As part of Bridging Inequality through Creative Economy in Informal Areas (BICEIA), this project aimed to integrate the designers and manufacturers in Cairo’s formal economy with the artisans and craftspeople in the informal economy. It fostered collaborations that develop skills, market products, and connect creative talent to income opportunities in broader distribution networks.

While Egypt has a long tradition in the carpentry and furniture industry, there is an increasing gap between local capacities and market demands. The informal economy represents around 50% of the GDP in Egypt, yet the creative sector, which has been gaining momentum in recent years, may offer a potential developmental role.

The project was concluded with the Kaweela Exhibition in Egypt Designers School, organized by CLUSTER in collaboration with Pinocchio, with the support of the Wealth Inequality Initiative by the Julius Baer Foundation.

To explore the pieces or make a purchase, you can visit the website of Zaha Home, the website of El Haddad Design Studio, the Instagram of 38_designs, the website of Room No. 9 Studio