Aswan, Egypt – The Aswan International Painting Symposium has commenced, showcasing the diverse talents of 26 world-renowned visual artists from across the globe. Representing countries including Egypt, England, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, and the United States, the artists have converged on Nubia to engage in a multicultural visual dialogue.

Despite their varied artistic techniques, schools, media, and subject matter, the participating artists are united in their ability to bridge the past and present through their creative expressions. The symposium boasts a strong contingent of Egyptian artists, including Tamer Youssef, Mohamed Nabil Abdel-Salam, Amira Hamdy, Ramy Atef, Faisal Hassan, Ahmed Abbas, Mahmoud Alshonkora, Ragab Konda, Dina Elhamy, Marwa Abulenein, Maha Gamil, Ali Abd El-Fattah, Amira Aboul Enein, Salma Kandil, Mirvat Shazly, Waad Elziny, Sherif Hakim, and Nada Eid, along with Egyptian-Americans Yasmin Jordan and Alice Louka. Other participating artists include Rabab El-Ramahi (Jordan), Adèle Chaanan (Lebanon), Farah Alshbkhun (Iraq), Hind Aldabaan (Saudi Arabia), and Diana Bolbol (Palestine).

Nermin Shams, founder of Lamasatt-Shams Art Space and the symposium’s organizer, emphasized the significance of the event. "This major cultural event highlights Aswan as an international creative destination," she stated. "Aswan is a constant source of inspiration for visual artists worldwide." Shams further explained the impetus behind the symposium, saying, "Believing in art as a force capable of connecting cultures and rejuvenating souls is leaving an indelible mark on humanity's memory through the power of art. This is the spirit in which the Aswan International Painting Symposium was created, becoming a beacon of creativity where artists worldwide meet in Aswan, a city steeped in history and beauty."

Organizers hope the symposium will become an annual event, solidifying Aswan's position on the global art map and supporting visual artists in their pursuit of creativity and free expression. The symposium's message is clear: Aswan, a leading tourist and cultural destination in Egypt, remains an inexhaustible source of inspiration and a crossroads of arts and cultures.

This artistic event complements a series of other cultural events hosted by the city, including the International Sculpture Symposium, founded by Adam Henein, and the Aswan International Women Film Festival, which will celebrate its ninth edition this year. The Aswan International Painting Symposium further cements the city's reputation as a vibrant hub for artistic expression and cultural exchange.