Hisham Mahdy Founder of Cairo Design Week Wrapping Up the Idea Behind The Event’s Most Expansive Edition Yet

Building on the huge success of last year’s inaugural edition of Cairo Design Week, this year the much anticipated event expanded its horizon, taking place in 3 prominent and historical locations and two pocket locations across Cairo. Aiming to bring together different creative talents and to revitalize the artistic landscape in Egypt, the second year edition of Cairo Design Week showcased the architectural heritage of the region and offered a different experience demonstrated in an array of panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions. We had a talk with Hisham Mahdy, Founder of Cairo Design, where he further discussed the idea behind the 2nd edition of Cairo Design Week, the new experiences it offers, and its role in supporting local artists.

In the second edition of Cairo Design Week, our goal was to expand into key design neighborhoods like Heliopolis, the iconic Citadel, and Downtown, along with smaller design hubs in Zamalek and Maadi, celebrating art and cultural ties.

 

Our aim is to unite a variety of design and creative talents on a lively platform every year. This year's event highlighted the architectural legacy of the region through a range of activities, exhibitions, talks, and industry-focused events showcasing talents from both local and international designers.

 

Each District had its own magical experience as our main purpose was to celebrate art across Cairo. The exhibitions showcase the best and brightest that the Egyptian design community has to offer, with inspiring installations and exhibits, conceptual works by the industry’s leading creative minds, and innovative products and services, driving the future of design. The Citadel of Saladin District encompasses several locations within the Citadel, such as Yusuf’s Well, Dar Al Darb, and the Police Museum. Similarly, the Heliopolis District featured various locations including AlCayan Building, Design 101, Photopia, Villa Ahmed Helmy, Villa Magenta, and Ghurnata Palace. Finally, the Downtown District included venues like the Tamara Building, Mazeej, the Factory and La Viennoise.

 

2. Being held at 3 different locations is an expansion that makes it bigger than last year’s edition. Could you please tell us more about the 3 locations and the pocket destinations and why have you decided on these destinations in specific?

This year, the districts were chosen based on their historical background to connect the past, present, and future of art. Starting with the Saladin Citadel that opened on the 23rd of February, the event was held across several locations, including the Design District at Yusuf’s Well, the Fashion Design District Experience at Dar Al Darb, and the Citadel Design District at the Police Museum.

 

Transitioning to the Heliopolis District, which opened on the 24th of February, attendees anticipated a wide array of experiences. These included the C.Reality Experience, Coventry University Experience, Phlog Experience at AlCayan Building, as well as Design 101, Photopia Experience, Divaz Experience at Villa Ahmed Helmy, Villa Magenta Experience, GLC Experience at Ghurnata Palace, Design Centre, Sara Onsi, Pappaloro, Casa 27 by Tiles, and Ola Saleh Jewellery. Additionally, the third district opening took place in Downtown on the 25th of February, which offered a diverse range of experiences such as the Alchemy Experience at Tamara Building, Mazeej, the showcase by Bazarna at the Factory and WANDER at La Viennoise.

 

As for this year’s edition, it extended beyond the three main design districts, enriching the scope of Cairo Design Week to introduce two exclusive add-ons Zamalek and Maadi. Zamalek with its cosmopolitan flair, alongside the tranquil Maadi, together, they create a mosaic of inspiration adding depth and diversity to the week’s tapestry of events.

I can't specify which district attracted the most attention, as each one offered its own unique magic and experience. 

 

4. What was different and newly introduced in this edition in comparison to the previous one?

 

Other than having 3 main districts in this edition instead of only one district, we also enriched the scope of Cairo Design Week to introduce two exclusive add-ons Zamalek and Maadi. 

 

5. How did this year’s edition help promote local artists and their businesses?

We expanded the scope of this edition by promoting local artists and their businesses, spanning across Cairo's three districts and two additional pockets. Our mission also involved nurturing Egypt's creative community, encompassing students and business advocates, all while showcasing our heritage through innovation. We offered a diverse range of activities, from summits and workshops to painting, product, and furniture exhibitions, as well as art and fashion showcases, and sculpture and architectural displays. Our goal was to showcase the richness of our culture to the world while highlighting the pivotal role of Egyptian designers. This endeavor inspired us to create something truly distinctive.

 

6. Finally, a message from you to those who attended CDW’s 2nd edition 

To all those who attended CDW and are interested in the Art, Design, and Fashion industry, our future plan is to create a permanent district to exist all year long as a hub for all Egyptian Designers. As for CDA’s winners at the closing ceremony of Cairo Design Week, wishing them more years of success celebrating creativity, innovation, and ingenuity that defines the essence of design.