French Institute Opens Doors to Kuwaiti Creativity with a New Cultural Season

The French Institute in Kuwait launched its cultural season for the second half of 2026 the day before yesterday, featuring a diverse program of events, exhibitions, and artistic and literary performances, aimed at strengthening cultural cooperation between Kuwait and France. This launch coincides with the two countries’ celebration of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

During the launch ceremony held at the Institute’s headquarters in Jabriya, attended by French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gouvan, Institute Director Soraya Sa’aa, and several partners, sponsors, and key figures in Kuwait’s cultural scene, the Institute reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its presence in the local cultural landscape and opening its spaces to Kuwaiti artists and creatives.

In a speech on the occasion, Gouvan praised the ongoing partnership with the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, emphasizing its fundamental role in supporting culture and enhancing its presence in Kuwait.

Gouvan stated that “65 years of relations between France and Kuwait, and more than 200 years of friendship, are measured not only by the passage of time, but also by the richness of the human, cultural, educational, and scientific ties woven year after year.” He noted that students, researchers, artists, and institutions developing joint projects “contribute to writing the story of the beautiful friendship between our two countries.”

The exhibition by Kuwaiti artist Mariam Al-Salem heads the new season’s program, marking the opening of “Galerie 41” by the Institute, a new space dedicated to exhibitions and contemporary art.

The season also includes the presentation of “Agamemnon and Perfumes” at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre on October 13, in collaboration with the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, in a work that combines music with sensory experience.

Additionally, the Institute will participate in “French Week,” held at the Capital Mall from October 28 to 31, involving educational institutions and French companies operating in Kuwait, to showcase aspects of French expertise in culture, education, culinary arts, automobiles, and high-tech industries.

The Institute will also take part in the Kuwait International Book Fair through a program featuring literary meetings. Furthermore, a new edition of “Diwan France-Kuwait” is scheduled for December to mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This event will be organized in cooperation with the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, taking place simultaneously in the French and Kuwaiti capitals, with participation from prominent figures and stakeholders from the cultural scenes of both countries.

As part of its efforts to develop its cultural presence in Kuwait, the Institute announced the opening of two studios dedicated to young artists, serving as spaces for work, creativity, and networking, and encouraging collaboration between Kuwaiti and French creatives.

Institute Director Soraya Sa’aa emphasized that the Institute “wishes to be an open venue for Kuwait’s artistic and cultural scene,” where French and Kuwaiti artists, creatives, and professionals can meet, exchange ideas, and work on new projects.

She added that “Galerie 41” will continue to host quarterly contemporary art exhibitions, while the Institute will launch “Club France,” a space dedicated to engaging with French culture through music, films, literary meetings, and cultural and digital experiences, including virtual reality.

The Institute will continue its cultural program starting in January with a new series of multidisciplinary events, as part of its ongoing effort to strengthen bridges of cultural and artistic cooperation between Kuwait and France.