The Alexandria Biennale returns after a hiatus of more than 12 years… What will it look like?

Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno, Minister of Culture, announced the return of the Alexandria Biennale to the Mediterranean countries after a hiatus of more than 12 years. He called on the media to raise awareness of the biennale so that it becomes a familiar and understood term among all segments of society. This came during a conference held at the Freedom Center for Creativity in Alexandria to announce details of the upcoming edition.

The Minister of Culture emphasized that the Alexandria Biennale must have a strong impact on the public, not only through its events and exhibitions. Culture is not just cultural events or literary or artistic exhibitions, but rather a general behavior and part of human life. He added: “We will strive to increase this impact with each edition, especially on young people, by instilling aesthetic and artistic values in them.”

Hanno emphasized the role of the press and media as key partners in instilling this impact on the public, saying: “I have never considered myself a minister, but rather a coordinator for intellectuals to express their views through various media appropriate to them. Therefore, the media is also a key partner in promoting and raising cultural awareness.” He predicted great success for this edition of the Alexandria Biennale, extending to all parts of Egypt.

Alexandria, city of art and culture

In his speech, the Minister of Culture expressed his pride and happiness at the return of the Alexandria Biennale, emphasizing that art is part of the city’s identity and a pillar of its soft power. Since its inception, Alexandria has been a crossroads of civilizations, a port of thought and art, and an incubator of science and culture.

He announced that the events of the upcoming edition will go beyond museums and theaters to include streets, historic buildings, and public parks. The entire city of Alexandria will be transformed into an open exhibition in which the public can participate and feel like they are part of it. He noted that the slogan for this edition is: “This too shall pass.” It carries a message of hope and confidence in the ability of art to overcome challenges with a more humane spirit.

Hanno reviewed the history of the Alexandria Biennale, explaining that it was founded in 1955 as the third oldest biennale in the world after Venice and Sao Paulo. It is also the first biennale in the Arab world and Africa. The Biennale remains a leading platform for cultural dialogue and artistic creativity. In its new edition, it adopts a comprehensive vision of art and gives historic buildings a new lease on life. It pays special attention to traditional crafts through collaboration with artists. It also contributes to revitalizing tourism and the local economy and promotes Alexandria’s image as a global hub for creativity.

Focus on environmental issues

The Minister of Culture added that this edition will put environmental issues at the forefront of attention, through sustainable artistic practices and works that reflect an awareness of climate issues. The Minister of Culture announced the participation of countries such as France, Italy, France, and Turkey. In addition to all Mediterranean countries. This adds artistic value to the event and strongly returns Alexandria to the map of international cultural events, as a platform for dialogue between peoples.

He concluded by saying: “Alexandria is destined to be a hub for cultural and artistic interaction throughout Egypt. Its influence extends to the Mediterranean countries and the Arab region. Through it, culture will reach all of Egypt’s governorates and regions.

Opening the door to cooperation and partnerships with Egyptian and foreign institutions

Dr. Walid Qanoush, head of the visual arts sector and president of the biennial, said: “We have not overlooked educational institutions in Alexandria: Alexandria University, private universities, the Japanese University, and the Arab Academy.” All of them are part of the cooperation plan with the Alexandria Biennale. There are also partnerships with civil society in Egypt and the Mediterranean countries, whether cultural or artistic institutions. Artist Moataz Nasr, General Commissioner of the Biennale, said that a wave of diverse creativity will sweep through the streets and historic buildings of Alexandria.

It will be interspersed with live performances. He explained that the 27th edition of the Alexandria Biennale, entitled “This Too Shall Pass,” reflects an optimistic view of the future that everything will evolve for the better. He added, “There will be many areas of cooperation with civil society throughout the region, not just within Egypt. We have already received several requests to participate in the upcoming edition or on the sidelines of it.”

Foreigners will come to work in Egypt

The general commissioner of the Biennale pointed out that some of the artworks will come directly from abroad. More importantly, foreign artists will come to work here, transforming the place into a workshop in which young Egyptian artists will participate. This will be of greater benefit artistically, scientifically, and touristically.

The Minister of Culture invited anyone with enlightening ideas to submit them immediately for review and inclusion in the work plan, which has already begun and will continue for a year, until the 27th Alexandria Biennale in September 2026.

The Minister of Culture’s tour of the Pheni Palace

After the press conference, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno, Minister of Culture, took a walk along Nabi Daniel Street, the oldest street in Alexandria, and from there to the historic Fouad Street until he reached the historic Pheni Palace. The palace, which has recently joined the city’s artistic and cultural centers, will play a major role in the upcoming edition of the Biennale.

About two months ago, the Egyptian Ministry of Culture signed an agreement with the National Bank of Egypt, the current owner of the palace, to turn it into a center for art and museum exhibitions under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture’s Fine Arts Sector, headed by Dr. Walid Qanoush.

The palace originally belonged to one of Egypt’s most prominent cotton merchants, if not the most prominent, the Englishman Oswald Finney, and served as his residence. Hanno inspected all parts of the palace, praising its history and unique archaeological collections.