ISSA Egypt | Sculpture Symposium at Cairo University

From March 25 to April 21, 2026, the Faculty of Applied Arts at Badr University in Egypt hosted the 3rd 

International Sculpture Creation Symposium, namely the Egypt Station of ISSA.

Professor and sculptor Iman Elbana served as the chair of the sculpture symposium. Sculptor Omar Toussoun

 was reappointed chief organizer of the third session, continuing his role from the previous two symposiums 

held in 2016 and 2017. Dr. Ahmed Hafez worked as assistant curator.

The organizing committee selected 15 artists from across the world, including Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Ukraine, 

Saudi Arabia, Germany and South Korea. Art critic and sculptor Susan Shoukry accompanied all participating 

artists.

Three distinguished guest artists were invited:

Dr. Saida Abdo Sleem from Egypt,

All Salem with Egyptian-French background,

and Tarek ElKomy from Egypt.

Egyptian artists:

Tamer Ragab, Ahmed AbdelTawab, Dr. Samar ElBasal, together with Omar Toussoun and Dr. Ahmed Hafez.

Artists from the Arab world:

Mohamed Bouaziz from Tunisia,

Khalid Abdullah from Sudan,

Dr. Khulod Al-Bugami from Saudi Arabia.

International artists:

Christoph Traub from Germany,

Hoyoung Im from South Korea,

Yuriy Mysko and Lyudmyla Mysko from Ukraine.

A series of rich activities were arranged throughout the symposium. To kick off the event, a press conference 

was held at the headquarters of the Visual Artists Association of Cairo Opera House one week ahead of official

 creation. Hosted by art critic Susan Shoukry, the conference was attended by Dr. George Nubar, Dean of 

the Faculty of Applied Arts, symposium chair Dr. Iman Elbana, chief organizer Omar Toussoun, participating 

artists, university administrators, media representatives, journalists and art practitioners.

The event introduced all artists through visual presentations, covering their personal profiles, representative 

works and artistic achievements. It also highlighted the diverse sculptural styles that made these artists 

stand out and qualify for the international symposium. In-depth discussions were held on public sculptures 

and monumental art in urban spaces and gardens, focusing on how sculptural works improve public 

aesthetic appreciation.

Artists were arranged to visit major historical sites and cultural landmarks in Cairo, including the Grand

 Egyptian Museum, National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, 

Museum of Islamic Art, Hanging Church in Old Cairo, Al-Muizz Street and local modern art galleries. 

Meanwhile, academic exchanges and cultural dialogues on contemporary sculpture concepts were regularly 

organized.

University students also took part in the whole creation process. They learned sculpting techniques, gained 

practical experience and observed professional artistic creation.

A closing ceremony was held to honor all participating artists. Attendees included Dr. Ashraf El Shihi, 

President of Badr University and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dean Dr. George Nubar,

 symposium chair Dr. Iman Elbana, and artist Omar Toussoun.

All guests spoke highly of the artistic quality, aesthetic value and craftsmanship of finished sculptural works 

created during the third symposium. Artists expressed sincere gratitude to the university management and 

organizing committee for professional support, artistic materials and comprehensive guarantees that 

enabled high-standard artwork production.

Contributor: Omar Toussoun, ISSA Egypt Committee Member

Chief Editor: Liu Qin

English Editor: Sun Ya 'nan

Legal Counsel: Tao Ran 'ting