Celebrating its 20th edition, the Aswan International Sculpture Symposium is one of the oldest artistic events and a rare gem on the cultural map that has been ongoing without interruptions.

Even during the hot year of the 2011 revolution, the symposium run the 16th edition as planned.

This year the symposium honours its founder and curator, sculptor Adam Henein. The symposium does not see participation from international artists, which according to Nagui Farid, member of the Supreme Committee behind the symposium, is not a result of budget constraints.

"The budget for the symposium was increased this year, enough to place it on par with the international symposia. The Cultural Development Fund that finances and organises the symposium showed great flexibility administratively. We have received many applications from foreign artists, but we decided that this year was going to focus on Egyptian artists, allowing us to boost local art," he said. 

Usually, the symposium welcomes 15 sculptors: nine professionals and six beginners.

This year however, 16 participants are young artists who will work in granite for the first time.

Farid explains that "Adam Henein's project consists of seven monumental sculptures exceeding the height of 4 meters. Putting in mind the material and administrative side of the event, it was difficult to accommodate monumental works created by foreign artists. Direct contact between Adam Henein, his three assistants and young artists ensures effective communication, and an exchange between the different generations."

The symposium's closing ceremony will mark the official opening of the outdoor museum which includes more than 200 monumental works created during the previous editions. Designed by architect and sculptor, Akram Al-Magdoub, the museum will becomes one of the important attractions in the city of Aswan.