Heritage as Memory: Art, Identity, and Belonging

The conversation highlights the work of Egyptian architect May Al-Ibrashy, founder of the Megawra – Built Environment Collective, a Cultural Emergency Response (CER) project partner, whose practice bridges heritage conservation with social impact in Cairo. Through her work, she demonstrates how community-led approaches to the built environment can strengthen social cohesion, empower local stakeholders, and ensure the sustainable transmission of cultural heritage. 

The conversation explores the responsibilities and opportunities of carrying culture forward, examining how heritage practices and creative initiatives can sustain memory, identity, and continuity. Particular attention is given to how community-driven models not only safeguard the past, but also actively shape how people connect to place, imagine collective futures, and engage with culture as a living, evolving force. 

TEFAF Talks are interactive panel discussions exploring today’s most fascinating topics in the worlds of art, antiques, and design. Paired with leading content partners, these talks showcase the knowledge of leading experts in the broader TEFAF community. This talk is presented in partnership with Cultural Emergency Response and moderated by Sanne Letschert, director at Cultural Emergency Response.