU's priciest labour markets – official data    Paris Olympic gold '24 medals hit record value    A minute of silence for Egyptian sports    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



Doum poses questions through culture
Published in Daily News Egypt on 15 - 09 - 2013

A new nonprofit cultural foundation in Egypt aiming to assist the development of critical mentality in Egyptian society, the Doum Cultural Foundation, has been established in Giza. Doum's mission is to encourage the culture of questioning because "without questions, the path to enlightenment cannot progress," as cited on their website.
Doum's headquarters are located in Agouza where their workshops and activities are held. Doum believes that "we are living a critical historical moment in the history of Egypt and the Arab World, a moment in which the youth, which makes up more than two thirds of Egypt's population, is thirsting for knowledge and ready to take on something new," as stated on their website. The vision of the foundation is further explained as adopting "a cultural strategy that seeks the delivering of knowledge to the largest number of people in various places. Through asking questions, people can attain the kind of knowledge that suits the phase we live in."
Doum, which is the name of an Egyptian fruit used to make a a popular beverage, is founded by the Egyptian novelist Khaled El-Khamesy, who is famous for the book Taxi. The official opening of Doum will take place on 25 September in spite of the fact that its activities have already started.
Doum organises workshops and cultural activities. "We organise different artistic workshops every month, for example the Drawing using Textile workshop, a workshop in patchwork, and Wire Sculpture: Incorporating metal wire in Jewelry Making workshop; an art which goes back to the second dynasty of Egypt," said Essam Nasr, the manager of the centre. Nasr said that both kinds of art had been popular among ancient Egyptians, "both art forms have great history and are considered among the authentic ancient Egyptian arts. Doum is trying to revive them in modern Egypt," Nasr added.
The Doum Caricature Academy is another activity that targets cartoonists that already have developed some skills. "The school aims to give students the experience and tools to become future professional cartoon artists," Nasr explained. It is regarded as the first school specialised in teaching the art of caricature in Egypt, and it works together with the Egypt Cartoon Group.
The art of caricature in Egypt has a popular base; it is the art of criticism that conveys its message in simple and hilarious drawings, and Doum hopes to push the art forward.
Nasr explained that the foundation is divided into a foundation and cultural centre, the centre is where different cultural activities take place. "We have two performances every week; on Saturday we have the Saturday of Arts, in which we have theatrical performances and dance, and a discussion of a book," Nasr said.
Every Wednesday Doum presents Assir Doum, Doum Juice, a performance based on research of dance, music, writing that shows the different angles of one specific topic. "Assir Doum doesn't seek the answers, but aims to arouse question marks," Nasr said, adding that the event includes music, acting and a lecture. "It is important for the mind to think and wonder and our role is supporting the critical mind."
The Doum Foundation will organise their activities around various governorates, "we will have an event in Qena soon," Nasr said.


Clic here to read the story from its source.