El Gouna Photo Week has announced that it will offer free full-access passes to students pursuing arts and media-related disciplines as part of its second edition, scheduled to take place from December 3 to 12, 2026. The initiative aims to provide students with an opportunity to engage with the photography and visual arts community while benefiting from the event’s extensive artistic and professional program.
The complimentary passes are available to students specializing in filmmaking, photography, radio and television, mass communication, fine arts, and applied arts. The initiative will give them access to a diverse range of activities combining theoretical knowledge, hands-on experiences, and valuable networking opportunities with industry professionals.
The passes will grant students access to all on-stage talks and discussions, featuring more than 40 sessions, as well as 14 art and photography exhibitions presented throughout the event. Students will also be able to attend the opening and closing ceremonies and take advantage of free photography locations across El Gouna, with further details to be announced at a later date.
Marwa Abou Leila, Executive Director of El Gouna Photo Week and Co-Founder and Executive Director of Photopia, commented on the initiative, saying:
“By offering free full-access passes to students in creative disciplines, we are reaffirming our belief in the importance of providing the next generation of creatives with meaningful opportunities to learn, experiment, and connect with the photography and visual arts community.”
She added: “Through El Gouna Photo Week, we strive to create an open platform for exchanging knowledge, discovering talent, and fostering creativity, rather than simply showcasing artistic works. We want students to make the most of the talks, workshops, and exhibitions, gain firsthand insights into the experiences of photographers and industry professionals, and explore the unique photography locations across El Gouna. We hope this experience will broaden their creative horizons, inspire them to further develop their skills, and help them establish professional connections that will support their first steps in the industry.”
The initiative forms part of El Gouna Photo Week’s broader commitment to creating a dynamic platform for learning, knowledge exchange, and exploring emerging trends in photography and visual storytelling. The event’s diverse program will feature talks, workshops, live demonstrations on the beach and on stage, photography tours, exhibitions, and professional networking activities.
The event will also offer students an opportunity to gain firsthand exposure to different approaches to image-making, explore professional practices and artistic perspectives, and engage directly with participating photographers, artists, and creative professionals. These experiences are designed to bridge the gap between academic education and practical application while encouraging meaningful connections within the creative industry.
El Gouna is set to host the second edition of El Gouna Photo Week over ten days, presenting a diverse program of artistic and educational activities alongside immersive, hands-on experiences. Participants will also have access to complimentary photography locations throughout the city, with additional information to be revealed in due course.
The introduction of free full-access passes for students reflects El Gouna Photo Week’s ongoing commitment to supporting emerging creative talent, encouraging the participation of the next generation of artists and visual storytellers, and providing opportunities to connect with the photography and visual arts community through its exhibitions, discussions, and wide-ranging activities.
