A First Look at She Arts Festival’s 2025 Agenda

She Arts Festival returns this October with its most ambitious edition yet. Running from October 2nd to 5th, the festival, the only one of its kind in the MENA region dedicated entirely to spotlighting women in the arts, returns with a cross-city agenda that stretches from the New Capital to AUC Tahrir in Cairo and Alexandria.

What began as a niche initiative has developed into a multidisciplinary platform, highlighting women’s voices, stories, and legacies across music, dance, visual arts, and film. This year’s program weaves together music, film, and visual arts, balancing established icons with emerging names and international collaborations. Here’s a first look at what’s on the agenda (for the full programme, head to @sheartsfestival):

Thursday, October 2nd

• Visual Arts Exhibition (ACUD Open Air) – A showcase of women artists sets the tone for the festival’s opening.

• Maruja Limón (ACUD Open Air Stage) – The Spanish band brings a blend of flamenco and contemporary sounds.

• Hiba Tawaji with Orchestra (ACUD Concert Hall) – The Lebanese powerhouse takes the stage with orchestral backing under artistic director Oussama Rahbani and conductor George Kolta.

Friday, October 3rd

• Sakura Fujiwara (AUC Tahrir Oriental Hall) – The Japanese singer-songwriter offers an intimate set blending folk-pop melodies and understated charm.

• Tribute to Ziad Rahbani by Layla Nehme & Noha Fekry (AUC Tahrir Ewart Memorial Hall) – A tribute performance honouring the Lebanese composer’s enduring legacy.

• Nagham Saleh (AUC Tahrir Garden) – Egyptian vocalist brings a soulful close to the evening in the open-air garden.

• Film Screening: El Hawa Sultan by Heba Yousry (AUC Tahrir Oriental Hall, Free) – Screening of Yousry’s latest work, followed by a discussion with the filmmaker.

Saturday, October 4th

• The Ayoub Sisters with She Arts Orchestra, Lily Farid & GUC Choir (Ewart Memorial Hall) – The Egyptian-Scottish duo return home for a large-scale performance blending classical, Arabic, and contemporary influences.

• Film Screening: White Dress by Jaylan Auf (AUC Tahrir Oriental Hall, Free) – A screening and conversation with the Egyptian filmmaker on her latest project.

• Free Masterclass: Bridging Tradition and Innovation in Italian Folk Music – Masterclass by Rachele Andrioli (AUC Tahrir, Free) – Italian folk artist explores the evolution of traditional music through performance and dialogue.

Sunday, October 5th

• Aida el Ayoubi (AUC Tahrir Ewart Memorial Hall) – The beloved Egyptian singer closes the festival with her signature blend of nostalgia and timeless lyricism.

Alexandria Program (Free Entry):

• Regina Zabos (French Institute, Alexandria) – Hungarian musician brings her distinct style to Alexandria in an open-access concert.

• Nagham Saleh (French Institute, Alexandria) – A second appearance from the Egyptian vocalist, this time in Alexandria.