Professor Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Library of Alexandria, inaugurated the 19th edition of the Agenda Exhibition, titled "Meter x Meter... A Free Space for Creativity," which runs until Saturday, August 29, 2026. The opening was attended by Dr. Mohamed Soliman, Deputy Director of the Library of Alexandria, Engineer Hassan Wasfy, Head of the Alexandria Syndicate of Fine Artists, and a group of participating artists and those interested in fine art.
Dr. Zayed emphasized that art in Egypt is flourishing, despite the fact that societal interest still leans more towards material aspects at the expense of moral ones. He pointed to the importance of the arts in elevating public taste and developing the ability to appreciate beauty, thus contributing to the integration of the individual's intellectual and human aspects.
Dr. Zayed explained that art is one of the fundamental driving forces for humanity, especially fine arts characterized by high levels of abstraction, refinement, and appreciation, distinct from commercial art. He noted that abstract art is among the most enlightening art forms, capable of conveying messages and stimulating the imagination, as well as enhancing the capacity for thought and contemplation.
Dr. Zayed also pointed out that... Zayed noted that the library offers an award for young people in seven fields, including visual arts. He explained that the previous cycle saw over 300 participants in this field, reflecting the growing interest in visual arts and the presence of a genuine artistic movement in Egypt.
Dr. Zayed stressed the necessity of supporting and encouraging this movement to expand the presence of art within society, thus broadening the artistic field and increasing its influence to become more prominent alongside religious, political, and economic spheres. He emphasized that investing in art, taste, and beauty is an essential part of building individuals and society.
For his part, Gamal Hosny, Director of Exhibitions and Art Collections at the Library of Alexandria, said that the "Agenda" exhibition, which was launched in 2008, has evolved over the years into an annual celebration of visual arts that enjoys increasing momentum and attention. He pointed out that the visual arts movement in Egypt experienced periods of decline before beginning to regain its activity and presence in recent years. Hosny added that the exhibition has contributed to a significant leap forward in the visual arts scene, as a number of participating artists have been able to develop their artistic experiences and establish a distinctive presence and style through its successive editions. He noted that the high turnout for the 19th edition reflects the growing interest in visual arts.
Hosny explained that the selection committee received 1,137 applications this year and chose 193 artists to participate in the exhibition, including 78 artists from Alexandria, 69 from Cairo and Giza, and 46 artists from various other governorates, reflecting the breadth of participation and the diversity of artistic experiences presented.
Agenda 2026 Exhibition – 19th Edition
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina will inaugurate the 19th edition of the Agenda Exhibition, titled “Meter x Meter: A Free Space for Creativity,” on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the East and West Exhibition Halls of the Library's Conference Center.
This year's guests of honor are artist Evelyn Ashamallah, artist Abdel Wahab Abdel Mohsen, and artist Maher Girgis. This year's exhibition honors:
Artist Esmat Dawastashi (1943-2025) Artist Mahfouz Salib (1943-2025) Artist Fatima Madkour (1964-2026) The exhibition continues until Saturday, August 29, 2026. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except Fridays
