Today marks the launch of the “Cairo Calling” program for performing Arab artists, which includes two key activities: a residency and training program for emerging artists and a performance showcase. The
program will also feature several of their performances during the 12th edition of the Downtown
Contemporary Arts Festival (D-CAF), taking place from October 17 to November 10.

The training program hosts 13 emerging Arab artists in the field of performing arts, based in Egypt, the
Arab world, and the United Kingdom, for a three-week intensive residency and training program. Morning
sessions focus on the participants’ artistic approaches and styles, as well as how to promote their work
regionally and internationally, enabling the artists to develop both their artistic and professional skills
simultaneously. The participants will also attend and engage with performances at the Downtown
Contemporary Arts Festival (D-CAF), with opportunities to meet and discuss the festival’s performances
with the artists after the shows

During the three-week program, participants will also work on presentations to pitch their projects to
programmers from the Arab world and the UK. The program will also feature 8 performances by emerging Arab artists based in Egypt, the Arab world, and the UK, to be showcased to the Cairo audience and a curated group of programmers. The aim is to highlight innovative work that addresses contemporary issues and showcases new artistic perspectives.

The “Cairo Calling” program is an initiative launched by the International Forum for Contemporary Arab
Arts, aimed at supporting Arab artists and the contemporary Arab art scene. The forum provides platforms for showcasing Arab artists’ works, producing artworks for established artists, and amplifying diverse artistic voices in the region. The program also paves the way for financial stability for artists, expands their audience base, and promotes mutual understanding between the Arab world and other cultures, with the support of the British Council.

Cairo Calling: Arab Emerging Performing Artists based in Egypt, the Arab World, & the UK is an initiative
by the Arab Arts Focus (AAF) aimed at supporting Arab artists and promoting contemporary arts. AAF
provides platforms for showcasing Arab performances, producing works for established artists, and
expanding their reach globally. Through its efforts, AAF seeks to secure financial stability for artists,
broaden their audiences, and foster cultural exchange between the Arab world and other regions. The
program is with the support of the British Council.