Under the patronage of HH Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah, and in the presence of his representative, HE Sheikh Salem Abdullah al-Jaber al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah opened the “Art & Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Shared Language” conference at the Amricani Cultural Centre on 15 February 2023.

The conference highlights the ‘power of art’ as a language that unites and connects the world, building bridges of knowledge and understanding. “Art & Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Shared Language” recognised the importance of Kuwait’s ambassadors and their cooperation with Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah (DAI) and The al-Sabah Collection (TaSC).  Working together, the ambassadors, the DAI, and TaSC successfully opened exhibitions that demonstrated the power of art and its ability to communicate across borders – geographic and ideological.

Director General of the DAI, Sheikha Hussa Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah said: “It’s no secret that the true power of art is often invisible. However, it’s evident it changes perceptions and enhances human development. Today we need to experience the impact of art: the stimulating motivation and the augmented spirit of optimism and creativity.”

This conference coincides with the 40^th anniversary of the Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah, founded in February 1983. Objects in The al-Sabah Collection (TaSC), built by Sheikh Nasser Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah and his wife Sheikha Hussa Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah, have had toured the world since early 90’s and continue today.

“Art & Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Shared Language” highlighted the impact of Kuwait’s unique use of art and exhibitions to share history, culture and perspective with audiences around the world.  In addition to loans of individual or groups of objects, DAI/TaSC traveling exhibitions shed light on Islamic art and the communities that created them. Islamic Art and Patronage: Treasures from Kuwait, Treasury of the World: Jewelled Arts of India in the Age of the Mughals, and al-Fann: Art from the Islamic Civilization all served a greater purpose than simple art appreciation.

Sheikha Hussa concluded: “The space of art is broader, more comprehensive and stronger at establishing connections among people. Through the journeys of DAI/TaSC objects and exhibitions, the visitor finds himself/herself informally addressing the political events experienced by the state of Kuwait. This leads to greater understanding and that is the important role that our exhibitions played in Kuwait’s diplomatic efforts abroad.”