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Kuwait Times
42 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait showcases rich culture at Jerash Festival in Jordan
AMMAN: Kuwait's pavilion at the 39th Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts in Jordan is offering visitors an immersive experience into the country's diverse cultural heritage, from handmade crafts to iconic literary works. Set within the festival's Embassy Exhibition, the Kuwaiti pavilion brings together traditional artisanship, interactive displays, and a glimpse into the country's famous 'diwaniya' social space. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of shipbuilding and bisht weaving—crafts passed down through generations—as well as sample Kuwaiti cuisine and browse a wide selection of free publications. 'Our participation aims to highlight key Kuwaiti cultural publications, which are a fundamental pillar of Kuwait's cultural scene,' said Dalal Al-Fadhli, Director of Culture at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL). She added that the pavilion recreates the authentic atmosphere of a Kuwaiti diwaniya and introduces visitors to traditional crafts like shipbuilding and bisht tailoring. The pavilion features an array of magazines and books covering both Kuwaiti and Arab culture, including well-known titles such as Al-Arabi, Al-Arabi Al-Sagheer, Aalam Al-Ma'rifa, and Aalam Al-Fikr. 'We've seen strong engagement from festivalgoers,' Al-Fadhli told KUNA. 'They're enjoying hands-on experiences with the artisans, the diwaniya setting, and the popular dishes, along with the cultural material we offer for free.' Jordanian Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh (center left) is gifted a Kuwaiti bisht by Kuwaiti officials, including NCCAL Secretary-General Dr Mohammad Al-Jassar (center right). Dalal Al-Fadhli Artisan Hussein Al-Bazzaz, head of the Kuwaiti Craftsmen Association, has been leading live demonstrations of traditional dhow-building and offering brief lessons on the history of boom ships—vessels that once symbolized Kuwait's maritime legacy. 'Craftsmanship is an essential part of our heritage,' Al-Bazzaz said. 'The ships I build today are based on the same techniques passed down from my ancestors.' Suleiman Al-Suleiman has conducted workshops on bisht making, the traditional robe worn across the Gulf. 'I'm the third generation in my family to carry this craft,' he said, adding that despite his academic job, his passion for the bisht tradition remains strong. 'Visitors are fascinated by how the bisht is handmade, the materials we use, and how the craft has evolved.' The embassy exhibition was inaugurated Thursday by Jordanian Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh, alongside Kuwaiti officials including NCCAL Secretary-General Dr Mohammad Al-Jassar, and Kuwait's Ambassador to Jordan, Hamad Al-Merri. Al-Fadli praised Jordan's efforts in organizing one of the Arab world's most prominent cultural festivals and thanked the embassy exhibition team for their support and hospitality. — KUNA
Arab Times
22-07-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Failaka's forgotten echoes find global spotlight at UNESCO and Kuwait's art scene
KUWAIT CITY, July 22: A vibrant exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art is showcasing the rich antiquities of Failaka Island through a collection of visual artworks, celebrating the recent inclusion of the historic Icarus Stone in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. Organized under the theme 'Kuwait's Antiquities in Colors,' the summer exhibition features 38 fine and ceramic artworks created by Kuwaiti artists who have visually interpreted the archaeological legacy of Failaka Island. The exhibition, which runs until July 27, is accompanied by specialized artistic and ceramic workshops aimed at deepening public engagement with the country's ancient heritage. Speaking to KUNA, exhibition organizer Sarah Khalaf explained that the event was launched in celebration of the Icarus Stone's addition to UNESCO's Memory of the World list on April 18. The event highlights the global importance of the artifact and reflects Kuwait's dedication to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage through the arts. Professor Hassan Ashkanani, an expert in archaeology and anthropology at Kuwait University, described the Icarus Stone as 'a rare and significant artifact of immense historical value.' He noted that it dates back to 2300 BC and is inscribed in ancient Greek with a 44-line message from a representative of the Seleucid state to the ruler of Icarus, the ancient name for Failaka Island. According to Ashkanani, the inscription offers insights into the political, social, economic, and religious life of the time, referencing agricultural practices, the care of deer, the establishment of temples, and the hosting of religious rituals that resembled the Olympic Games. Discovered in 1960 during early excavations by Denmark's Moesgaard University, the Icarus Stone was found within the remains of a Hellenistic castle on the island. Ashkanani highlighted its unique importance, noting that it is 'the first piece of Kuwaiti heritage to be registered on the UNESCO list.' The artifact is currently preserved and displayed at the Kuwait National Museum. Ashkanani added that the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) continues to organize events that introduce the public to Kuwait's ancient history, with a special focus on the treasures of Failaka Island. The island, situated in the Arabian Gulf, remains one of Kuwait's most archaeologically rich sites, representing centuries of cross-cultural exchange and civilization. In conjunction with the exhibition, Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of NCCAL, toured the Museum of Modern Art, underscoring the importance of promoting Kuwait's cultural identity through artistic expression. This celebration not only marks a milestone in Kuwait's cultural diplomacy but also reaffirms the nation's ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing its unique historical narrative with the world.
