After more than a decade of silence, one of Egypt’s most celebrated cultural events is poised for a powerful return. The Alexandria Biennale for Mediterranean Countries, dormant since 2012, will launch its 27th edition this September, marking a historic revival for Egypt’s contemporary art scene.
Renowned Egyptian artist and curator Moataz Nasr will lead the exhibition under the evocative title: “This Too Shall Pass.” The Biennale will host 55 artists from across the Mediterranean basin, spotlighting a diverse blend of visual perspectives, socio-political themes, and cross-cultural dialogue.
A Symbolic Revival for Egypt’s Art Scene
Nasr described the exhibition’s relaunch as both urgent and symbolic, as “The art scene in Egypt is like a lake that has been still for a long time, with no oxygen able to reach the bottom,” he said. “We want to throw a big stone into the lake and make waves. It is a time for change.”
“This Too Shall Pass”: A Timely Theme
The title of the Biennale, “This Too Shall Pass,” speaks to the shared experiences of resilience, political flux, and cultural transformation across Mediterranean societies. The show promises to be both introspective and outward-looking, addressing global themes through regional lenses.
In the context of post-pandemic recovery, regional instability, and climate anxieties, the exhibition offers a platform for artists to engage with themes of impermanence, adaptation, and collective memory.
Reclaiming Alexandria’s Cultural Legacy
Founded in 1955, the Alexandria Biennale is one of the oldest biennials in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Once a critical platform for emerging and established artists alike, the event has long symbolized Alexandria’s unique role as a cultural bridge between Europe, Africa, and the Arab world.
Its return not only revives a dormant institution, but also aligns with broader efforts to reposition Alexandria as a global art destination.
What to Expect This September
- Participating Artists: 55 artists from across Mediterranean countries, including Egypt, Lebanon, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and Tunisia.
- Venue: Multiple cultural spaces in Alexandria, blending historic architecture with contemporary installations.
- Program Highlights: Site-specific works, video art, sculpture, public art interventions, and panels addressing art and geopolitics.
The Biennale’s return is being welcomed by artists, curators, and collectors as a sign of reawakening for Egypt’s arts ecosystem, which has been tested by years of political transition, funding shortages, and institutional gaps.
