The Saudi capital, Riyadh, witnessed an exceptional and special night as part of the Riyadh Season events, where Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority, awarded the former Egyptian Minister of Culture and international visual artist Farouk Hosny the “Lifetime Achievement Award” during the sixth edition of the Joy Awards ceremony.
This honor was bestowed upon Farouk Hosny in recognition of his distinguished career spanning decades, both in cultural administration and through his artistic creations that have graced exhibitions worldwide. The former minister expressed his profound gratitude for this recognition, saying in his address during the ceremony: “It is a great pleasure and honor for me to express my sincere thanks and deep appreciation for this generous tribute, which I cherish and value with immense pride and respect.”.
An exceptional cultural and artistic journey
Farouk Hosny is not just a former government official; he is one of the most prominent cultural figures in the Arab world. He served as Egypt's Minister of Culture for nearly 23 years (from 1987 to 2011), the longest tenure of any minister in this position in modern Egyptian history. During his time in office, Egypt witnessed a significant cultural renaissance, marked by the establishment and restoration of numerous museums and archaeological sites. Perhaps the most prominent project associated with his name is the Grand Egyptian Museum, in addition to the revitalization of the Library of Alexandria, the modernization of the Cairo Opera House, and the creation of the Cultural Development Fund, which supported thousands of young artists.
On the artistic level, Farouk Hosny is known as a high-class abstract visual artist, whose works are distinguished by a special style based on color abstraction and freedom of expression. His paintings have been exhibited in the most famous museums and galleries in Paris, Rome, New York, and Tokyo, making him an ambassador for Arab art in international forums.
The importance of the JOY AWARDS ceremony and its regional impact
The Joy Awards ceremony is gaining increasing importance year after year, becoming the largest awards event of its kind in the Middle East and the Arab world. The ceremony brings together a select group of the brightest stars in film, music, drama, sports, and social media influencers, making it a global platform for cultural exchange and the sharing of creative expertise.
This honoring of Farouk Hosny in the heart of Riyadh reflects the depth of the cultural and fraternal relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab Republic of Egypt, and confirms the Kingdom’s vision under the “Riyadh Season” which aims to celebrate Arab icons who have left a clear mark on the conscience of peoples, and whose achievements have transcended geographical boundaries to become a shared human heritage.
