Where dusty, old walls once stood as plain as the day they were built, there now is a plethora of colour, design and empassioned messages.
If you are visiting Cairo then take the time to visit Tahrir Square as well as the streets surrounding it and you will find a wealth of exciting street art adorning the city's previously sandy walls.
From Midan Tahrir walk up Mohamed Mahmoud street, beside the old American University of Cairo buildings, and then zig-zag around the streets to the east of the square to see the ever-changing canvases.
As you travel around Cairo, or Egypt, itself, keep your eyes open for street art, as it is now prevalent in every community and district.
To avoid drawing unwanted attention to yourself or mis-understandings around the sensitive issue of the revolution and politics in Egypt, using large DSLR cameras to take photos should be avoided. Follow the advice of the British Embassy regarding visiting Tahrir Square, especially on Fridays, as it is often used for large gatherings.

Midan Tahrir, Mohamed Mahmoud street and the area between and around these streets.
Google map: bit.ly/Q3oq75

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Townhouse Gallery isn't just a gallery but is really a hub for artists and arts activities that runs across a number of streets just off Talat Harb.
You can use the Townhouse Gallery website to find out what is going on; maybe an exhibition, or a gig, but the cafes that spill on to the streets and the open-fronted artist's studios are worth a visit in themselves.

www.thetownhousegallery.com
Hussein El Me'mar Pasha Street
+202 2576 8086
Google map: bit.ly/N11u8M

* Alip is our Been there local for Cairo. Her homepage is here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/cairo-local-alice-allsop.jsp and you can follow her tips directly here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/alip

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On A Caravan is an arts festival that takes place in Cairo and aims to bring together artists from the East and West.
The festival includes an art exhibition of pieces created under a common theme (2012's theme is 'The Road Ahead'), as well as other music, film or literature events that also aid cultural understanding.

On A Caravan 2012 festival in April/May 2012 www.oncaravan.org/exhibition4/index.htm
On A Caravan main website www.oncaravan.org/index.htm
Events take place in Maadi a suburb in southern Cairo. Take the Metro to El Maadi station and then walk up Port Said Street, or ask a taxi for Port Said Street (5LE).
Google map: bit.ly/I2Ayyp

* Alip is our Been there local for Cairo. Her homepage is here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/cairo-local-alice-allsop.jsp and you can follow her tips directly here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/alip

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The Egyptian Centre for Culture and Art has its base in a 1930's corner building and live music performances take place in a smallish (capacity 80 max) but double height room with a balcony. The acoustics are extraordinary and the atmosphere intimate. We saw a vibrant and inspiring performance of 'zar' ritual music by the Mazaher ensemble and afterward we shared a refreshing khakadee (hibiscus) drink with the tamboura player, who was 87!

1 Saad Zaghloul St. El Dawaween 11461 Cairo
+202 2792 0878
www.egyptmusic.org

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This is an amazing oasis in Giza, just off the road to Sakkara Pyramid, containing unbelievable tapestries and batiks. It is the most genuine place I have visited in Egypt, with real art and crafts and none of this cheap rubbish you find in a lot of other places. Visitors must be careful as there are no less than twenty imitation shops and centres on the main road, but when you reach this place in Harania you will know. It's in a 10-acre lush, green area and has beautiful architecture.

Ramses Wissa Wassef Art Centre, Harania Village, Sakkara Road.
Tel : +20 2 381 5746
www.wissa-wassef-arts.com

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