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Kuwait Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Nominations open for newly renamed state creativity award
KUWAIT: The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) announced on Monday the opening of nominations for the State Creativity Award in the fields of arts, literature, and the humanities, with submissions accepted through the end of September. Speaking at a press conference marking the occasion, Dr Mohammad Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of the Council, said the award has been renamed to the State Creativity Award to reflect a broader and deeper concept of creativity, rather than mere encouragement. The award was previously known as the State Appreciation and Encouragement Award or the State Incentive Award. Al-Jassar explained that the renaming coincides with Kuwait's designation as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media for 2025, a change approved by the Council of Ministers in response to a formal request from NCCAL. He noted that the award is granted to outstanding creative works produced by Kuwaiti nationals, in accordance with the award's regulations and eligibility criteria. The award categories, nomination procedures, and selection methods are outlined in the official guidelines. Aisha Al-Mahmoud, Assistant Secretary-General for the Culture Sector, affirmed Kuwait's ongoing commitment to supporting creative citizens across all cultural fields, stating it stems from 'a firm belief in the importance of human development in creative and cultural areas.' Al-Mahmoud pointed out that Article 14 of the Kuwaiti Constitution stipulates that 'the State shall sponsor sciences, literature, and the arts and encourage scientific research.' She added that this constitutional principle was reflected in the Amiri Decree issued in July 1973, which established the National Council to oversee the country's cultural and artistic affairs.—KUNA She highlighted that Kuwait's journey in supporting creativity was further solidified by the establishment of the State Incentive Award in 1988 by Cabinet decision, aimed at enriching cultural life and promoting intellectual and artistic output. Al-Mahmoud said the name change to State Creativity Award better reflects the award's true purpose—honoring creative individuals and their intellectual contributions, without implying that the award targets a specific age group. She added that a ministerial decision has been issued outlining the new criteria and regulations governing the award, emphasizing the updated concept and core standards of creativity. A high-level committee will soon be formed to oversee the award, comprised of prominent figures from Kuwait's cultural and intellectual community. Detailed eligibility conditions and nomination procedures will be announced through the council's official social media channels. — KUNA
Kuwait Times
14-06-2025
- General
- Kuwait Times
New generation of Kuwaiti architects reimagines memory, place, and identity
By Dena Alfadhli Kuwait is entering a new chapter in how it values and preserves its cultural heritage. Efforts led by institutions such as the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) are paving the way for UNESCO World Heritage status for sites like Failaka Island and Al-Zour. Restoration projects at landmarks such as Al-Qurain House and Kuwait's old souqs signal a shift toward honoring history amid rapid modernization. A new wave of architects — many of whom participated in this year's Venice Architecture Biennale — is embracing heritage not as a relic, but as a foundation. They're reviving it to inform contemporary design and reconnect communities with place, memory, and identity. Amid accelerating modernization and globalization, these architects are raising a vital question: What happens when a nation loses touch with its architectural roots? Kuwait's built environment is at a crossroads. Once grounded in preservation and harmony with the natural landscape, its architecture now leans on imported styles and resource-heavy methods in an attempt to meet global standards. According to Mohammad Kassem, one of the curators of the Kuwait pavilion, the result is 'a patchwork of borrowed aesthetics — disconnected from local history, culture and climate'. That's why for this year's 2025 Architecture Biennale, Kassem — alongside Naser Ashour and Rabab Raes Kazem — led a collective of Kuwaiti architects, artists and designers to reimagine a future shaped by memory. Through their work, they ask: How can a city grow without forgetting where it came from? And how can architecture help us reconnect — with the land, our past and each other? Since 2013, Kuwait has actively participated in the Venice Architecture Biennale — one of the world's most prestigious events in architectural discourse. This year, under the sponsorship of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) and the commission of NCCAL, Kuwait's contribution took shape in a pavilion titled Kaynuna, a word that refers to the essential nature of something — what makes it truly what it is. Alongside designing the pavilion itself, participants worked on group projects that reexamined Kuwait's past, present, and future in ways that transcend aesthetics. For Kassem, this 'essence' is about the values and history that shape us and form a lasting cultural identity. Drawing the souq back to life Among the contributors are Kuwaiti architects Qutaiba Buyabes, Alya Aly, Batool Ashour and Danah Alhasan, whose work explores how the future can be approached through memory — fragmented, emotional and imperfect. Their focus turned to Al-Ahmadi Souq, once the heart of a thriving oil town and part of Kuwait's original 'garden city' vision, now left in decay. Rather than restoring the mid-century market to its former state, they reimagined it through hand-drawn studies that blend memory with imagination. Here, drawing becomes a tool not for precision, but for storytelling — reviving elements like concrete arcades and fish-scale mashrabiyas as symbolic echoes. Their vision reclaims Ahmadi's spirit as a walkable, green, community-centered town — offering a poetic yet practical blueprint for how forgotten spaces might reconnect with both heritage and future needs. Reviving Kuwait's lost wall For generations, Kuwait's architecture quietly told a story of survival — homes built to breathe in desert heat, shaded courtyards that cooled the air, and walls made from coral stone and mud that stood resilient against scarcity. But as the city expanded, its protective wall was dismantled. Kuwaiti architects Ahmad Almutawa and Khaled Mohamed saw these walls as a vital part of the city's identity. With help from their research team, their project proposes reviving the wall — not as a fortress, but as a living pathway. It traces the original route through the city, particularly between two surviving gates: Al Jahra and Al Shamiya. Once points of defense, they are reimagined as gathering spaces and cultural markets — places to cross, pause, and reflect. Inspired by Shaheed Park, their design balances nature, heritage and contemporary urban design. The desert as archive Kuwaiti architects Khaled Alanjeri, Noor Abdulkhaleq, Nour Alkhader and their research team challenge the notion that the desert is barren or lifeless. Instead, they present it as a dynamic force that has shaped human settlement, building practices and cultural survival for generations. Their project revisits areas like Al-Adan and Shuaiba — once vibrant coastal communities that were erased to make way for oil refineries. These lost landscapes reveal the human and cultural cost of rapid industrialization. Rather than treating the desert as something to conquer or erase, their work proposes designing with it — honoring its ecological rhythms and cultural depth. The desert, they argue, is not just a backdrop, but a source of materials, a space of memory, and a witness to both fragility and resilience. From corner store to community anchor Another project focuses on the jameia — Kuwait's neighborhood cooperative society — not simply as a market, but as a legacy of community-driven development. Originating in the post-oil welfare era, jameiat reinvested profits into public life, anchoring new suburbs with parks, clinics and shared spaces. Architects explored how these planned neighborhoods still revolve around traditional institutions like mosques and diwaniyas, and imagined a future where jameiat evolve into cultural hubs — supporting artisans, reviving crafts and integrating heritage into daily life. Their vision demonstrates that modernization doesn't have to erase identity — it can reinforce it. Rather than shying away from uncertainty, these architects embrace it as a space for exploration and creativity. By bridging theory and practice, they challenge conventional thinking and propose alternative ways of seeing the world. As Rabab Raes Kazem puts it, 'Although these solutions fall under speculative situations, they engage the mind in ways that allow us to reclaim our history and build upon it a new future.' Arches of the souq reimagined. Bank windows Kaynuna Old souq Pavillion Salons The English Bookshop
Kuwait Times
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
Gala Chopin concert closes Europe Month celebrations
This year, Kuwait has been recognized as the Arab Capital of Culture, while Poland holds the presidency of the European Union. The year 2025 also holds special significance for enthusiasts of Chopin's music. In October, Warsaw will host the 19th edition of the International Chopin Piano Competition — one of the oldest and most prestigious music competitions in the world. Held every five years, the event has, for nearly a century, discovered outstanding piano talents and launched the international careers of young musicians. In Kuwait, since 1999, many gifted young musicians have competed in the International Chopin Competition organized by the Kuwait Music Academy. Co-founded by Polish musicians, the academy has promoted classical music and provided high-level music education in Kuwait for over 30 years. This year, the 7th edition of the competition was organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Poland and under the patronage of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL). The event also received strong support from the French and British ambassadors, who sponsored special prizes for participants. More than 30 nationalities were represented among the applicants. After reviewing 120 submissions, the jury awarded the Grand Prix Prize — founded by the ambassador of Poland — to Shaun Thomas (India) and Shahad Tarik AlAsad (Kuwait). The gala concert and award ceremony took place at the Yarmouk Cultural Centre and was attended by Dr Mohanned Al-Jassar Secretary General of the NCCAL, along with the ambassadors of Poland, France and Great Britain. The evening began with an opening performance by distinguished Kuwaiti pianist Faisal Al-Bahairi, followed by the Grand Prix winners performing select works by Chopin. The concert also marked the closing of the Europe Month celebrations, which took place throughout May.
