Introduction

In their attempt to achieve a state of cultural integration that will add new streams to the efforts of creative artists and emphasize the Egyptian identity in such culture. The Egyptian Ministry of Culture (through its Cultural Development Fund) and the City of Luxor Supreme Council have joined their endeavours to achieve such objective, and collectively decided to allocate a group of houses situated in the vicinity of the cemeteries and temples area, previously owned by the people of the village of 'Gorna' who were relocated to a new village, to become the quarters of a multi-purpose International Studio with various objectives.

 

Studio Objectives

The aim of Luxor International Studio is to provide an opportunity for Creative Artists from Egypt and the World to produce their art in the historical atmosphere surrounded by the ancient Egyptian heritage with all its unique forms and images, and to encourage new artistic visions with extended historical roots that could add to the enrichment of the Art Movement in Egypt and the World, and;

·      Create an area for sharing artistic experiences between Egyptian and Expatriate Artists participating in the studio and its cultural and artistic activities.

·      Enable Artists take advantage of the serenity and simplicity of the City of Luxor that could help focus and immersion in the creative experience. 

·      Make use of the works of art donated by participating Artists to the studio – which will become the property of the Cultural Development Fund – to start the Studio Museum and to be put on display in other locations and establishments.

 Artists Participation

Artists participation will be in one of the following four forms:

1.    Studio Grant for Young Artists.

2.    Resident Artist.

3.    Luxor International Forum.

4.    Artistic Skills Development Program for Amateurs.

 

1. Studio Grant

·      Grants will be announced through daily newspapers, Art Education Establishments, and Creative Artists Society.

·      Grants will be offered to young Artists selected from Art Colleges Graduates, whose age may not exceed 30 years.

·      Grant duration will be three to six months, starting on the 1st of October and ending on the 30th of March each year.

·      The Studio High Committee will select a number of 12-15 Artists after reviewing their Works of Art and their CVs, in accordance with the rules and conditions set by the committee.

·      The accepted Artist will be granted a monthly amount of EP1000.00 (One Thousand Egyptian Pounds) for personal expenses, plus a materials allowance of EP 1000.00 (One Thousand Egyptian Pounds) every three months, and a two way train ticket to Luxor.

·      Two Committee Members will be selected to supervise the group of Artists in the Studio.

·      Two Works of Art will be selected from the work of each Artist taking advantage of the grant to be added to the studio museum collection.

·      At the end of each course an exhibition for the group of Artists will be organised in the Studio Hall and Art Halls in Cairo and other cities.

·      The Artist will be given at the end of his residency course a document confirming his receipt of the Studio Grant. 

 

2. Resident Artist (Egyptian or Expatriate)  

·      Artists will be invited through various means of media as well as the Studio website.

·      Age of Artist applying for participation may not be less than 30 years (Expatriate Artists will be exempted from this condition)

·      Artists are required to provide their CVs and photos showing examples of their work of art, and a statement explaining why would residing in the studio be an advantage, specifying the period of time they require, providing it is not less than one month and not more than three months.

·      Resident Artist selection by the committee will be based on the extent of relationship between  the Artist's experience and the studio's objectives.

·      Each Artist will be granted a monthly materials allowance of EP500.00 (Five Hundred Egyptian Pounds).

·      The Cultural Development Fund will cover the cost of one return journey from Cairo to Luxor.

·      At the end of the period granted, the Resident Artist will donate one work of art to the Studio Museum.

·      Resident Artists may not apply for another residency until three years have elapsed from their previous participation.

 

3.  Luxor International Symposium for Creative Arts

·      The Studio will organise an annual symposium for creative arts, the theme of which will be recommended by the Top Committee.

·      Duration of the symposium will be three weeks during the month of April of every year.

·      The number of participants in each symposium will be 25 Artists (Five Arab, Ten Expatriates and Ten Egyptian Artists).

·      The symposium will include a workshop relevant to the symposium topic, a meeting to discuss the recommended topic, and an exhibition for workshop products.  

·      Three distinguished guests (1 Expatriate, 1 Arab and 1 Egyptian) with artistic experience relevant to the symposium topic, will be honoured and a catalogue of their work will be printed in both Arabic and English. 

·      Artists participating in the symposium will be awarded a sum of US$1000.00 (One Thousand US Dollars) or the equivalent in Egyptian pounds to the Expatriate Artist, and EP3000.00 (Three Thousand Egyptian Pounds) to the Egyptian Artist.

·      The symposium will provide internal transportation for the Artists as well as basic artistic materials. A touristic and cultural program will be available for the duration of the symposium.

·      Guests of honour will be provided with internal and external transportation including return air tickets.

 

4. Artistic Skills Development Program for Amateurs

·      The Studio will organise a course of Art Studies for amateurs who wish to receive training and develop their artistic skills in the areas of Painting, Photography,  Graphics and Sculpture.

·      Studio Manager will determine the appropriate learning program which will be approved by the High Committee.

·      Study term will be three months – three days per week – with enrolment fees of EP300.00 (Three Hundred Egyptian Pounds) or the equivalent in Euros or US Dollars for Expatriates. The Studio Manager may exempt a number of students from paying the fees in some cases after making presentation to the High Committee.

·      The Studio will provide basic materials to the students.

·      The Instructor will develop the study curriculum of his subject in consultation with the Studio Manager.

·      The Studio Manager will recommend the awards to be paid to Instructors and their Assistants with the approval of the High Committee.

Studio Organisation Structure

1. Permanent High Committee

·      A High Committee for the studios will be formed by a Minister of Culture Decree.

·      The Committee will supervise the project and set the general policy, principles and rules to support the Studio's Objectives, and;

·      Coordinate the cooperation between the studio and relevant art establishments in Egypt and abroad.

·      Decide on the acceptance of Artists applications.

·      Determine the awards to be granted to Artists.

·      Determine the Studio's various cultural activities and events.

·      Organise the annual International Forum for Creative Arts.

·      The Committee may, upon the recommendations of the Studio Manager,  terminate the participation of any Artist who does not comply with the Studio's general principles or regulations.

·      The Committee will meet once a month at least, with a maximum of two meetings per month.

·      The High committee will receive an award of EP300.00 (Three Hundred Pounds) for each meeting.

 

2. Studio Manager

·      The Studio Manager will manage the Studio's Artistic Affairs, Administration, Public Relations, and compliance with Studio Regulations, as well as representing the Studio before other organisations, and;

·      Implement Studio Regulations and High Committee decisions.  

·      Invite Members of the High Committee to attend emergency meetings.

·      Provide the High Committee with appropriate recommendations for the modification of Studio Regulations.

·      Recommend Cultural and Artistic activities in line with Studio Objectives for High Committee approval.

 

Medical Care and Insurance

The Cultural Development Fund will cover the cost of medical care and insurance against accidents and injuries at work for participating Artists during their residency in the Studio and its various activities.

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Note:

The Regulations will be issued in both Arabic and English languages, and in the event of any dispute, the Arabic version will take precedence.