Connecting Through Creativity:
A 16-Month Reflection on the Core Program
Over the past 16 months (August 2024 – December 2025), the Sekem Core Program has served as a bridge, connecting employees across various departments through the power of art and shared creativity. This initiative has fostered meaningful human encounters that transcend the workplace, proving that art is a vital tool for building relationships and personal growth.
Reaching Every Corner of Sekem
The program’s impact has been widespread, reaching nearly 300 individuals across Sekem’s diverse companies and teams:
- Water Factory: 90 employees
- Isis: 80 employees
- Agriculture Engineers: 48 people
- The Chefs: 18 culinary professionals
- Naturetex: 15 employees
- Guest House Team: 14 staff members
- Lead Students: 16 students
The Power of the “Process”
Each session followed a rhythm designed to build comfort and community. Participants began with movement and games to find a common rhythm before diving into artistic processes like painting, drawing, and shape drawing.
The core philosophy remained constant: valuing the process over the product. It was never about creating a “perfect” painting, but rather about being brave enough to try and being surprised by one’s own abilities. This approach helped many overcome initial shyness or the fear of “not being good enough” at art.
Beyond the Canvas: Unique Experiences
The program adapted to the unique environments of different teams, offering specialized activities:
- Sustainability in Action: Groups explored paper pulping and recycling, learning to give materials a second life.
- A New Perspective: Chefs experienced a “Dark Room” (Camera Obscura) session, marveling at the effects of light.
- A Sense of Family: Baking and eating together during sessions added a layer of warmth, making the program feel like a family gathering.
Voices from the Heart of the Program
The true impact of the Core Program is best expressed by those who experienced it. Their reflections capture the shift from initial hesitation to a sense of joy and personal discovery:
- “This one hour makes my day special—it’s a space to disconnect from work, explore, enjoy, and recharge!”
- “Look at the star I drew… I managed to do it although I don’t know how to read and write!”
- “These sessions were so precious… we have nice memories that will stay with us.”
A Journey of Professional Growth
This journey has been led by Nihal Nour, who brought specialized expertise to the program after completing her postgraduate course in Art Therapy at WOGOUD Studio in Cairo. This advanced training, conducted under the leadership of Petra Rosenkranz, provided the therapeutic and creative foundation necessary to guide such a diverse group of participants through their artistic journeys.
Beyond the art room, the program has served as a catalyst for deeper organizational development. The experience of guiding these sessions has evolved from following a rigid plan to a more intuitive approach sensing the unique needs of each group and responding with flexibility.
This spirit of mentorship and development extended into the “Rahma” Women’s Health Project. Through art-based supervision and guidance, 12 health coaches were supported in their mission to raise health awareness among women in both the factories and surrounding villages. This collaboration highlighted the power of learning from diversity and the beauty of supporting others in their professional development.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Program
The Core Program is far more than a scheduled series of sessions; it is about building real, lasting relationships. These human encounters may begin in the art room, but they do not end when the hour is over.
The goal remains steadfast: to value the process over the product. It is not about creating a “perfect” painting, but about the courage to try, the willingness to be surprised by our own abilities, and the recognition that these moments of creativity are vital for the well-being of every member of our community.