Egypt’s Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity, Eng. Margaret Sarofim, inaugurated the 12th edition of the Tunis Village Pottery, Ceramics, and Handicrafts Festival in Fayoum on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a three-day celebration of one of Egypt’s most renowned centers of artisanal heritage.
The festival, held from November 26 to 28, was launched in the presence of Dr. Ahmed Al-Ansari, Governor of Fayoum; Dr. Mohamed El-Toni, Deputy Governor; Sherine Fathy, Director of the Social Solidarity Directorate; Kamel Ali Ghattas, Secretary-General of the Governorate; Colonel Sherif Amer, Military Advisor; Salem Feteih, Head of Youssef Al-Seddik Center; Dr. Sherine Mohamed, Head of Abshway Center; Dr. Moataz Abdel Fattah, Director General of Tourism; and filmmaker Hani Lashine, President of the Fayoum International Film Festival for Environmental and Contemporary Arts—alongside executive leaders and artists.
A Platform for Economic Empowerment and Heritage Preservation
Sarofim expressed her pride in participating in the festival, describing it as “a genuine platform for economic empowerment and family-based production” and a driver of investment in traditional crafts. She highlighted the transformation of pottery and ceramic workshops in Tunis Village from small artisanal studios into an influential source of income for hundreds of families—especially youth and women.
She noted that this evolution has cemented the village’s position on Egypt’s cultural tourism map, contributing to sustainable livelihoods and community-driven development.
“Every handcrafted piece tells a story, carries identity, creates a job opportunity, and supports an entire household,” Sarofim said, emphasizing that heritage-based industries embody a true success story in boosting local economies and strengthening productivity across communities.
Sarofim added that the festival reflects the strong link between culture, heritage, and economic development, opening new marketing and export opportunities and giving greater visibility to Egypt’s artisanal talent both locally and internationally.
Preserving Egypt’s authentic intangible heritage
The Deputy Minister reiterated that the Ministry of Social Solidarity places the Productive Families Program at the center of its strategy due to its pivotal role in supporting economic empowerment and preserving Egypt’s authentic intangible heritage.
She explained that the Ministry continues to expand technical support, capacity building, and marketing opportunities—domestically, regionally, and internationally—affirming that investing in handmade crafts is an investment in human capital and a core pillar of sustainable development.
Sarofim concluded by thanking festival organizers and the Fayoum Governorate for their continued commitment to preserving traditional crafts and supporting local artisans.
Beacon of Egyptian Creativity
In his speech, Governor Ahmed Al-Ansari welcomed the Deputy Minister and all participating artists, praising the cooperation between ministries and relevant institutions in promoting Fayoum as a cultural and tourism destination.
Al-Ansari emphasized the governorate’s commitment to supporting the Tunis Village Festival as part of efforts to protect the village’s artistic identity and maximize its unique environmental and natural assets.
He noted that the Tunis Village Pottery Festival complements the Fayoum International Film Festival, both held simultaneously to celebrate creativity in its visual and artisanal forms. The governor expressed intention to expand participation in the cinematic festival in coming years.
The governor described the festival as a gateway for showcasing Fayoum’s archeological and ecological landmarks, drawing creators from across Egypt and abroad, in addition to the governorate’s own handicraft producers—whom he described as “inspiring models within Egypt’s soft-power landscape.”
He commended ongoing cooperation with Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity, in expanding marketing platforms for Fayoum’s artisans.
Tour of the Handicrafts Exhibitions
Sarofim and the Governor toured the festival’s main exhibitions along the village’s central street, accompanied by artists and guests. The Deputy Minister praised the displayed works and engaged directly with local artisans.
The Tunis Village Festival aims to spotlight Fayoum’s unique competitive advantages, including its traditional crafts, natural beauty, and cultural identity—while showcasing the continuous efforts of local residents to preserve heritage and advance handmade industries.
