Àsìkò Art School is a renowned itinerant art program dedicated to supporting and mentoring artists and curators from across the African continent. Through a unique residency format, Àsìkò fosters experiential learning, critical dialogue, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Each year, the program takes place in a different country, offering participants new cultural and contextual experiences.
This year marks Àsìkò’s first time in an Arabic-speaking country, taking place in Cairo, Egypt from 27 April to 25 May, 2025, hosted by ARD Art Institution. The 2025 edition, held under the theme “Holding Memory”, brings together artists and curators for a month-long journey of research, exchange, and collective growth.
Day 1
The first day was focused on introductions of the team, participants, and our partner institution, Ard Art Institute, and Cairo. The curatorial strand lead, Khanyisile Mbongwa, and the Artistic Strand Lead, Ismail Fayed introduced their practices and overall, the theme for the programme. The readings for this year’s edition were briefly discussed, as the participants engaged in the conversations in relation to the readings.
Day 2
Day 2 started with a session at CiC with Egyptian artist, Maha Maamoun introducing her practice and showing some of her work, including ‘Domestic Tourism II’ which was followed by a discussion with her. Later at ARD, Architect, Samir El Kordy also gave a presentation about his practice and engaged with the cohort in conversation about some of the key questions that confront his practice in a context like Egypt. Followed by Nigerian-British architect and theorist, Dele Adeyemo also introduced his practice, as he also delved into the subject of cosmology. The final online session online was facilitated by Renaud Proch on the practical process of budgeting.
Day 3
On the third day of Àsìkó Cairo 2025, the cohort embarked on an excursion to the historic Pyramids of Egypt. During the visit, the participants delved into the history of the pyramids while reflecting on critical discussions on the contributions of renowned artist Maha Maamoun, from day 2. Following this visit, the group proceeded to Zamalek, where they visited TINTERA, a private gallery dedicated to photography. The founders, Heba Farid and Zein Khalifa, welcomed the cohort, providing an insightful introduction to the gallery’s mission and curatorial vision. After the introduction, the participants were given an exclusive tour of the space, as they learnt about the contemporary photographic practices in the region. Later at ARD, Architect, Samir El Kordy also gave a presentation about his practice and engaged with the cohort in conversation about some of the key questions that confront his practice in a context like Egypt. Followed by Nigerian-British architect and theorist, Dele Adeyemo also introduced his practice, as he also delved into the subject of cosmology. The final online session online was facilitated by Renaud Proch on the practical process of budgeting.
Day 4
The day began with a session at ARD Art Institution, where participants got to hear more about the practice of Igo Diarra from Gallery Medina, Bamako. Followed by a group time of individual sharing and presentation of practice, reflections. There was also space made to critique and consider methods of effective communication when sharing practice with different audiences. Following this visit, the group proceeded to Zamalek, where they visited TINTERA, a private gallery dedicated to photography. The founders, Heba Farid and Zein Khalifa, welcomed the cohort, providing an insightful introduction to the gallery’s mission and curatorial vision. After the introduction, the participants were given an exclusive tour of the space, as they learnt about the contemporary photographic practices in the region. Later at ARD, Architect, Samir El Kordy also gave a presentation about his practice and engaged with the cohort in conversation about some of the key questions that confront his practice in a context like Egypt. Followed by Nigerian-British architect and theorist, Dele Adeyemo also introduced his practice, as he also delved into the subject of cosmology. The final online session online was facilitated by Renaud Proch on the practical process of budgeting.
Day 5
The day’s session began with a visit to Medrar, one of Egypt’s leading contemporary art institutions, which specializes in multimedia and expansive digital technologies. The Medrar team delivered a presentation about the institution’s work, with a particular focus on the Cairo Video Festival. This was followed by a screening of selected submissions from past editions of the festival. After the visit to Medrar, the group returned to ARD Art Institution, where Ismail Fayed and Khanyisile Mbongwa conducted separate artistic and curatorial sessions with the participants.
