Last May, Cairo’s streets were full of creativity. Cairo Photo Week,,,,, Now the cornerstone in the region’s visual culture calendar is the broadest and most ambitious version to date. In its fourth edition, held every two years, “Find Views” is named after this year’s theme. From heritage sites in central Cairo to galleries and institutions in New Cairo, the festival turns the city into a living, breathing celebration of photography and visual storytelling.
Depend on Photopiaan independent platform led by Marwa Abu Leila, Cairo Photo Week Week 2025 is unfolding with an impressive program breadth: 25 exhibitions that include works by 120 artists, over 100 lectures and panels, 16 workshops, 6 exhibition tours and photo tours, 53 portfolio reviews, and a rich lineup of online events. In total, over 600 hours of programming attracted more than 25,000 attendees, including 2,000 students and early career creatives, a version of which affirms Egypt’s dynamic and growing creative community.
What makes Cairo Photo Week unique is not only its scale, but its soul. In many of its venues, a clear sense of connection and motivation can be felt in a total of 14 locations in both areas. From the bustling energy of the exhibition’s opening to the quiet intensity of portfolio reviews, the festival feels less like an event, more like a sport.
In the exhibition, together with emerging voices, the established name is shown, creating a powerful juxtaposition that captures the diversity of the visual culture in the region. Local photographers document the nuances of daily life in Cairo with intimacy and urgency, while international artists add new dimensions to the dialogue, enriching the global environment without obscuring the local situation.
As a guest, speaker and portfolio reviewer, I have the honor to interact directly with many artists and attendees. The desire for dialogue, guidance and community is evident at every turn – from small-scale panel discussions in packaging to spontaneous debates among generations of image makers. Cairo Photo Week is more than just a platform. It is a catalyst.
The creative scenes in Egypt are still alive and flourishing. Thanks to the unremitting efforts of Photopia and many artists, educators and institutions, Cairo Photo Week is promoting a space where ideas can take root and visions can develop. It not only reflects the current state of photography in the region, but is actively shaping its future.
