The visually-arresting styles of modern Egytian art are given a fantastic showcase at the Al Nitaq festival in Cairo, held in February or March each year.
Galleries and exhibition spaces all over the city participate in this superb event, which incorporates everything from traditional mediums like painting and sculpture to contemporary work involving natural materials and technology.
As well as the visual arts, literature and performances are key parts of the festival too, with theatre events, workshops, poetry readings and many more highlights on the schedule, making this is well-rounded and comprehensive look at modern Egypt and its relationship with the world through art.
The festival began in 2000 and ran in 2001, but political difficulties meant that it was abandoned for several years, before making its reappearance in 2007 – much to the relief of the strong Egyptian art scene and both its young and established figures.
Visitors on Egypt tours should make a point of including some of the shows or openings into their sightseeing, particularly at the famous and historic Townhouse Gallery, in order to gain an insight into the modern face of Egyptian art and culture.