Words by Allegra Salvadori
At the foot of the Great Pyramids of Giza, time seems to pause. Yet for Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, founder of Art d’Égypte by CulturVator, this landscape is anything but static. It is a living stage—one that continues to evolve, reframing Egypt’s heritage through the lens of contemporary creativity. As Forever Is Now .05 returns for its fifth edition from November 11 to December 6, 2025, the exhibition reaffirms Egypt’s place at the heart of global art and culture.
When Forever Is Now debuted in 2021, it was a daring experiment: could contemporary art coexist with one of humanity’s oldest monuments? “Our ambition was to prove that contemporary art could enter into a meaningful dialogue with one of the world’s most iconic heritage sites,” says Abdel Ghaffar. Four years later, that dialogue has become a tradition. What began as a bold proposition has grown into a cultural landmark that attracts artists, collectors, and thinkers from around the world. “Egypt is no longer viewed solely as the cradle of civilization,” she adds, “but also as a vibrant stage for contemporary creativity.”
This year’s edition carries particular symbolism. Among the featured artists stands Michelangelo Pistoletto, the Arte Povera pioneer and Nobel Peace Prize nominee whose work has shaped generations. His forthcoming installation on the Giza Plateau will embody his lifelong philosophy of the Third Paradise—a vision of balance between nature and technology, tradition and innovation. “Hosting him in Egypt, at the foot of the Pyramids, creates a dialogue across centuries,” Abdel Ghaffar explains. “It feels like a milestone—an affirmation that the vision behind Forever Is Now resonates with the world’s most influential artists.”
Pistoletto’s presence also extends beyond the exhibition itself. In collaboration with the Italian Institute of Culture and the Fondazione Pistoletto Cittadellarte, Art d’Égypte will launch a fully funded scholarship for an Egyptian artist to study at the Accademia Unidee in Biella, Italy. For Abdel Ghaffar, this initiative reflects the project’s deeper purpose. “Art has the power to transform lives, but for that power to be sustainable, it must extend beyond the exhibition space,” she says. “Education and cultural exchange are crucial pillars for long-term impact.”
This year’s artist roster reinforces that idea of exchange. Alongside Pistoletto, the exhibition will feature Vhils (Portugal) and Recycle Group (Russia), joined by seven additional artists whose practices span continents—from Brazil’s Ana Ferrari and Lebanon’s Nadim Karam to Egypt’s Salha El Masry. Together, their works form a chorus of perspectives that mirror the global reach of Forever Is Now .05. “The Pyramids demand both humility and vision,” Abdel Ghaffar notes. “We seek artists who create not just objects, but experiences—encounters that remain with people long after they leave the Plateau.”
Earlier this year, Art d’Égypte also took its dialogue abroad with Tale of Two Cities, an exhibition linking Alexandria and Milan through parallel shows at Galleria Fumagalli and the MAGA Museum. Curated under CulturVator, the project explored memory, time, and creative legacy through Egyptian and Italian voices. “Both initiatives are guided by the same philosophy: art is a universal language that transcends borders,” Abdel Ghaffar says. “By placing Egyptian heritage at the center of global artistic dialogue, we remind the world that Egypt is not only a place of history but also of contemporary innovation.”
Working at such a symbolic site brings its own complexities. From navigating UNESCO regulations to managing the fragile terrain of Giza, every decision carries weight. “The terrain and sensitivity of the site require meticulous planning,” Abdel Ghaffar acknowledges. “Artists must rise to the challenge of producing work that dialogues with the site without overshadowing it. It’s not easy—but it’s precisely this complexity that gives Forever Is Now its strength.”
That strength also lies in inclusivity. Local artisans, workshops, and young artists are integral to each edition, ensuring that the exhibition’s impact reaches far beyond its visitors. “Many of our international artists produce or assemble their works in Egyptian workshops,” she explains. “It motivates the local creative economy and strengthens our cultural ecosystem.” In parallel, Art d’Égypte continues to champion local talent through the Cairo International Art District, an annual downtown platform showcasing over 100 Egyptian artists.
As she reflects on this milestone edition, Abdel Ghaffar speaks of the future in expansive terms. “This fifth edition is not a conclusion but a stepping stone,” she says. “Our vision is to continue building cultural bridges between Egypt and the world, between heritage and modernity, between generations.”
If Forever Is Now began as an experiment, it has now become a movement—one that redefines how the world connects with history, imagination, and the timeless power of art.
