The American University in Cairo (AUC) signed on Monday an agreement with Egyptian business tycoon Naguib Sawiris to support the establishment of the university’s Tahrir Cultural Center on its downtown campus.

The Tahrir Cultural Center will be a cultural centre run by the university that hosts a broad variety of events, including live music, art exhibitions, conferences, dance performances, book clubs, plays and movie screenings.

The agreement with Sawiris entails the renovation of the buildings and spaces that will host the centre.

The grand opening of the centre is set to take place in February 2019.

The signing ceremony was held at Oriental Hall on AUC’s Tahrir campus, and was attended by Sawiris, AUC President Francis Ricciardone and members of the university’s community.

“The TCC will enable us to realise our shared vision of revitalising AUC’s traditional role as the fountainhead of cultural activity in Cairo’s Khedivial-era downtown,” said Ricciardone.

“I can visualise a Downtown that is beautified by this wonderful building that will serve as an oasis of creativity and intellect to Egyptians,” commented Sawiris.

He wrote on Twitter that he was “very happy and proud to support the culture scene in Cairo with AUC and the new Tahrir Cultural Center.”

“The Center will serve as an addition to Tahrir campus, without affecting the current and continuous operations of the University’s programmes, lectures and activities,” said Ali Mourad, TCC director.