A rare and spectacular Islamic art form, ‘Khayamiya’ is Egyptian Tentmaker hand-sewn appliqué. It is the most vibrant form of street art in Cairo, but rarely seen outside Egypt. “Khayamiya: Khedival to Contemporary” is the world’s first exhibition to reveal the story of the Egyptian Tentmakers from the Late Ottoman Empire to present-day Cairo. Curator Dr Sam Bowker is a lecturer in art history and visual culture for the School of Communication and Creative Industries at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga. His exhibition in the University’s HR Gallop Gallery will be displayed from Monday 26 August. It is part of an international project to recognise the work of the Egyptian Tentmakers as skilled craftsmen and artists. Dr Bowker said, “For hundreds of years, Egyptian Tentmakers designed and made ‘Khayamiya’.  These intricate artworks adorned the spectacular tents of the Ottoman Empire and the Egyptian Khedives. In Cairo today, magnificent screens form colourful backdrops for street parties, weddings, Ramadan celebrations, political rallies, funerals and religious events. Sadly, these screens are now made of cheap printed fabrics that imitate real Khayamiya appliqué. The historic hand-made art now faces extinction.” Dr Bowker will host a public conversation in the Gallery from 1pm to 2pm on Tuesday 27 August. He will be on a lecture tour in the United Kingdom from Tuesday 3 to Thursday 19 September. His book, Khayamiya: The Art of the Egyptian Tentmakers will be published next year.