Kuwait Times
27-05-2025
- General
- Kuwait Times
Japan and Kuwait strengthen cultural, technological ties
KUWAIT: A rich dialogue unfolded on Sunday at the closing ceremony of the Second Hiroshima-Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Poster Exhibition at the Contemporary Art Platform, as Kuwaiti and Japanese experts exchanged reflections on peace, memory, and the potential for deeper cultural and technological collaboration. 'Hiroshima's vibrant culture, refined traditions, and innovative spirit remind us of the enduring value of peace,' said Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro, highlighting how the city, globally known as a symbol of peace, is also a thriving center of craftsmanship and creativity. 'From cutting-edge industries to traditional arts and cuisine, Hiroshima continues to preserve its past while driving future innovation. We see strong potential for partnerships with Kuwait in business, technology, tourism, and the creative industries.' Dr Hasan Ashkanani, Professor of Anthropological Archaeology at Kuwait University and Consultant for Archaeology and Museum Affairs at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), shared insights from his recent training in Hiroshima and Tokyo on advanced 3D documentation techniques for preserving archaeological heritage. He announced that Kuwait will host its first Japanese expert from June 20 to 25, who will lead training sessions for students, NCCAL staff, and IT professionals on applying these techniques to sites such as Failaka. 'We have over 1,000 archaeological sites, and we want to introduce them to our people and the world in advanced, virtual formats,' he said. Dr. Hamed Al-Ajlan Dr Hasan Ashkanani Shotaro Kobayashi Photos are displayed at the Second Hiroshima-Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Poster Exhibition. - Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat He recalled standing in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, pausing at a preserved piece of fish skin, and being struck by a powerful memory. 'It reminded me of 1990. I was eight years old. We share the same feeling of injustice. August 1945 and August 1990 are tied by pain — 250,000 lives lost in Japan, over 700 in Kuwait during the invasion.' Ashkanani's visit also revealed how Hiroshima now uses virtual reality to recreate the bombing experience. 'That was one of the main reasons I went. I wanted to bring this to Kuwait — to tell our stories and preserve our memory in interactive, immersive ways.' Dr Hamed Al-Ajlan, former Director of Scientific Culture at KFAS, also reflected on his visit to Hiroshima. 'I expected a very sad city,' he said, 'but I found it beautiful and full of flowers.' At the Peace Museum, one moment stayed with him: a watch belonging to a soldier, its hands frozen at 8:15 — the moment the atomic bomb fell. 'By the time I left the museum, I cried,' he recalled. 'But Hiroshima is much more than tragedy. There's industry, culture and resilience behind it.' Adding a business perspective, Shotaro Kobayashi, President of BIZRES Co. Ltd. and board member of the Hiroshima Entertainment Association, highlighted that while Hiroshima is often viewed through the lens of its past, it is also home to thriving industries — including automobiles, furniture, and food. 'Connections with the Middle East, especially Kuwait, remain limited,' he said, 'but the potential is there.'
Kuwait Times
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Forum highlights cultural dialogue
KUWAIT: The international forum titled 'Classical Arabic Thought in Contemporary Global Research' commenced on Monday at the Yarmouk Cultural Center, marking a significant cultural milestone. The event is jointly organized by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), the French Center for Research in the Arabian Peninsula (CERAP), and Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah. In her opening remarks, NCCAL's Assistant Secretary General for Culture Aisha Al-Mahmoud described the forum as a 'milestone' in Kuwait's ongoing celebration as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media for 2025. She noted that the event sheds light on the evolving landscape of classical Arabic thought and its renewed relevance in contemporary academic research. Al-Mahmoud emphasized that recent years have witnessed a 'qualitative renaissance' in the study of Arab intellectual heritage, pointing to the adoption of modern analytical methodologies that explore both the historical and social contexts of classical texts. She added that the forum brings together a diverse group of scholars from leading Arab and international institutions, promoting dialogue and academic cooperation in the fields of philosophy and intellectual studies. Expressing gratitude to all participating institutions, Al-Mahmoud affirmed that such events reinforce Kuwait's cultural presence regionally and globally, while bolstering scientific research in heritage and knowledge. French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin also addressed the gathering, underlining the importance of cultural and academic collaboration between Kuwait and France. He praised the existing partnership between NCCAL and CERAP, and highlighted the role of joint initiatives in preserving Islamic heritage and fostering mutual understanding. Aisha Al Mahmoud Dr Pierre Kay Dr Makram Abbas French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin Gauvin described the forum as a pivotal moment in Franco-Kuwaiti relations and referenced the French Institute for Islamic Studies—established by the French Presidency—as part of France's broader efforts to deepen understanding of Islamic culture. He noted that the conference supports this vision by convening prominent experts in manuscript preservation and philosophical research. The ambassador also drew attention to the vast corpus of Arabic manuscripts housed in European institutions, including over 7,000 in the French National Library alone. He lauded the researchers contributing to the cataloguing and analysis of these works, emphasizing the significance of preservation efforts for this shared intellectual legacy. Highlighting Kuwait's longstanding role in cultural dialogue, Gauvin noted the country's pioneering stance in supporting critical thought and cross-cultural exchange—particularly in light of its 2025 designation as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media. Dr Pierre Cayle, Director of the French Institute for Islamic Studies, echoed these sentiments, stressing the role of joint academic endeavors in renewing knowledge and deepening intercultural understanding. He noted that research into classical texts opens new horizons and contributes to the preservation of a common human heritage. Also speaking at the event, Dr Makram Abbas, Director of CERAP, outlined the forum's key themes, which include the preservation of manuscripts, library collections, and critical heritage studies. He highlighted recent scholarly discoveries that have prompted a reassessment of traditional interpretations, offering new insights into Arab intellectual traditions. Dr Reem Al-Rudaini, the forum's host and Associate Professor of Islamic History at Kuwait University, pointed to the dynamism that has recently characterized research in classical Arabic thought. She noted that the breadth and diversity of scholarly work—spanning philosophy, science, literature, and beyond—represent a growing and significant phenomenon that merits comprehensive academic attention. The three-day conference features a series of scientific sessions dedicated to the indexing, investigation, and reinterpretation of key manuscripts and intellectual works within the broader context of Arab and Islamic civilization. — KUNA
