Shaymaa Hesham has always been passionate about art. As a self-taught artist herself, she found it extremely challenging to display her art in exhibitions. She experienced firsthand what it feels like to not have “credibility” just because she did not study art. However, she did not feel discouraged or walk away from her art. Instead, she took matters into her own hands and studied art in the finest institutes in Egypt and abroad. She did not want others to face the same circumstances she did. So, She founded her own art platform, a testament to her dedication and growth in the field. Driven by a desire to support artists facing challenges similar to those she once encountered, she founded Art Empowers. This innovative platform serves as a nurturing environment for artists and art enthusiasts alike, fostering learning, growth, networking, and engagement within the global art community.
The Beginnings of Art Empowers:
Shaymaa found inspiration with the rise of social media. “Instagram really gave me a push. As a student, I did my paintings and sold them online.” Throughout her college years, she traveled, painted in different places, and met diverse artists, eventually leading her to create the art platform. Explaining her vision, she said, “The idea behind Art Empowers is to bring different art cultures to Egypt.” It was also a way to help other artists like her who were seeking guidance, exposure, and publicity.
The Core of Art Empowers:
“Art Empowers creates new art experiences”
Since its inception in 2020, her goal has been to empower artists and make art accessible. Many people view art as a complex entity separate from their lives. She aimed to change this perception and reframe art as a source of entertainment. “Art is not only for professionals. No, I want everyone to have art in their daily lives,” she explained. To achieve this dream, she began creating art activations. “We have conducted over 300 activations, with over 1000 participants at a time, and people love it!”
Art Empowers highlights the importance of collaboration among artists. Shaymaa emphasized, “The way artists truly grow and learn is through other artists. Working with more experienced artists helps aspiring ones with their techniques and builds their confidence.” She expressed admiration for Egyptian artists, saying, “We have a very special bond with Egyptian artists, and I respect them a lot.” She credited prominent artists in the community for their willingness to help and teach younger generations. Bringing in international artists is also crucial to Art Empowers. “International artists bring different cultures, techniques, and ways of thinking,” she explained.
Art Empower Students:
Art Empowers Students, Shaymaa’s pride and joy, have gone on to become prominent figures in the art scene. Art Empowers holds exhibitions for every master class they conduct, providing artists with a confidence boost. Shaymaa shared, “At Art Empowers, we constantly hold exhibitions because it’s the most empowering moment for an artist—to see their work. This is something I struggled with.” She proudly mentioned one of Art Empower’s students, Heba Nabeh, who started as a marketer and began taking classes in 2022. “She fell in love with art, and since then, she hasn’t stopped attending classes with us.”
The Future of Art Empowers:
Art Empowers is always looking to expand its reach to aspiring artists in different schools. Shaymaa aims to empower talented students. Their main campus is in Arkan, and they are planning to establish another one on the other side of Cairo as well.
In essence, Shaymaa Hesham’s journey with Art Empowers is a testament to resilience, creativity, and community. Through her platform, she not only empowers artists but also transforms perceptions of art, making it an integral part of everyday life for people around the world.