Family Brunch 1
The day began with the cohort enjoying a family brunch. This was followed by the participants gathering at ARD Art Institution where artist, Yasmine El Meleegy shared her practice with the group. Participants later engaged in one on one sessions with this week’s facilitator Igo Diarra After the visit to Medrar, the group returned to ARD Art Institution, where Ismail Fayed and Khanyisile Mbongwa conducted separate artistic and curatorial sessions with the participants.
Day 6
Day 6 began with a visit to Megawra, where the participants were given a tour of the renovated mausoleum of Imam Al-Shafi’ and its visitor center, showing some of the excavations done on the site and introducing the history of the site and al-Shafi’ life in Egypt and in the city. This was followed by a short tour of the neighbouring cemetery and its main sites. The group then went to the newly opened al-Khalifa park, a community led project that was developed as a green space to the community using run off ground water from surrounding heritage sites. The tour also included other greening projects of monuments and heritage sites around al-Khalifa neighborhood. In addition to greening projects the participants also got to see the community center of al-Khalifa (a historical building that was repurposed as a community center) and a workshop that teaches community residents different traditional crafts (patchwork/appliqué techniques and carpentry for example). The tour ended at the office Megawra, a historical residential building that houses Megawra’s office and library. The Megawra team introduced the different programs Megawra works on, explaining the history of the space, its mission, its work in a local but also a more broader sense. The Megawra team had conversations with the participants on the different projects Megawra supports and different methods and approaches to conservation and preservation practices as well as knowledge production and exchange, while engendering discourse around those practices
Day 7
The morning opened with a conversation with anthropologist Farah Hallaba of Bel3araby, unpacking how language, culture, and storytelling shape identity and community. This was followed by and introduction to Papa Omotayo’s artistic and architectural practice. After lunch, participants welcomed Mr. Stephen T. Kauma, Director & Global Head of HR at Afreximbank. He spoke on the vital role of arts and culture in advancing Pan-African development and reaffirmed Afreximbank’s commitment to nurturing creative ecosystems. The afternoon continued with an inspiring conversation with Aleya Hamza and Farida Youssef on curatorial practice, cultural preservation, and artistic responsibility. The day concluded with Ama and Oyinda speaking about their practice and introducing the group to the concept of institution building as curatorial practice—framing it as an intentional act of care, resistance, and visioning for the future. The Megawra team had conversations with the participants on the different projects Megawra supports and different methods and approaches to conservation and preservation practices as well as knowledge production and exchange, while engendering discourse around those practices
Day 8
The day kicked off with a studio visit at SEBA with Eman Hussein, exploring the world of printmaking and her creative processes. The participants explored different print techniques using various materials. In the afternoon, the group visited Gypsum Gallery, immersing themselves and engaged in discussions around the exhibitions and local contemporary art scene. After lunch, participants welcomed Mr. Stephen T. Kauma, Director & Global Head of HR at Afreximbank. He spoke on the vital role of arts and culture in advancing Pan-African development and reaffirmed Afreximbank’s commitment to nurturing creative ecosystems. The afternoon continued with an inspiring conversation with Aleya Hamza and Farida Youssef on curatorial practice, cultural preservation, and artistic responsibility. The day concluded with Ama and Oyinda speaking about their practice and introducing the group to the concept of institution building as curatorial practice—framing it as an intentional act of care, resistance, and visioning for the future. The Megawra team had conversations with the participants on the different projects Megawra supports and different methods and approaches to conservation and preservation practices as well as knowledge production and exchange, while engendering discourse around those practices
Day 9
The day began at AUC Tahrir where the participants learnt about the history of the institution and the campus site. They also took the opportunity to visit the final year arts programme exhibition which featured the work of Farah El-Shawarby from ARD Art Institution.
The group was later joined by artist Amado Alfadni who unpacked themes of identity, resistance, and representation within his work.
After lunch the group were hosted by Rana ElNemr, who’s site specific presentation was an intimate look at her practice.
The offering which took place at her home offered a glimpse into the often multifaceted layering of life and practice.
