As a child, Shereen Badr dreamed of finding Aladdin’s magic lamp. She imagined making one powerful wish to learn all the languages of the world so she could communicate with people everywhere. Her dream was not about magic itself, but about connection. She wanted to understand others, share stories, and feel close to people beyond borders.
As she grew older, she realized that Aladdin’s lamp belonged only to fairy tales. The word impossible seemed to replace her childhood wish. Yet this realization did not stop her. Instead, it guided her toward a deeper discovery. Through drawing and painting, Shereen Badr found a new voice. She understood that art did not require translation. It spoke directly to the heart.
This moment changed her life. Art became her language, her tool, and her purpose. Today, Shereen Badr is a cultural leader whose work connects people across countries and cultures through creativity.
Discovering Art as a Universal Language
Art has always been at the center of Shereen Badr’s identity. For her, art is not limited to galleries or exhibitions. It is a form of expression that allows individuals to share emotions, experiences, and truths that words often cannot capture.
She believes art is the most honest way humans communicate. A single artwork can tell a story, raise questions, or spark empathy without saying a word. This belief shaped her understanding of creativity as a universal language that unites people regardless of background, nationality, or spoken language.
This philosophy later became the foundation of her professional mission. Shereen Badr did not want to create art only for personal fulfillment. She wanted to build a platform where artists could connect, exchange ideas, and create meaningful dialogue through their work.
The Early Career Journey in Europe
Shereen Badr began her professional journey as an independent curator in Italy. Immersed in the European art scene, she worked closely with artists and cultural institutions, gaining hands on experience in curating exhibitions and organizing creative events.
During this period, she launched the Euro Arab Artoday project. Through this initiative, she organized more than twenty art events before the global pandemic. These events aimed to bridge European and Arab cultures by bringing artists together in shared creative spaces.
Her work in Europe strengthened her belief in the power of cultural exchange. She saw how art could break stereotypes and open conversations between communities that rarely interacted. This experience laid the groundwork for what would later become Artoday.
Returning to Egypt During a Global Crisis
The outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic marked a turning point in Shereen Badr’s journey. The art world slowed down, exhibitions were canceled, and uncertainty spread across creative industries worldwide.
During this challenging time, she made a bold and defining decision. She returned to Egypt and officially established Artoday as a formal platform. Starting an organization during a global crisis was not easy. Resources were limited, and many people questioned the value of art during uncertain times.
Despite these challenges, Shereen Badr believed that creativity was more important than ever. She relied on her international network, experience, and determination to contribute to Egypt’s creative sector when it needed support the most.
This decision transformed Artoday from a project into a mission driven organization focused on connection, empowerment, and social impact.
The Birth of the Empower Her Art Forum
One of Shereen Badr’s most impactful achievements is the creation of the Empower Her Art Forum. Launched in 2023, the forum was designed as a global platform dedicated to supporting women artists and amplifying their voices.
The Empower Her Art Forum quickly grew in scale and influence. It has featured more than two hundred women artists from over fifty countries. The forum collaborates with international organizations, embassies, and cultural institutions to promote gender equality and cross cultural dialogue.
The platform also prioritizes inclusion. It provides a safe and supportive space for displaced women, refugee artists, and artists with disabilities. For many participants, the forum represents visibility, recognition, and opportunity that they had not previously experienced.
Shereen Badr views the forum as more than an art event. It is a movement that challenges traditional power structures within the art world and creates space for voices that are often overlooked.
Art as a Driver of Social Change
A central challenge in Shereen Badr’s journey has been securing funding and long term support. Many potential partners still view art as decoration rather than a force for change.
Shereen Badr consistently works to shift this perception. She believes art has the power to address serious global issues such as climate change, gender inequality, and social injustice. Through visual storytelling, artists can raise awareness and inspire action in ways that statistics and reports cannot.
She advocates for creativity as a tool that shapes how people think and feel about the world. Art can challenge norms, encourage empathy, and inspire communities to imagine better futures.
Changing this mindset requires persistence, education, and strong communication. It remains one of her ongoing missions.
Preparing for the Future and the 2026 Edition
Currently, Shereen Badr is focused on organizing the fourth edition of the Empower Her Art Forum, scheduled to take place from May 1 to May 5, 2026. This upcoming edition represents an important step toward her long term vision.
Her goal is to establish a sustainable and world class platform that continues to elevate women artists globally. Each edition builds on the last, expanding its reach, strengthening partnerships, and deepening its impact.
The forum also plays a role in positioning Egypt as a global cultural hub. By hosting international artists and institutions, it highlights the country’s commitment to both heritage and contemporary creativity.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Through her journey, Shereen Badr has learned that growth requires constant self development. She believes that learning never stops and that success depends on continuously improving both personally and professionally.
Focus has been one of her most valuable lessons. Building something meaningful often attracts criticism and doubt. Staying committed to the vision, despite external opinions, has been essential to her progress.
If she could advise her younger self, she would emphasize the importance of clarity, branding, and communication. She would encourage early use of digital platforms to amplify meaningful messages and build strong connections.
These lessons reflect her resilience and her commitment to long term impact rather than short term recognition.
A Vision for Lasting Legacy
Shereen Badr hopes to leave behind a legacy where art is recognized as a fundamental pillar of development rather than a luxury. She wants creativity to be valued alongside technology, education, and infrastructure.
Her vision is for Artoday to be remembered as a platform that empowered artists to engage with urgent global challenges and contribute to societal progress. She believes art strengthens critical thinking, supports economic growth through creative industries, and builds bridges between cultures.
From a childhood dream inspired by a magic lamp to leading an international creative movement, Shereen Badr’s journey proves that the power to connect the world can come from within. Through art, she turned an impossible dream into a living reality that continues to inspire people across the globe.
Do follow her on Instagram
Read Next – Dubai RTA Introduces One-Year Operational Extension for Delivery Bikes
