Australian Egyptian Art Exhibit 2008
This month, in the NSW Parliament House Fountain Court area, the Honourable Tony Stewart MP, Member for Bankstown, hosted an Art Exhibition presented by the Australian Egyptian Council Forum, from 2nd through the 26th of September. This art exhibit was made possible by the generous sponsorship of the Arab Bank Australia.
The wonderful works of art represented a cross-section of genre, including modern pieces, photographs, self-portraits, landscapes, birds, historical and religious themes such as the escape to Egypt by the Holy Family, Feasts, and iconic images, plus scenes from the Nile River and Luxor.
A number of Australian Egyptian artists were represented, including George Youssef, Heba Khorchid, Camille Fox, Mona W Goubran, Safaa Shaker, Fayez Assaf, Joseph Bekhit, Peter Wanny and S. Fahmy.
The Australian Egyptian Council Forum is the peak organisation representing the interests of the Egyptian community within Australia, and liaising with the Egyptian and Australian state and federal authorities. The Council’s activities are open to all members of the Australian Egyptian Community and the interested public. The Australian Egyptian Council Forum enjoys a special relationship with the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Egypt, and is developing greater cooperation with other Egyptian organisations including the Upper-Egypt Association, the Egyptian Women Association, and the Egyptian Islamic Society.
The major activities of the Australian Egyptian Council Forum include the annual Egyptian Cultural Festival held at Darling Harbour in November, the National Day Celebration in July each year, the Australian Egyptian of the Year award, recognising the high achievement of Egyptian youth in the HSC, offering assistance to newly arrived migrants, and a Youth Leadership Program. It has a Newsletter, and an interesting website: http://www.egyptianforum.com.au/
Congratulations to all of these artists for their excellent works being featured at this first of what is intended to be an annual event. The Fountain Court is a lovely setting that is open to the public and hosts many appealing exhibits. Next year consider bringing your family and friends to tour your state parliament house and enjoy the second annual Australian Egyptian Art Exhibit.