Out Of The Circle Initiative

Digital Art Residency

Out Of The Circle is an independent artistic, cultural and social initiative based in Cairo, supporting young contemporary Egyptian visual artists and artists from the MENA. The first idea of the initiative started by curator Elham Khattab during a visit to Syria before the war in 2007 and was stimulated by the lack of interaction among Arab visual artists at that time. The artist’s work is defined by the environment, in which he lives. Hence, it is the main source of inspiration next to the experiences he lives. Therefore, it is crucial that the artist is exposed to rich, diverse and numerous environments in order to enrich his work. Hence, the initiative was launched to help artists get out of their circle to explore different environments and experiences; to open new horizons within their environment and consequently enrich their artworks and enhance their careers as artists.

In 2012 and after started different visual art projects; Out Of The Circle initiative was registered as independent organization in Egypt. Now Out Of The Circle mission is to represents the contemporary Egyptian and middle eastern identity through visual arts by supporting visual and digital artists whose works demonstrate the aspects of this identity and by implementing development visual art projects that educate children about their community and identity. Out Of The Circle is working on three applications: Curating and arts management for visual/digital artists, Biennale digital art festival for digital artists in MENA region that happens in Cairo and visual art development projects for children. In addition, Out Of The Circle initiative is working now on launching a digital platform DIGI MENA to connect MENA digital artists and to open a platform for them to present their works internationally.

Technology influences the way we see our lives.
Technology changes the way we connect with each other.
Technology is an instrument to make our voice heard.

How can we keep our identity whilst being open to other digital cultures? How can we balance the old analog and the new digital life?

These questions are central for the new season of the Out Of The Circle art residency.

The Out Of The Circle art residency is for visual and digital artists, curators and researchers, who would like to discover the contemporary Egyptian life, traditions, arts and culture. The residency is based in Mohandessin, under the roof of an Egyptian family, in a communal space with an Egyptian curator. The residency offers a chance for the participant to first conceptualize and then realize a specific residency project. The project can be a visual art project, research as well as a workshop the residence would like to conduct. The Out of the Circle team supports the residents in developing their projects throughout the whole length of their stay.

The resident has access to a small library. During the stay the residents will have the chance to discover different areas of Cairo and the vibrant cultural scene. The accommodation is located in central Cairo and well connected to Zamalek (15 minutes) and Downtown (20 minutes train ride). The Out Of The Circle team will also help the resident to establish connections with other local arts and culture organizations based on individual interest.

Please note:

• Out Of The Circle will connect the resident with Egyptian artists and organizations
• The resident should hold a public presentation of their work in the Out Of The Circle Studio
• The applicant should have a residency project. Out Of the Circle will support and assist with the project’s realization.

The residency offers a chance for the participant to first conceptualize and then realize a specific residency project. The project can be a visual art project, research as well as a workshop the residence would like to conduct. The Out of the Circle team supports the residents in developing their projects throughout the whole length of their stay. In addition, in the beginning of the residency there will be an art talks in the studio for the selected artist, researcher or curator.

The residency accommodation is a two bedroom flat in a five storey house. The resident will have a private double room and a small quiet place in the studio. The resident shares the apartment, kitchen and bathroom with the Out Of The Circle curator, but will have a separate working space.

Double room with air condition, shared studio, bathroom, kitchen (fridge, cooker, washing machine), weekly cleaning included. The studio can be used for visual and digital art works; as well as art talk for the artist in residence in beginning of the residence period.

A small library that contains different books about art, curating, Egyptian History and Art.