In the afternoon, the group visited Gypsum Gallery, immersing themselves and engaged in discussions around the exhibitions and local contemporary art scene.
After lunch, participants welcomed Mr. Stephen T. Kauma, Director & Global Head of HR at Afreximbank. He spoke on the vital role of arts and culture in advancing Pan-African development and reaffirmed Afreximbank’s commitment to nurturing creative ecosystems.
The afternoon continued with an inspiring conversation with Aleya Hamza and Farida Youssef on curatorial practice, cultural preservation, and artistic responsibility.
The day concluded with Ama and Oyinda speaking about their practice and introducing the group to the concept of institution building as curatorial practice—framing it as an intentional act of care, resistance, and visioning for the future.
The Megawra team had conversations with the participants on the different projects Megawra supports and different methods and approaches to conservation and preservation practices as well as knowledge production and exchange, while engendering discourse around those practices
Day 10
The morning was spent revisiting CIC Library, followed by a screening of Sepideh Rahaa’s film, Songs to Earth, Songs to Seed. It concluded with a guided conversation by Papa Omotayo, which placed care at the centre of holding the stories we share. The day ended with one-on-one sessions. The group was later joined by artist Amado Alfadni who unpacked themes of identity, resistance, and representation within his work. After lunch the group were hosted by Rana ElNemr, who’s site specific presentation was an intimate look at her practice. The offering which took place at her home offered a glimpse into the often multifaceted layering of life and practice. In the afternoon, the group visited Gypsum Gallery, immersing themselves and engaged in discussions around the exhibitions and local contemporary art scene. After lunch, participants welcomed Mr. Stephen T. Kauma, Director & Global Head of HR at Afreximbank. He spoke on the vital role of arts and culture in advancing Pan-African development and reaffirmed Afreximbank’s commitment to nurturing creative ecosystems. The afternoon continued with an inspiring conversation with Aleya Hamza and Farida Youssef on curatorial practice, cultural preservation, and artistic responsibility. The day concluded with Ama and Oyinda speaking about their practice and introducing the group to the concept of institution building as curatorial practice—framing it as an intentional act of care, resistance, and visioning for the future. The Megawra team had conversations with the participants on the different projects Megawra supports and different methods and approaches to conservation and preservation practices as well as knowledge production and exchange, while engendering discourse around those practices
Networking Evening
The evening began with a conversation with artist and curator Marwa Ben Hallim, who presented her practice centered around food while serving participants traditional Libyan tea. This was followed by a networking event designed for participants to connect with people from the Egyptian art scene and cultural practitioners, engaging in cultural exchange and meaningful conversations revolving around their practices.
Day 11
We returned to an activity from Day 1; clay as storytelling, which had new meaning against the backdrop of the weeks we’ve spent together. We ended the day with a heartfelt reflection on the passing of curator Koyo Kouoh. This was a moment of mourning, gratitude, and remembrance for a visionary in contemporary art.
Day 12
On May 12th, we began the day with a presentation by Nontobeko Ntombela, who spoke about her practice and focused on her last exhibition “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting” the Esther Mahlangu Retrospective This was followed in the afternoon by an engaging presentation from Lou Mo, who also spoke about her practice and highlighted some of her projects between Asia and Africa.
Day 13
We traveled to Alexandria to begin a two-day exploration of the city, starting with a visit to B’sarya Arts , where we learnt more about the residency program and met with the current residents. The afternoon was spent visiting the Shelter Art Space, which focuses on promoting the local art scene in Alexandria and specifically supporting younger artists. We appreciate the kind support from Goethe-Institute Kairo, which made the Alexandria trip possible. This was followed in the afternoon by an engaging presentation from Lou Mo, who also spoke about her practice and highlighted some of her projects between Asia and Africa.
