The fight to save DARB 1718

A Light in the heart of Old Cairo

What does a cultural space mean to a community? What does a community lose when a cultural space closes down? Poet and writer, Ocean Vuong, in talking about space says “How do I create space? That’s the harder work. And I think any architect will tell you that when you sculpt space you are sculpting light.” 

To a community a cultural space is light. And darkness is what ensues when a community loses that shared space. Moataz Nasr, an Egyptian artist and actual sculptor, did exactly that, he sculpted light when he created the Darb 1718 Contemporary Art and Culture Center in Cairo, Egypt, which now unexpectedly faces closure by the government.  

Nasr conceived of Darb 1718 as a cultural and communal space in 2001 after his travels around the world introduced him to cultural spaces that were uncommon in Egypt. He dreamed of opening his own cultural space in his home country which he hoped would enable local artists to have similar opportunities that he was lucky to have which introduced him to new worlds and new people. This dream became a reality in 2007 when Darb 1718 opened its doors, a feat made possible by Nasr’s relentlessness and support from the government, business and friends who believed in Nasr’s vision.  

Since its opening, Darb 1718 has illuminated not the only the community around it in the Fustat area of Old Cairo but the world. Fustat was considered a dangerous neighbourhood but with changes like the development of Darb 1718 came the opportunity to create a space of safety in the area. Nasr and his team have worked with members of the community from different backgrounds, from young children to grown men to co-create a space of creativity and communal bonds. Through theatre, art and filmmaking classes, Darb 1718 has engaged and nurtured local emerging talent and connected to the global creative community by inviting curators and artists from around the world which has enabled knowledge sharing with local artists.  

Since the Cairo Biennale came to an abrupt end a couple of years ago, Darb 1718 has played a vital role in filling this void. Nasr together with Simon Njami, acclaimed curator and writer, created an off biennale type event aptly named Something Else, a visual arts initiative that attempts to support Egyptian and international contemporary art. Something Else has invited, over the years, local and international art practitioners to participate, in a month-long cultural event spread across multiple spaces in Cairo, in artistic projects, presentations, panel discussions and exhibitions. The next Something Else is scheduled for November 2023 with approximately 25 000 expected visitors.  

Since its opening in 2007, Darb 1718 has had its ups and down, facings its first closure by the government in its first year. However, Nasr’s relentlessness ensured its re-opening in its current space in 2008. The space has been consistently open since then which is an achievement considering the cultural events and spaces that have folded due to tough economic conditions.  

All was relatively well until ten days ago when local authorities called for the immediate evacuation of the Darb 1718’s main building without any official notification, giving Nasr and his team 30 minutes to clear the space. As part of the Egyptian government’s plans to develop Historic Cairo, the entire area has been witnessing heavy construction work since June 2023, with plans to construct a bridge where Darb 1718 is located.  

Since the local authorities called for their evacuation, Nasr has consulted engineers and other experts who have shared alternative solutions regarding the construction of the bridge without sacrificing Darb 1718. Nasr has presented these alternative plans to the government; however, it remains unclear whether the government will engage these alternative solutions or whether it will provide an alternative new space for Darb 1718 to move into.  

Since the news of the threatened closure of Darb 1718 was made public there has been an outpouring of support both locally and globally from people whose lives have been impacted by the space. “Stop paving over Cairo’s treasures….save accessible cultural spaces for Egyptian youth” wrote one social media user. The Change.org petition to save Darb 1718 has garnered approximately 10 000 signatures.  

Perhaps the silver lining for Nasr during this distressing time is the realisation of the impact Darb 1718 has had on so many people. “The space is my child and losing it would be like losing the child of my brain. I put my life and money into this space and I did so with love because I love what we have created here and the impact we have made. We have shown how powerful art can be” says Nasr.  

As things remain in flux Nasr reminds himself that Darb 1718 has been through this before and he fought to reopen the space. If they are indeed shut down again, he will fight once more to reopen the space. However, he does protest the injustice of it all. The government’s unjust actions should not be me with resignation but with the same defiant and audacious spirit that made Darb 1718 possible. 

Nasr knows that Darb 1718 is more than a space, it is an idea. An enlightened idea which can never be demolished or foreclosed by any authority. Whilst this is true, Nasr and the larger Darb 1718 community remain defiant. Their resolve is best encapsulated by the last three words Nasr says to me at the end of our conversation “we won’t move.”  

To help save DARB 1718 sign the petition here

Lwando Xaso