The Darb 1718 Contemporary Art Foundation launched an exceptional artistic initiative in the form of a 10-day art auction at the Tarathuna Foundation with the aim of raising the necessary funds to purchase a new headquarters after its main headquarters in the Fustat district of Old Cairo was demolished in January 2024 due to expansion work in the area.
Support for Darb 1718 Contemporary Arts
Moataz Nasr El-Din, founder of Darb 1718, said that the idea for the auction came as part of the foundation’s attempts to return to the cultural and artistic scene after a period of limited activity that lasted several months. In exclusive comments to Bab Masr, he added: “Our desire was clear: to revive Darb 1718 so that it could continue its social and cultural role, both with the residents of the area and with the artists who have been embraced by the place for more than 18 years.”
The foundation’s headquarters was demolished in January 2024 following a notification from the head of the Old Cairo district, in preparation for the removal of the building to make way for a road. The foundation was not legally notified by the administrative authority. Nor was it informed of the development plan for the area or of any alternatives or other measures required by law. This prompted it to file urgent case No. 65501 of 1977 before the Council of State concerning the demolition dispute.
Nasr al-Din continued: “We have been working in a limited space over the past period, but we thought of reaching out to the artists who have collaborated with us over the years. We proposed organizing an auction to support the establishment of a new, larger and more sustainable headquarters. We were surprised by the great response from artists inside and outside Egypt.”
Art exhibition at the Our Heritage Foundation to support Darb 1718 in its move to a new headquarters
Paying it forward!
The auction includes numerous works of art donated by artists specifically for this purpose. Some are being sold online, especially those sent by non-Egyptian artists that have not yet arrived in Cairo. Nasr El Din explained that the artist determines the percentage of the sale price they wish to receive, with the remainder going to support the foundation. He emphasized:
“Dar 1718 was never a commercial space for buying and selling, but has always been a space for serving art and society.” He added: “The feedback we have received has been very moving and reflects the mutual love and gratitude.
It is clear that people have not forgotten Darb, or the efforts made by the institution over the past 18 years to serve culture, art, and society.” He expressed his hope that the institution’s efforts to return to the cultural scene will be successful after its headquarters were removed in January 2024 due to urban development projects.
He said, “We are working hard and trying with all our energy, and we hope that things will go in the right direction so that we can restore Darb 1718 and continue its cultural and artistic mission.”
Artistic support
Nasr El-Din confirmed that the art auction saw wide participation from artists.
The works on display ranged from photography to paintings and sculptures. He added, “For me, everyone who participated in the auction has the same status, whether they are young artists or big names. What matters is the interaction and support, which we clearly felt.”
Among the participating artists were prominent names such as the great artist George Bahgoury and the great artist Ahmed Morsi. They were joined by a large number of young artists who showed their full solidarity.
Artists from outside Egypt also sent photos of their works to participate, despite the challenges associated with price differences and the difficulty of marketing these works in the local market. Nasr El Din said: “Even if these works are not sold, the symbolic gesture and support have a great impact on us and confirm that what we have done over the past years has not been in vain.”
A message across generations
Nasr El Din’s ambition goes beyond simply reopening a new venue, explaining: “Darb 1718 should not remain linked to me alone. I hope that the institution will become an entity in its own right, continuing to fulfill its mission even after I am gone. The torch will be passed on to new generations of artists and cultural actors.“
He continued: ”This is the real dream, that Darb 1718 will continue as a platform for art and society, never fading away, but rather renewing itself with time.” The foundation is continuing its efforts to find an alternative location. Nasr al-Din believes that the move to a new location is linked to financial possibilities. He added: “There is great hope that the foundation will find a suitable place to resume its activities soon.”
Community role
Nasr al-Din explained to Bab al-Masr that the foundation’s goal has never been limited to showcasing art, but has always had a clear community role, especially in its dealings with the surrounding communities.
He added: “The choice of the former Darb 1718 location was not random. It was in a non-central area because we believe that art should be in the hearts of the people and among them.” He pointed out that the foundation is currently seeking a new location that strikes a balance between artistic continuity and community impact. He said: “We have been offered several locations by some companies. But we are keen for the new headquarters to be close to the people, so that we can continue our mission as we started it.”
Repeating the experience
Regarding the art auction experience, Nasr al-Din noted that it continues to receive increasing interest. Artists are contacting the foundation to participate, despite the short promotion period. He noted that the response exceeded expectations, prompting them to consider repeating the experience in the future. “The idea has proven its importance, and the growing interest reflects the appreciation of the artistic community for what Darb 1718 represents as a free space for creativity and cultural work.”
Nasr al-Din emphasized that support is not limited to participation in art auctions or exhibitions, but that the foundation welcomes any kind of assistance that contributes to its reopening, especially through in-kind support.
In-kind contributions
Nasr al-Din said, “We prefer in-kind contributions to financial donations, such as providing computers, chairs, musical instruments, speakers, or even participating in the construction of the new theater. These things are much more important to us than money, because they are part of the infrastructure we need to return.”
He explained that accepting financial support always raises issues related to legal procedures and transparency, adding: “We are keen to ensure that the foundation remains above suspicion and tension, and we are committed to laws and regulations, which is why we always prefer support that meets practical needs.”
On the experience after the demolition
Nasr al-Din spoke about the experience after the demolition of the foundation’s headquarters in early 2024, saying: “It has been almost a year and a half since the headquarters were removed, and the beginning was difficult. I felt a kind of oppression at many moments.
I am not a young man, and I have faced many difficulties in my life, but that is how life is: something is destroyed, and something else is built.“
He added: ”Despite the harshness of the experience, I believe that it is rare for a person to be given the opportunity to live their life two or three times. I consider this a new opportunity, a different beginning.”
Overcoming the shock
Nasr al-Din continued talking about the difficult moments he went through after the demolition, emphasizing that what happened was a shock, but he chose to overcome it with faith and hope for a new beginning. He said, “I realized what had happened to the old headquarters, and I said to myself:
‘This is God’s will, and perhaps there is something good in what has happened that I do not yet realize. Especially since my primary mission is to serve the community, promote art, and support young artists to express themselves and make their voices heard by the public. This mission is more important than any shock or challenge.”
He pointed out that there are those who recognize the value of what the foundation offers, saying:
“There are many people in the country who understand, including officials and art lovers, who have tried to support us, but the circumstances were beyond everyone’s control. Nevertheless, we are now trying to get back on our feet, and we will succeed, God willing.” Nasr al-Din believes that what awaits Darb 1718 is a new beginning: ”
Maybe we’ll move to another place, deal with a different audience and community, and continue our mission from there.“ He concluded by saying: ”People’s love is priceless. From the moment of demolition until now, I have felt this love and support from everyone, whether artists, officials, or ordinary people. This is the greatest proof that we were on the right track.”
Read also:
Darb 1718… Shafahi’s decision to demolish the artists’ and artisans’ gathering place
Hi, this is a comment.
To get started with moderating, editing, and deleting comments, please visit the Comments screen in the dashboard.