SHARM EL-SHEIKH – Minister of Culture Enas Abdel Dayem said yesterday that the coronavirus pandemic had a positive impact on the cultural scene in Egypt.
“I only see the positives now,” Abdel Dayem told The Egyptian Gazette on the sidelines of the World Youth Forum.
During the pandemic the Ministry of Culture launched several initiatives and set up open theatres at the Opera House, the minister said.
“That is why we were very swifter in restoring our cultural activities than any other country in the world,” the minister added.
The government is devoting much attention to culture and establishing new cultural institutions, Abdel Dayem said.
“There is now a culture city in the New Administrative Capital and another in New Alamein City. In el-Galala City there is also a magnificent theatre,” Abdel Dayem added.
“Cultural and artistic activities did not stop because of the coronavirus pandemic, but Egypt is one of the few countries that succeeded in communicating to the world through an initiative called ‘Cultural Relations’.
“Many of the ministry’s initiatives which were launched at the height of the coronavirus crisis are continuing.
“Several initiatives were in co-operation between the Supreme Council of Culture and many foreign diplomatic envoys in Egypt, including international participation through online platforms.
“The Ministry of Culture has for many years been rich in artistic and cultural content and great symbols and what enriches this matter is the Egyptian presence in cultural and artistic forums worldwide.
“Egypt was able to hold the Cairo International Book Fair despite pandemic while lockdown was the rule in many countries.
“Many events were organised in cinemas, theatres and in festivals, of which many had international participation,” she said in an interview on the sidelines of the World Youth Forum.
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