Egypt -- Cairo: Townhouse Gallery

Townhouse Gallery consists of three buildings located at junction of two lanes in the heart of Downtown Cairo. While downtown host some of the major 5 star hotels and the Egyptian Museum (only a few minutes walk away) the area of the gallery is a working lane of car mechanics, welders, sign painters, carpenters, glass workers, coffee shops and a bevy of other service activities. This community is an important component of the gallery's fabric, as the main building of the gallery acts as the prayer space for the workers and there are families living on our roof.

It is important for us that any new resident artist coming to the gallery is quickly assimilated into this framework. On arrival the resident is introduced to the street in a variety of ways including several cups of coffee but more importantly they are invited to one of the ongoing weddings or engagement parties that take place in the surrounding public districts. Access to this sphere of Egyptian society is rare for foreign visitors and important to us in introducing aspects of normal life amongst the majority of the population. In this way, the artist can more easily read the life of the city they are working in.

As the studios are located in the main building which houses the offices, library, archives, project room and first floor gallery, the visiting artists will also find themselves working within an active art community. The gallery runs a program of films and workshops with each exhibition and this also provides opportunities for engagement with other artists and individuals in the city.

Global Perspectives residency available for one artist for two months during the period September-October 2006.

www.thetownhousegallery.com

For more information please contact:
Mr. William Wells, director
E-mail: william@thetownhousegallery.com