Egypt has a cultural footing that is seven millennia old. Its unique location has exposed it to a slew of diverse cultures starting with the Pharaohs before 3000 B.C. Over the millennia Egypt was closely associated with the Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, French, and ending with the British. But it was not only the foreign rulers

ARTOC is a big believer in the role art and culture can play in bridging gaps and promoting understanding between different people. Supporting Arab, Islamic, traditional and ancient Egyptian art regionally and globally is key to laying the grounds for greater understanding and human interaction. Ancient and oriental arts, for example, are a source of historical knowledge and pride for Egyptians. Accordingly, we work to make sure children regularly visit museums to learn about this great nation and be proud of it. ARTOC supports the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago. This Institute was established in 1898 in Luxor to record and preserve all of the Egyptian antiquities in Luxor, fearing that the constant rising

water levels in the coming 100 years may cause these antiquities to collapse. ARTOC works on reviving the genre of “orientalism” an art focused on the early American and European painters who visited the Middle East in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Orientalists were early globalists that acted as proactive communicators between east and west. ARTOC’s work in building theatres in primary schools, funding the Malak Gabr Performing Arts Theatre at the AUC and sponsoring cultural events is a strong testament of ARTOC’s unwavering and growing commitment to this area. ARTOC funds international cultural programs visiting Egypt to enhance cross cultural understanding.

that had an effect on Egypt’s unique culture, but also the communities that they left behind to live peacefully with locals. All of this wealth accumulated throughout history must be preserved, as our ability to face up to the future is anchored in our past.