Arab Times
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
Kuwait restructures licensing process for theatrical and artistic performances
KUWAIT CITY, July 20: Minister of Information and Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, who also serves as Chairman of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), has issued a ministerial decision to restructure the licensing mechanism for theatrical and artistic performances in Kuwait. The decision aims to streamline the process while ensuring alignment with national laws and cultural values. According to Aisha Al-Mahmoud, Assistant Secretary-General for the Culture Sector and Acting Assistant Secretary-General for the Arts Sector at NCCAL, entities wishing to advertise a theatrical or artistic performance must now submit an official request to the designated authority within the council, accompanied by all required documents. Al-Mahmoud explained that the council will respond to applications within three days of meeting all specified conditions. Applicants are also required to sign a declaration confirming that the performance does not violate any prohibitions under Law No. 3 of 2006 and its amendments. The declaration must also take into account the provisions of Law No. 21 of 2015 concerning children's rights and other relevant legislation in force. Once the application is approved, organizers may publicly announce the event and open bookings in accordance with regulations set by competent authorities. A final approval process is required, in which a designated committee from NCCAL will attend the final rehearsal at least three days prior to the public showing and no more than fifteen days after rehearsal scheduling. The committee will then decide whether to approve, request modifications, or reject the performance. The decision applies to all theatrical and artistic performances, including those organized by civil theater groups, private institutions, diplomatic missions, and non-governmental entities. All approvals will be granted based on Kuwait's current legal and legislative framework. Al-Mahmoud emphasized that the restructuring reinforces the cultural and social significance of theater as a creative art form that fosters public awareness. She noted that this move grants artists full responsibility before their audiences to deliver meaningful content that respects societal values. She also underscored the critical role of children's theater as a platform for promoting both cognitive and social development among young audiences.
Arab Times
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
Museum of Modern Art celebrates the beauty of Arabic calligraphy in a workshop
KUWAIT CITY, July 20: The Museum of Modern Art embraced the rich aesthetics of Arabic calligraphy on Saturday evening during a dedicated adult workshop, held as part of the 17th Cultural Summer Festival. The event was organized by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL). Renowned calligrapher Hamoud Al-Jafran led the session, introducing participants to the fundamentals of Arabic calligraphy. His presentation covered the art form's deep-rooted history and highlighted its most prominent styles, including Naskh, Ruq'ah, Thuluth, and Diwani. Attendees received hands-on training, learning to use traditional tools such as the reed pen and ink, and mastering proper techniques for holding and maneuvering the pen to form precise and elegant letters, words, and sentences. In a statement to KUNA, Al-Jafran explained that the two-day workshop is designed to provide beginners with practical experience in Arabic calligraphy, helping them learn through practice and correction. He emphasized the importance of calligraphy as a key component of Arab and Islamic cultural heritage. Al-Jafran described Ruq'ah as the easiest script to learn, noting its simplicity and reliance on hand flexibility without intricate detailing. In contrast, he referred to Thuluth as the most complex and artistic form, famously used in the inscriptions on the cover of the Kaaba and often dubbed 'the crown of letters.' The calligrapher, who also studied the art of Ebru (marbling) professionally in Istanbul, has participated in several local art exhibitions in Kuwait. This workshop is one of many cultural and artistic activities featured in the 17th edition of the Cultural Summer Festival, aimed at enriching the public's creative engagement throughout the summer season.
Kuwait Times
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
NCCAL hosts workshop on receiving cinematic image
KUWAIT: As part of its ongoing Summer Culture 17 festival, the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) organized a workshop on Wednesday at the National Library of Kuwait titled Receiving the Cinematic Image. The session was presented by renowned Egyptian screenwriter Wael Hamdy and attended by a group of cinema enthusiasts and professionals working in the visual content industry. The workshop centered around an in-depth analysis of a short film written by Hamdy and directed by Karim Shaaban. Participants explored the various stages of filmmaking — from concept development and dramatic treatment, to scriptwriting, set design, casting, cinematography, editing and sound design. Hamdy emphasized the importance of understanding every technical aspect that appears on screen, including lighting, color schemes, and camera angles, all of which, he noted, play a pivotal role in shaping the audience's perception. He explained that while cultures and environments may differ, the final artistic product delivered to the viewer retains a universal visual language. The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) organizes a workshop on Wednesday at the National Library of Kuwait as part of its ongoing Summer Culture 17 festival. – KUNA photos He also praised NCCAL and the National Library for organizing workshops that empower and educate young creatives, pointing out that hosting regional experts reflects the Council's commitment to delivering quality programming and nurturing local talent in the film industry. Participant Saleh Taqi, an amateur photographer, expressed his enthusiasm for the session, noting that the workshop enhanced his understanding of cinematic vision — a valuable tool for his photography. 'The presenter explained the types of lenses and shooting angles used to support the film's narrative, which introduced me to new techniques I can apply in my own work,' he said. Fellow participant Manahel Al-Tamimi, a cinema and drama enthusiast, shared that she joined the workshop out of admiration for Hamdy's work and her curiosity about the screenwriting process. 'I've followed Wael Hamdy's projects closely, and this was a great opportunity to gain insight into his storytelling methods and compare them with other writing styles,' she noted, adding that such workshops enrich the artistic community and provide aspiring creatives with valuable knowledge. The Summer Culture 17 festival, which launched last Wednesday, runs for seven weeks and features a diverse lineup of cultural and artistic events aimed at engaging the public and fostering creativity across multiple disciplines. — KUNA
