Nada Sayed
I am a civil and environmental engineer who has also pursued independent studies in fine arts. I have participated in 12 group exhibitions in visual arts, including mural painting and photography. I have contributed to the set design of a short film, directed a short film and a music video. I hold a diploma in cultural development from Cairo University and have conducted over 150 workshops and events in arts education, designing their content in collaboration with civil society organizations. I have been working in the civil society sector for ten years and founded the Tram initiative, which focuses on integrating nature, the environment, and heritage.
My Journey
I studied civil engineering and graduated in 2012. I worked in designing infrastructure networks and water treatment. I loved my work, but I felt the pressure of constant work, a lack of time for learning, creativity, and development, and a limited space for mistakes and freedom. On the other hand, I had gone through some painful experiences in my life, so I tried to find safe ways to express myself and rebuild myself. I found that nature, arts, and colors provided me with the space I needed to learn, make mistakes, and maintain my spontaneity. It allowed me to understand and respect others' differences. When I lost the ability to communicate with words, waste materials like paper, glass, fabric, and colors became my language. I could rearrange them and give them a second chance at life.
I left engineering to pursue independent studies in fine arts and various handicrafts, and I obtained a diploma in cultural development from Cairo University. For over a decade, I've worked in the civil society sector, where I've found that people share a common need for a safe space to feel secure and learn through trial and error.
This is where "Tram Alwan" was born. "Tram Alwan" creates and designs environmental art programs, workshops, events, exhibitions, and camps that are based on live interaction, experiential learning, and art in public parks and various locations. We strive to use environmentally friendly materials in all our activities to raise awareness about the environment and sustainable alternatives.
The idea behind "Tram Alwan" is to combine art, nature, the environment, and heritage for environmental learning through art and education. We reuse waste materials such as plastic, paper, glass, cardboard, fabric, and wood to find solutions and give them a new lease on life. We also teach people how to express themselves through colors and shapes inspired by nature and rich cultural heritage. Ultimately, we aim to create a language of communication between individuals.
In essence, "Tram Alwan" is an initiative that transforms waste into art, promotes environmental awareness, and fosters creativity and community engagement. It offers a space for individuals to heal, learn, and connect with nature and each other.
Tram Alwan creates and designs eco-art programs, workshops, events, exhibitions, and camps based on live interaction, experiential learning, and art in public parks and various locations. We utilize recycled materials and empower women from diverse backgrounds and nationalities through eco-friendly crafts.