Founded officially on the 11th of November 2024, Elsawmaa is the result of years of vision, dedication, and community effort. The journey, however, began much earlier. Since 2016, Elsawmaa has conducted unofficial trials, hosting activities like our movie club, English club, reading club (Elmakra’a), dancing workshops, practice parties, and even directing workshops. These early experiences brought people together to share ideas, explore creativity, and find inspiration through collective experiences. These beginnings helped shape Elsawmaa into a welcoming cultural space. We’re driven by the potential of what Elsawmaa can offer to our community.

Elsawmaa was solo-founded and is managed by Marwan Awad, a cultural activist and musician at heart who believes deeply in the power of art, conversation, and shared experiences to bring people together. With education background in science, Masters of business, and ongoing masters in Gender and Development Studies, and high interest in business and human psychology. Marwan brings a unique blend of academic and professional expertise to Elsawmaa. His professional background in talent acquisition and HR informs the thoughtful structure and strategy behind the space, ensuring it remains both impactful and welcoming.

More than anything, Elsawmaa is a shared story, co-written by friends, supporters, and members of its audience. Influenced by the successes of other impactful cultural spaces, Elsawmaa draws on their examples, aspiring to make a positive difference in society. From decorating our rooms to helping shape our strategies and goals, our community has played an essential role in making Elsawmaa what it is today. Together, we’ve built a space that is not only a venue but a home for all who believe in the power of art, expression, and social impact.

As we move forward, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive, inspiring environment that fosters creativity and connects people with a shared passion for cultural growth and positive change.

Elsawmaa envisions a future where the arts serve as catalysts for social change, personal growth, and collective progress. By fostering diverse creative expressions and building accessible platforms for engagement, we aim to empower individuals and ignite cultural activism across Egypt, inspiring communities to come together for a more inclusive, creative, and sustainable society.

Elsawmaa is dedicated to creating spaces for individuals and entities to connect, learn, and create through culture and arts.

We offer a diverse range of outcome-driven events that foster cultural enrichment, sustainability, and social impact. As we grow, we’ll expand our reach to bring more people together through a network of spaces that inspire activism, creativity, and progress.

Together for Progress
We believe in the power of collective action, where collaboration magnifies impact. By uniting diverse perspectives and efforts, we drive positive change that is more meaningful and enduring, working together toward a shared vision of progress.

Impact through Action
We prioritize tangible outcomes over theory. Through hands-on involvement, we create real-world impact by actively engaging in projects and initiatives that lead to change. We believe that meaningful progress comes from doing, not just discussing.

Scale, Evolve & Accessibility
Elsawmaa is committed to expanding its reach while remaining accessible to all. We aim to scale thoughtfully, ensuring our spaces, resources, and activities are available to people from all backgrounds and abilities, enabling us to grow and evolve while maintaining inclusivity.

Freedom of Expression
We foster an environment where individuals are free to express their ideas, art, and opinions without fear of judgment. We believe that open dialogue and expression are essential for creativity, growth, and the exchange of diverse perspectives.

Inclusivity & Empowerment
We are dedicated to creating a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of gender, background, or social status. Our goal is to empower individuals, especially those from marginalized communities, by offering equal access to opportunities and resources that allow them to thrive.

Gender Equality
Elsawmaa ensures that gender equality is at the core of all our practices. We advocate for equal opportunities for all genders and work to eliminate barriers, while empowering voices and perspectives that have traditionally been underrepresented in the cultural and arts fields.

Social Impact & Cultural Activism
We recognize the transformative power of art and culture as tools for social change. Elsawmaa is committed to using its platform for cultural activism, addressing pressing social issues, challenging norms, and fostering greater awareness through art-driven initiatives.

Sustainability, Responsibility & Environmental Advocacy
We are committed to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship in all aspects of our operations. Elsawmaa advocates for eco-conscious practices, from reducing our environmental footprint to integrating sustainable approaches into our events and community initiatives, ensuring we have a positive impact on both society and the planet.

Purpose over Profit
While we understand the importance of financial sustainability, Elsawmaa prioritizes meaning and impact over profit. We believe that the true value of our work lies in enriching lives, fostering creativity, and creating long-lasting positive change, rather than in financial gain alone.

Authenticity & Independence
We are committed to staying true to our values and vision, following an original and authentic path. Elsawmaa operates independently, ensuring that our agenda, direction, and initiatives reflect our unique perspective and mission. We remain free from influence or alignment with entities that do not uphold the standards and principles we believe in.