1, Al Kanesa Al Maronya
Al Mansheyah Al Kubra
Alexandria
Alexandria Governorate
21111
Égypte
- Arts
Re-established in 2019, Wekalet Behna is an inclusive artistic institution with a strong focus on film, contemporary arts, education, and arts research ; organizing public events (film screenings, exhibitions, artists talks), educational programs for artists and writers, fellowship programs and workshops.
The company includes between 5 and 10 full-time employees, but also collaborates with artists and cultural workers, calls for freelancers when needed, and volunteers in its archive. Most of its funding is coming from partners' contracts. We count 8 regular partners, including DROSOS for the fourth year ; AFAC for the third year ; NAS Network (Alternative Arab Screening).
At the core of Wekalet Behna's mission lies a spectrum of programs designed to deconstruct critical discourses prevalent in dominant cultural practices and systems. These initiatives aim to challenge and reassess established cultural concepts and structures, fostering a continuous reexamination and evolution of inherent cultural norms.
By unravelling prevailing images and connotations that shape virtual relationships between practitioners, cultural professionals, artistic institutions, and the public, Wekalet Behna seeks to dismantle rigid definitions : its objective is to foster a dynamic environment that encourages ongoing reconsideration and revision, promoting a more inclusive and diverse cultural landscape.
In addition to our interaction with the local and regional cultural scene, we seek to offer activities in particular to all practitioners and people interested in culture in Alexandria and its surrounding towns, which sometimes lack central cultural services.
Within Wekalet Behna, three different spaces are used as platforms for their public events, screenings or workshops :
El Wekalah ("Agency") features versatile medium-capacity rooms, suitable for low-attendance events such as artistic workshops and specialised seminars.
El Plateau (“Studio”) is designed as an artist's studio, equipped with all the material needed for the work - it is also suitable for film screenings, literary seminars and extended workshops.
El Makhzan (“Warehouse”) is the latest addition to the public spaces - hosting bigger-scale exhibitions and film screenings.
Wekalet Behna stands as a proactive contributor to the local artistic and cultural scene through a diverse spectrum of projects: dialogues, collaborations, publications, and both artistic and educational programs. The institution is dedicated to fostering critical dialogue and continually reassessing traditional beliefs, striving to challenge and refine contemporary discourses.
The institution's ultimate goal is to create an intellectual safespace that not only encourages critical dialogue but also actively challenges societal beliefs and stereotypes. By providing such an environment - conducive to intellectual development and creative exploration - Wekalet Behna seeks to leave a lasting and significant imprint on the Alexandrian cultural landscape.
Wekalet Behna is also hosting the archival fonds of the Selection Behna Films, one of the most important Egyptian cinematic distribution companies, active from the late 20s to the early 60s.
Notably, they produced Egypt's first Arabic talking and musical film, 'Onshondat Al-Fuad,' in 1932 and the first Egyptian animated film, 'Mish-Mish Effendi,' in 1936. Becoming the primary distributor for Egyptian films, the company expanded its presence across the Arab world, North Africa, and Europe. The Wekalah houses a vast archive consisting of around 50 linear metres of documents and 6000 images, predominantly in French and Arabic. These archives are much more than a mere collection, representing a historical and cultural legacy. There are 287 Egyptian films, 7 foreign films, records of 119 Egyptian cinemas, and 100 cinemas abroad, providing a comprehensive overview of Egypt's cinema evolution from the 1930s to the present.
Wekalet Behna has started restoration efforts, renovating archives, and initiating conservation activities since June 2020, aiming to preserve and protect this invaluable cultural heritage.
Our main mission is the development of the local artistic scene.
We also have a wide network with other art institutions in Egypt, and if needed, we have some spaces in Alexandria that we can share with other members.
During the last three years, Wekalet Behna was one of the main places to receive human sciences’ researchers in the country. By keeping a close and trustful relationship with them, we can be a key partner for diverse upcoming research projects - which can help increase the ALF network.
We’re currently seeking new partnerships and most importantly new ways to collaborate with other cultural actors in the Mediterranean. We are seeking to develop our network and meet new institutions to work with.
At this moment, our priority is set on trying to find partners to help support our archives’ project. After having an introductory meeting with ALF responsibles for the local network, they encouraged us to join.