Jameel House of Traditional Arts in Cairo launches Open Call for applications to 2018-2020 diploma programme
The Jameel House of Traditional Arts / Cairo has opened its application process for the 2018-2020 diploma programme in traditional arts, design and crafts, housed in Fustat Traditional Crafts Centre in Fustat, Old Cairo. After receiving record numbers of applications in 2017, Art Jameel has launched an extended application process for 2018; fierce competition is anticipated for the 18 places on the intensive two-year programme.
Opened in 2009 by Art Jameel, the Prince's Foundation School of Traditional Arts and the Cultural Development Fund of Egypt, the Jameel House of Traditional Arts / Cairo curriculum includes modules in geometry, floral decorative patterns, observational drawing, and colour studies. Students also learn crafts such as woodwork, ceramics, gypsum and stained glass, and brasswork. The programme is rooted in Cairo’s rich, unique architectural and design history: this year, for example, students undertook field work at Al-Ghuri mosque in Historic Cairo, and produced new works inspired by the architectural features of the city’s Islamic monuments; students also took a new course in traditional Egyptian glassblowing at the Hodhod workshop in the City of the Dead.
Students graduate from the programme with a deep understanding of both the principles and practical application of the traditional arts, furthering opportunities for careers in the arts, heritage conservation, architectural preservation and the creative industries.
"The Jameel House of Traditional Arts in Cairo is where I have learned much of the knowledge and skills I have today," said Noha Badr, a graduate and now metalwork instructor at the Jameel House of Traditional Arts / Cairo. "It has opened up a path of opportunities for me towards a much broader horizon, allowing me to pursue my passion, achieve real accomplishments and meet new people who share my zest for art and heritage. Now, every time I teach anyone something new, I strive to open up the same path to them."
On graduation, students have access to opportunities to continue practising their crafts, from the annual alumni exhibition (held in 2017 in the Maq’ad of Sultan Qaitbey in the City of the Dead), to summer outreach programmes for children in deprived neighbourhoods of Cairo (held in Al-Khalifa in 2017 and in Al-Darb Al-Ahmar in 2018), and to expanding opportunities for graduates to establish their own businesses.
To apply, applicants are invited to complete the form available on the Art Jameel website or on the Facebook and Instagram accounts of the Jameel House of Traditional Arts / Cairo. The completed form should be submitted in person on September 24, 2018, when applicants will also undertake a drawing assessment, between 10 am and 4 pm at the Jameel House of Traditional Arts / Cairo, 1 El Emam Street, near the Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque, El Fustat, Old Cairo, Cairo, Egypt. Selected candidates will be scheduled for an interview with the selection committee on September 25, 2018.