Day 14
The morning was spent visiting Wekalet Behna, one of Alexandria’s oldest and most important spaces dedicated to film and moving images. ⠀ Whilst there, we heard from artists Mahmoud Khalid and Aya Tarek, each introducing us to their practice. ⠀ The afternoon was spent at the Alexandria Bibliotheca, a major cultural center commemorating the Library of Alexandria, once one of the largest libraries worldwide, which was lost in antiquity We appreciate the kind support from Goethe-Institute which made the Alexandria trip possible
Day 15
The day started with a presentation by Heba Farid, who shared her research on 20th-century musical theatre and its intersections with studio photography in Egypt. After which, Sethembile Msezane led an online workshop titled Temple: Mama Sara (Baartman’s) Conversations With Her Body. The session invited participants to engage deeply with their own bodies as vessels of memory and archive, prompting reflection on how we hold, activate, and release memory through embodied practice. ⠀ The day continued with a wrap-up session by Lou Mou, followed by one-on-one sessions by participants. ⠀ We ended the day in dialogue with the BIAS-AME cohort, reflecting together on the intersections of our respective programs and practices within the African and Middle Eastern contexts.⠀ Whilst there, we heard from artists Mahmoud Khalid and Aya Tarek, each introducing us to their practice. ⠀ The afternoon was spent at the Alexandria Bibliotheca, a major cultural center commemorating the Library of Alexandria, once one of the largest libraries worldwide, which was lost in antiquity We appreciate the kind support from Goethe-Institute which made the Alexandria trip possible
Family Brunch 3
We spent the day at Very Nile, which is the first initiative to develop large-scale means to clean the Nile while raising awareness of the importance of protecting our environment. Whilst there they gave us a tour of their project. After which we had a presentation by the Kusbara collective, who spoke to us on their practice. Then we had a collective zine project. The day concluded with a lunch prepared by the locals After which, Sethembile Msezane led an online workshop titled Temple: Mama Sara (Baartman’s) Conversations With Her Body. The session invited participants to engage deeply with their own bodies as vessels of memory and archive, prompting reflection on how we hold, activate, and release memory through embodied practice. ⠀ The day continued with a wrap-up session by Lou Mou, followed by one-on-one sessions by participants. ⠀ We ended the day in dialogue with the BIAS-AME cohort, reflecting together on the intersections of our respective programs and practices within the African and Middle Eastern contexts.⠀ Whilst there, we heard from artists Mahmoud Khalid and Aya Tarek, each introducing us to their practice. ⠀
Day 16
We began the day with a series of presentations by participants, sharing their work and reflections developed throughout the residency. This was followed by a session where Hana El Beblawy presented on community engagement and relationship-building as a curatorial practice. And we ended the day with Nduwhite giving us a presentation on his practice. Whilst there they gave us a tour of their project. After which we had a presentation by the Kusbara collective, who spoke to us on their practice. Then we had a collective zine project. The day concluded with a lunch prepared by the locals After which, Sethembile Msezane led an online workshop titled Temple: Mama Sara (Baartman’s) Conversations With Her Body. The session invited participants to engage deeply with their own bodies as vessels of memory and archive, prompting reflection on how we hold, activate, and release memory through embodied practice. ⠀ The day continued with a wrap-up session by Lou Mou, followed by one-on-one sessions by participants. ⠀ We ended the day in dialogue with the BIAS-AME cohort, reflecting together on the intersections of our respective programs and practices within the African and Middle Eastern contexts.⠀ Whilst there, we heard from artists Mahmoud Khalid and Aya Tarek, each introducing us to their practice.
Day 17
We spent the day, sharing insights amongst ourselves on our individual practices. ⠀ After which we then worked on our open studio.
Day 19
The day started with the participants working on their upcoming open studio. We then had a presentation from guest facilitator Alia Swastika, a curator, researcher, and writer, with a focus on decoloniality and feminism. After which the participants had one on one discussions with the facilitators.
Final Open Studio
For the final day of Àsìkò 2025, we welcomed guests to our open studio tagged : “Holding Memory” ⠀ The open studio offered a special opportunity for guests to explore our work-in-progress and experimental projects. We shared reflections, thoughts, and our creative processes that were developed during the program, each shaped through the lens of Holding Memory..
