(Cultural Summer 18) Launches with a Musical Concert Titled "Samiri with Al-Amiri"
Kuwait City, Aug 5 (KUNA) -- The Kuwait National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters launched today, Wednesday, the events of the 18th edition of the "Summer Cultural Festival" at the Drama Theater in Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, under the patronage of the Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology Affairs and Acting Minister of Media and Culture, who also serves as the Council’s Chairman, Omar Al-Omar.
The opening ceremony began with the playing of the Kuwaiti national anthem, followed by a welcome speech delivered by the event’s host, Iman Al-Bazzaz.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the patron, Secretary-General of the Kuwait National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, welcomed attendees and emphasized that this edition marks the Council’s first cultural festival and first major public event following the exceptional circumstances the country has experienced in recent months.
Al-Jassar stated that Kuwait, through its leadership, government, and people, has demonstrated that its true strength lies in its national unity, social cohesion, and the resilience of its citizens. He noted that culture is not merely an entertainment activity, but one of the pillars for building human potential, preserving identity, and reinforcing values of belonging and loyalty to the homeland.
He added that the festival’s slogan, “Through Culture, We Return Stronger,” underscores that culture has been and will remain a message of hope, a bridge for communication, and a platform for consolidating national identity and evoking the values of solidarity and cooperation that characterize Kuwaiti society under all circumstances.
Al-Jassar clarified that the Council is committed in this edition to offering diverse cultural and artistic programs that combine literature, arts, theater, music, and heritage, alongside activities dedicated to children, youth, and families. He pointed out that the festival program includes more than 40 events held across various cultural centers, libraries, and museums throughout the month of August.
He noted that the opening ceremony features the musical concert “Samari with Al-Amari,” featuring artist Salman Al-Amari, who is considered one of the contemporary pillars of Kuwaiti folk heritage.
Al-Jassar extended his highest expressions of gratitude and appreciation to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah; His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah; and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister, praying that God protects and guards them. He praised their wise directives, which have consistently served as a strong support for the nation under all circumstances.
He also paid tribute with respect and pride to the sons of Kuwait on the front lines, including members of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces, the Ministry of Interior, the National Guard, medical and health personnel, and all military and civil entities, in recognition of their efforts and sacrifices in safeguarding the country, its security, and the health of its citizens during exceptional times.
The opening ceremony included the musical concert “Samari with Al-Amari” by artist Salman Al-Amari, accompanied by Al-Mass Folk Arts Troupe, in an evening that evoked the features of Kuwaiti musical and vocal heritage and authentic folk arts.
The festival, through its launch, emphasized the importance of folk arts as an integral part of cultural memory and national identity. These arts recall the history of Kuwaiti society and the facets of its life on land and at sea, reflecting its emotions and experiences through various artistic genres. (End) S.H.D
