The Contemporary Image Collective (CIC) is an independent non-profit art initiative founded in Cairo in 2004. CIC’s mission spans contemporary art and educational programming that responds to and develops artistic practice, engagement, and discourse.

Since its founding in 2004 by a group of artists and photographers who today make up its Board of Trustees, CIC has a special interest in the many roles of the photographic image at large. 

Contemporary art programming at CIC aims to produce critical contexts for a range of practices via a constellation of exhibitions, residencies, special projects, discursive events, publications and educational activities. Working beyond the curatorial logic of the ‘platform’ or ‘showcase’; a primary question for CIC as a whole is rooted in the creation of milieux in which ideas, practices and discussions related to the broadest remit of contemporary art can be fostered. We consider artistic and curatorial practices we work with to be operating within and addressing simultaneously both local and international contexts and debates.

CIC’s mission evolves from an interest in the multifarious modes of image production and consumption, contemporary and historical, arising from within and without art practices, and the ways in which they reflect and respond to the present.

Programming: 

The institution functions primarily through specific programs, alongside hosting some events from other initiatives or ogransiations

The programming team curates programs that include:

•  Film screenings
•  Workshops
•  Talks/discussions
•  Exhibitions

Through these programs, The CIC collaborates with a diverse network of practitioners including artists, curators, writers, filmmakers, and many others to explore specific themes in depth.

Library:
The CIC library houses a specialized collection of books and references focusing on:

• Photography
• Visual arts and art criticism
• Various cultural and art fields

The CIC library contains more than 3,000 entries, consisting of both purchased books and valuable donations. It also includes specific sections dedicated to the resources and readings from programs that CIC has completed in previous years.

Printmaking:
The CIC has a strong focus on printmaking and self-publishing.

• Risograph: The risograph machine operates on a self-help basis. Artists can book appointments to come in and print their own publications or projects. Our self-publishing and printmaking coordinator gives an initial introduction on how to use the machine, but after that, the artists operate it themselves.We also host specific Risograph workshops. The publications produced during these workshops are often the final outcome, and you can find some of them for sale in the bookshop located in the Library. 
• Silk Screen: In addition to the Risograph, the institution also has a Silk Screen Room, which is equipped with a lightbox and everything needed for printing. Similar to the Risograph room, this space is available for artists to book for their own silk screen projects. We also utilize this space to host specialized silk screen workshops throughout the year.
• You can schedule your silk screen or risograph appointment by emailing printmaking@ciccairo.com

Digital Lab

While the Risograph is self-service, this lab is a specialized facility for high-end production. It houses the Epson Stylus Pro 9900 printer, which produces professional-grade prints using archival and exhibition-quality inks. The lab provides a variety of photographic paper options, including museum-quality archival papers.

Utilizing both paper rolls and sheets, the facility accommodates large-format printing up to a maximum width of 110 cm, with flexible lengths to suit any project’s requirements.

Printing appointments can be booked by emailing digilab@ciccairo.com