Independent Shabab Foundation

Vision

The Independent Shabab Foundation aims to become a leading model in empowering independent artistic creativity driven by youth, contributing to a comprehensive cultural renaissance across all regions of Egypt, and firmly establishing the presence of Egyptian independent art in the African and global cultural scenes. The Foundation's vision seeks to cultivate a new generation of young creators who lead innovative and evolving artistic movements, enhancing dialogue between Egyptian culture and global cultures through openness and cooperation.

Mission

Established in 2011 as a registered non-profit cultural organization, the Foundation supports and develops young independent artists across all levels. This is achieved by providing essential training, resources, and creative spaces to hone young talents' skills, and by spreading artistic culture throughout Egypt's governorates, ensuring art reaches all segments of society. The Foundation is committed to strengthening local and international cultural cooperation by building partnerships with similar institutions and supporting joint creative initiatives. It aims to decentralize cultural activities by delivering arts to underserved regions, breaking the monopoly of artistic events in major cities, safeguarding creative freedom, and documenting the independent arts movement and its artists, thus paving the way for a culturally prosperous and diverse future.

Objectives

· Youth Empowerment and Artistic Talent Development:

o Organize artistic workshops to help talented artists and writers develop and refine their creative skills.

o Establish specialized art institutes, colleges, and schools (subject to official approvals) to provide academic education and vocational training in various art disciplines, ensuring a new generation of creators with strong academic foundations.

· Infrastructure Provision and Independent Creativity Support:

o Provide well-equipped spaces for various artistic performances (theatre, cinema, visual arts, artistic seminars) along with a rich library of essential artistic references, ensuring permanent platforms for independent talents.

o Establish cultural clubs in different neighborhoods to promote artistic culture and make it accessible to local communities, thus fostering direct and continuous interaction between artists and audiences.

o Prepare and support independent theatrical and cinematic productions, ensuring a continuous flow of creative works that reflect societal issues and youth perspectives.

· Spreading Culture and Arts Across Egypt:

o Organize local and international festivals and cultural events to decentralize arts, extending them beyond the capital to various Egyptian cities, enabling broader public engagement with independent artistic productions and enhancing cultural exchange between governorates.

o Expand the Foundation's activities nationwide, ensuring its mission and objectives reach culturally deprived and remote areas.

o Publish educational and creative materials through print and electronic platforms, raising awareness about the importance of independent arts and their role in cultural development.

· Supporting and Protecting Independent Artists:

o Support and document the independent arts movement and its achievements, providing necessary legal and professional protection against risks and challenges in the artistic profession.

o Establish networks and collaborations with local and international cultural and artistic organizations, facilitating resource and experience exchange and creating opportunities for independent artists to participate in cross-border creative projects.