The Small Artworks Salon, a long-standing event in Cairo's Arts Complex, is returning after a hiatus of over two decades. Applications are now open for its new edition, which aims to showcase creative experiments within a compact format. The event was first launched in 1997 by artist Ahmed Nawar and continued with successive editions until 2003. The salon provided a platform for diverse artistic experiments and generations of Egyptian artists, featuring various art forms, including sculpture, painting, and photography.
One of the most successful editions was held in 2003, attracting 519 artists and featuring approximately 1,092 artworks. The exhibition included 17 award-winning artists in various fields. Earlier editions were accompanied by large-format catalogues documenting the participating artists and artworks, preserving a visual record of the exhibitions. The salon's return is expected to renew its role as a space for visual experimentation and concentrated artistic expression within a unified 20 x 20 cm format.
The new edition is organised around the theme “Twinship of Music and Form... Between the Ear and the Eye,” with Dr Ahmed Ragab Saqr serving as general curator. The theme invites artists to explore the connections between audible rhythm and visual structure, translating melody, movement, and harmony into condensed visual expressions. This theme encourages artists to think creatively about the relationship between music and visual art.
The fields open for participation are painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture. Applications are open to Egyptian artists who will be at least 25 years old as of 1 December 2026. Interested artists can follow announcements from the Fine Arts Sector for updates on the application process and participation requirements. This provides an opportunity for Egyptian artists to showcase their work and experiment with new ideas.
The Small Artworks Salon has a history of providing a platform for diverse artistic experiments and generations of Egyptian artists. Its return is expected to have a significant impact on the Egyptian art scene, offering a unique opportunity for artists to showcase their work and connect with a wider audience. The salon's compact format allows for a focused and intense artistic experience.
The event's revival is a significant development for the Egyptian art scene, which has seen a range of initiatives and exhibitions in recent years. The Small Artworks Salon's emphasis on experimentation and creative expression aligns with the broader goals of promoting artistic innovation and diversity. The event's return is expected to contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of Cairo.
The Small Artworks Salon's new edition is set to take place at the Arts Complex, a Ministry of Culture visual arts venue. The event's organisers are expected to provide a comprehensive platform for artists to showcase their work, with a focus on promoting artistic excellence and innovation. The salon's return after a 20-year hiatus is a significant event for the Egyptian art scene, offering a unique opportunity for artists to connect with a wider audience.
Key points
- The Small Artworks Salon returns to Cairo's Arts Complex after a 20-year hiatus, inviting artists to explore connections between music and visual form.
- The new edition features a unified 20 x 20 cm format and is open to Egyptian artists aged 25 and above.
- The event's theme, “Twinship of Music and Form... Between the Ear and the Eye,” encourages artists to translate melody, movement, and harmony into condensed visual expressions.
