Illustrate Jewelry Art and Design Week aims to boost emerging talent and industry growth in Kuwait’s creative economy

Hosted by the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters, the event aimed to nurture creativity, promote skill development, and contribute to Kuwait’s growing creative economy 

Kuwait: The Illustrate Jewelry Art and Design Week officially opened on Sunday at the Museum of Modern Art in Kuwait. Organised by the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in Kuwait, Illustrate Academy, and various civil society organisations, the event aimed to promote creativity and develop artistic skills in jewellery design through workshops, lectures, and expert-led sessions. 

Dr Mohammed Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of the National Council, inaugurated the event, emphasising the importance of initiatives that nurture talent and transform creative skills into economic opportunities. He stated that such collaborations with civil society organisations contribute to strengthening Kuwait’s creative economy and provide aspiring designers with platforms to refine their craft. He also noted that events like these enhance the overall creative process by fostering knowledge-sharing and industry engagement. 

Abrar Al-Ibrahim, Executive Director of Illustrate Academy, outlined the program’s agenda, which includes hands-on training in jewellery design techniques such as drawing, metal crafting, stone and diamond setting, and other essential skills. She highlighted that instructors from Kuwait and Italy would lead these sessions, offering participants practical exposure to different aspects of jewellery design. Al-Ibrahim, who has worked in the industry for 14 years, said that her collaboration with the National Council aims to expand training opportunities and introduce periodic jewellery design events that cater to emerging designers. 

Italian Ambassador to Kuwait, Lorenzo Morini, addressed the attendees, discussing the broader impact of the creative economy across multiple industries, including jewellery, fashion, and automotive design. He underscored the role of passion in driving creativity and innovation, stating that Italy’s long-standing expertise in jewellery design and craftsmanship could serve as a valuable reference for Kuwaiti designers. Morini expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to facilitate cross-cultural knowledge exchange through Italian expert-led sessions at the event. 

Noura Al-Kulaib, representing the Creative Economy Program at the National Council, spoke about the significance of jewellery design as a form of craftsmanship and artistic expression. She emphasised that the industry is not solely about aesthetics but also about cultural and emotional storytelling. She highlighted how integrating creativity with economic growth is essential in strengthening the jewellery sector and positioning Kuwait as a hub for artistic innovation. 

Zain is the official sponsor of the event, with Faisal Al-Dweihis, Corporate Relations Officer at Zain, reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting innovation, creativity, and youth empowerment. He noted that the event extends beyond jewellery design by fostering a dynamic environment for skill development through interactive workshops and specialised training sessions. 

The event concluded on February 10 at the Museum of Modern Art. Exhibition coordinator Sarah Khalaf confirmed that the initiative aligned with the National Council’s Kuwait Creates strategy, which focuses on advancing Kuwait’s creative landscape through structured programs, industry collaborations, and ongoing training opportunities. 

Retail Jeweller ME News