Contemporary art and culture center, Darb1718, revealed in an Instagram post on 27 July that district authorities were trying to have its building evacuated, so it could be demolished to expand the road leading to the Museum of Civilizations. The area under threat of being demolished includes not only Darb1718, but also two of the surrounding buildings, which have served as some of the oldest locations for pottery artisans in Old Cairo. According to Darb1718 Director Nadine Wahab, an official notice from the governor’s office for the demolition has not been issued. However, those in the center have been told to evacuate regardless. “People are reaching out to different officials,” Wahab confirms. “It’s not that [the Egyptian government] is not responsive, but we need a guarantee that Darb will not be demolished. Our fear is […] it’ll be demolished and then afterwards we’ll figure out what will happen.” Despite the potential demolition of the art center, no alternative place to relocate the structure has been provided. Darb1718 has created a petition to spread awareness about its potential destruction. Over the two days since it has been shared, the petition has…
Threat of Demolition Sparks Petition to Save Contemporary Art and Culture Center Darb1718
July 29, 2023
