Talents from the 15th of May Complex Shine in Song and Art at the Finale of the "Artist Project" (Season 3)
Under the patronage of Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa—Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture—the 15th of May Complex for Contemporary Arts witnessed an extraordinary day yesterday. The event marked the conclusion of the third season of the "Artist Project" initiative, drawing a large crowd that included intellectuals, parents, the Board of Trustees of the 15th of May City Authority, and local residents, all filled with joy and delight at this major artistic celebration.
The day’s activities began with the unveiling of the "Masriyat" (Egyptian Women) mural in Neighborhood 13 of 15th of May City, adorning the public space with an aesthetic touch that reflects Egyptian identity. This was followed by the opening of an exhibition showcasing the results of the complex's summer workshops, inaugurated by Dr. Mahmoud Hamed, Head of the Fine Arts Sector. The exhibition featured outstanding creative works by children and youth in drawing, painting, ceramics, and pottery, embodying promising talents that herald a bright artistic future.
The celebration then moved to the cinema hall, which was packed with attendees. The proceedings began with the national anthem, followed by a musical concert performed by the 15th of May Complex choir under the direction of Maestro Dr. Ahmed Abdel-Zaher. A group of talented young performers and children delighted the audience with a selection of the finest songs from the authentic Arabic musical tradition.
The musical performances included standout acts by: young Menasa, singing "Fola Fola Palombilla"; Samar Zakaria, performing "Al-Dunya Jamal" (Life is Beautiful); Lamis, singing "Naqi Li Ahla Zahra" (Pick the Loveliest Flower for Me); and Ibrahim Emad, accompanied by musician Abdel-Rahman Saad on the oud. Kholoud Sameh sang the masterpiece "Daret El-Ayyam" (The Days Have Passed) by the "Star of the East" (Umm Kulthum), accompanied by her father, artist Sameh Ramadan. Young Jana Emad shone while performing Fairuz’s "Nasam Alayna El-Hawa" (The Breeze Blew Upon Us), and Omar Khaled sang the "Nightingale" (Abdel Halim Hafez’s) hit "Wa Ana Kol Ma Aqoul El-Tawba" (Every Time I Say I Repent). The concert also featured performances by Sameh Ramadan ("Sirat El-Hob" / The Story of Love) and Islam Ramadan ("Oyoun Bahia" / Bahia’s Eyes), while the troupe concluded the event with the song "Ya Ward 'ala Fol wa Yasmin" (Oh Roses, Jasmine, and Arabian Jasmine), performed by Engy Emad.
In his address during the event, Dr. Mahmoud Hamed expressed his immense delight, stating: "I was extraordinarily happy today; what took place here transported me back to my childhood, as I witnessed a variety of artistic activities that had begun to fade away." He praised parents for encouraging their children to engage in the arts, urged the children to bring their friends to participate in these activities, and thanked Maestro Ahmed Abdel Zaher—calling on him to organize more concerts at the complex. He also extended his gratitude to the manager and staff of the 15th of May Complex, as well as all supporters of this outstanding initiative, for their dedicated efforts.
Residents of the 15th of May Complex area experienced a sense of pride and overwhelming joy seeing their children shine on stage and showcase their artistic creativity, affirming that such initiatives provide a genuine outlet for discovering and nurturing talent within the city.
The event concluded with a special honoring ceremony, during which the Head of the Fine Arts Sector was presented with the 15th of May Complex shield in recognition of his continued support, while Dr. ... Mahmoud Hamed presented certificates of appreciation to artist Mohamed Abdel-Hadi (Director General of the Complex), Maestro Ahmed Abdel-Zaher, and artist Khaled Ammar. Additionally, the Board of Trustees of 15th of May City was honored for supporting the "Artist Project" initiative, and certificates of recognition were distributed to all participating children and youth in appreciation of their efforts throughout the season.