Mapping

Building Perceptions and Developing Capacities in the Egyptian Cultural Fields (The 1st Workshop)

Within the framework of the program Support to Cultural Diversity and Creativity in Egypt, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina organized the first workshop under the theme of "Building Perceptions and Developing Capacities in the Egyptian Cultural Fields” at Horus Hotel in Minya Governorate, between 15 - 17 of November, 2014. The workshop is regarded the first event within a series of interactive workshops specifically designed for workers at the Egyptian cultural field.

Practical Information:

• The workshop was the first event to be held within a series of interactive workshops, implemented under the theme of “Building Perceptions and Developing Capacities in the Egyptian Cultural Fields”.
• The workshops aim to train workers in the cultural field on a set of sophisticated techniques, to raise their skills and prepare them to carry out their responsibilities to further enhance the cultural development of Egypt. Each workshop extends over three days and adopts an interactive training methodology, which is implemented through lectures, workshops, debates and practical training. The following topics are discussed throughout the workshops:
  • The definition of culture and the true meaning of the concept, as well as its importance to society in general.
  • The reciprocal relationship between society and culture, the key players in the Egyptian cultural field, and whether they are partners or rivals.
  • The creation of initiatives, projects and advanced cultural institutions; in terms of structure, goals and vision.
  • The nature of cultural policies and the influencing factors in the field of cultural work, such as; the media, education, and the public and private sectors.
  • The process of creating cultural policies in compliance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (articles 19 and 27), the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, and the articles of the Egyptian Constitution.
  • The importance of long and short-term planning for cultural institutions.
  • Utilizing cultural strategies as means to achieve goals, and the strategic choices that suit each institution separately.
  • Management techniques and practices for cultural institutions including: joint work; team building; negotiation; delegation of tasks and authorities; and managing meetings, workshops, and technological integration.
  • Marketing of cultural products, and the difference between commercial and cultural marketing. The concept of marketing mix and how to develop effective marketing plans are also addressed.
  • Dealing with various media mechanisms in order to promote cultural media, and the new social networking platforms. The importance of documentation and imaging are also emphasized.

The workshop concludes with formulating recommendations and unconventional ideas to finance cultural projects.

The details and criteria for participation in the first workshop are included in the attached document.