Faculty of Arts & Design Showcases Creativity and Sustainability at the “HARVEST 13” Exhibition
In the 13th edition of its landmark annual exhibition, “HARVEST 13”, the Faculty of Arts & Design at October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA) — showcased an inspiring collection of student projects across all academic stages. Held under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Tarek Saleh, Dean of the Faculty, the exhibition welcomed esteemed guests including Dr. Nawal El-Degwi, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees; Prof. Dr. Khairy Abdel Hamid, University President; and Eng. Engy Mansour, Director of Human Resources at MSA. Faculty members and academic leaders across departments also attended to support and celebrate student accomplishments. The event served as a platform to highlight the creativity, innovation, and academic excellence of MSA’s talented students, reflecting the faculty’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of designers and visual artists.
This year’s exhibition aligned with MSA’s strategic commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Egypt’s Vision 2030, and national efforts to tackle climate change, promote prosperity, and ensure well-being for all. Both Dr. Nawal El-Degwi, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Prof. Dr. Khairy Abdel Hamid, President of MSA University, have firmly embraced this vision to uplift human welfare through innovation and education.
As part of this vision, MSA has invested in digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence, and Virtual Reality training across disciplines. According to Prof. Dr. Tarek Saleh, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Design, over 90% of student projects this year directly contribute to sustainable development plans.
Prof. Dr. Tarek Saleh highlighted the incorporation of Augmented Reality (AR) technologies across various departments. These cutting-edge tools enabled students to test and visualize designs in virtual environments, enhancing the realism, usability, and feedback loop during the creative process.
Held on campus, HARVEST 13 showcased the work of students from the Foundation Year, Level 2, and Level 3, under the theme: “Egypt: Unity in Diversity.” The exhibition paid homage to Egypt’s rich cultural heritage and its modern reinterpretation through artistic and design lenses, reflecting a harmonious blend of authenticity and contemporary innovation.
Key Highlights by Department
- Foundation Year
Students exhibited foundational works from courses such as Art History, Freehand Drawing, Design Fundamentals, and Museum Studies. Their use of diverse media—ranging from graphite and charcoal to acrylics, textiles, and clay—demonstrated strong technical grounding. Projects included detailed replicas of Pharaonic, Islamic, and Coptic artworks, alongside modern and contemporary interpretations.
- Interior Design Department
Under the theme “Egypt: Unity in Diversity,” the department presented design as a bridge between cultures and identities. Student works integrated traditional Egyptian motifs with futuristic design solutions, fostering dialogue between heritage and global trends. Five senior graduation projects proudly won the International Architecture Community Award 2024. Additionally, final-year students explored design trends projected for the next five years.
- Graphic Design & Media Arts Department
With an ongoing commitment to innovation, the department presented a rich display of visual identities, packaging designs, editorial layouts, animations, apps, and conceptual photography. The works combined cultural authenticity with digital sophistication. Notably, the department celebrated its collaboration with Fayoum Governorate, officially delivering its new visual identity—a culmination of a 2.5-year joint project. For the fifth consecutive year, students also earned top placements in the international Starpack Arab World Packaging Design Competition.
- Fashion Design Department
Guided by expert faculty, fashion students displayed collections inspired by Egyptian culture and natural elements. Their pieces reflected a refined understanding of form, material, and silhouette. Emphasis on hands-on learning and creative research enabled students to produce garments that honored tradition while responding to the evolving global fashion landscape. Third-year students, in particular, impressed with sculptural, nature-inspired designs skillfully draped on mannequins.
- Cinema and Theatre Design Department
Through set and costume designs, photography, and light studies, students interpreted Egypt’s multi-layered identity by transforming literary narratives into visual storytelling. The department underscored its mission to bridge cultural awareness with modern artistic expression. Projects explored urban aesthetics and community issues, capturing the architectural and social beauty of Cairo neighborhoods and elevating the photographic image as a key medium of expression.
Over the past 13 years, HARVEST Exhibition has become a cornerstone event, celebrating artistic expression and honoring Egypt’s deep-rooted heritage. The 2025 edition reinforced this legacy by spotlighting the creativity of the next generation—students equipped not only with academic excellence but also with a cultural consciousness and a forward-looking mindset.
“HARVEST 13” was more than a showcase; it was a journey into Egypt’s collective memory, a statement on sustainable creativity, and a compelling invitation to envision a future shaped by unity, diversity, and design.
