The American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE)
Founded in 1948, the American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE) is a private, nonprofit organization composed of educational and cultural institutions, professional scholars, and private individuals. Through grants, fieldwork and field schools, ARCE’s partnership with Egyptians contributes to the shared goal of cultural heritage preservation. Over the years, ARCE’s strong relationship with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MoTA) and the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) has ensured the success of our work together.
ARCE is the primary professional organization for American Egyptologists and scholars interested in studying Prehistoric, Pharaonic, Coptic, Arab and Ottoman Egypt. They maintain a wide range of scholarly and educational activities both in the United States and in Egypt. Among the members are the top American universities and museums with interests in Egypt.Through their programs and publications, ARCE is also internationally recognized as a preeminent Egyptological organization. ARCE fulfills its mission through its active support of archaeological excavation, monument conservation, professional training for Egyptian colleagues, fellowship program, public outreach and publication.
UCLA is a Research Supporting Member via the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures.
The institutional membership benefits include:
Research supporting members play an active role in the life of ARCE by participating in the governance of the organization and representing major research and expedition interests in Egypt. RSMs provide institutional support to ARCE with a $1,000 annual contribution and elect a representative to serve on the RSM National Council.* Benefits of membership include:
- Representation on the RSM Council to raise issues of importance to consortium members
- Logistical support in Cairo for research expeditions to Egypt, including processing archaeological permits and visa extensions
- Security Documentation: Professional translation of security forms into Arabic for every individual mission member
- Project Proposals: Professional translation of the project proposal and the detailed work plan
- Document Preparation: Preparation of required physical copies (2 copies of each security form and 5 copies of each passport) as per official regulations
- Permanent Committee Submission: Submitting project files and required photographs to the Permanent Committee and conducting regular follow-ups until approval is granted.
- Contractual Formalities: Coordinating and scheduling the official contract signing between the Mission Director and the Head of the Permanent Committees
- Residency & Visa Assistance: Assisting members with visa extensions, including form preparation, accompanying members to the Mogamma, and collecting residency permits.
- Antiquities Pass: Facilitating and obtaining the necessary antiquities passes for all mission members throughout the season
- Military Liaison: Handling coordination and security clearances with Egyptian Military Authorities for missions in restricted zones
- Equipment & Customs: Obtaining Ministry approvals for the entry of mission equipment and technical devices
- Airport & Logistics: Facilitating airport meet-and-assist services for arriving and departing members
- Accommodation: Assisting with hotel bookings in Cairo and Luxor
- Final Reporting: Translation of each Missions’ Final Reports and submitting 10 physical copies (5 Arabic / 5 English) and digital copies (CDs) to the Permanent Committee
- Letters of introduction to other research organizations and institutes in Egypt
- Logistical services and access to ARCE facilities, including the library and new Cairo headquarters
- Free translation services
- Information on research conditions in Egypt
- Free subscriptions to ARCE publications including the Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt
- Invitations to all public ARCE events
- Recognition in publications and on the ARCE website
- Invitation to President’s Reception at the ARCE Annual Meeting
*Dr. Marissa Stevens currently serves as the UCLA RSM Council Representative to ARCE National.