Arts crucial to cultural enlightenment - Info. Min.

KUWAIT, Feb 7 (KUNA) -- Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah said Sunday Kuwait believes in the role of arts and culture in preparing an enlightened generation who are capable of contributing to the progress and development of their homeland.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the seventh international forum of Islamic Arts tonight, Sheikh Salman said the forum coincides with the Kuwait celebrating its selection as Capital of Islamic Culture 2016.
The forum is being organized by the Kuwait Islamic Arts Center of the Ministry of Awqaf at the Grand Mosque until February 14 under auspices of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.
"The creative works of art on display at, and the activities of, the event sends a message about the grandeur of the Islamic civilization which impacted all aspects of our daily life," Sheikh Salman pointed out.
"The exhibits shed light on the great aesthetic appeal of the Islamic civilization and the bright humanitarian aspect of noble and moderate Islam," he went on.
Sheikh Salman added that the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) shoulders a great responsibility for promoting public awareness, particularly among the young people, about the Islamic arts and civilization.
On his part, Minister of Justice, and Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Yaqoub Al Sanea said the forum contributes to the status of Kuwait as center of Islamic arts and the status of the Grand Mosque as one of the country's landmarks.
"Over the last seven year, the forum rose to prominence and became a global cultural beacon providing a networking opportunity for scholar and researchers in, and lovers of, the Islamic arts," the minister said.
He added that the event is part of the efforts of the Ministry of Awqaf to promote Islamic culture and celebrate Kuwait selection as Capital of Islamic Culture this year.
The forum features two categories of activities, namely Arabic calligraphy and Islamic ornamentation and its applications on metals, in addition to the participation of 120 paintings.
Also on the agenda are daily workshops on calligraphy, needles artwork, workshops for young people, water paint art.
The forum gathered a galaxy of artistic celebrities, intellectuals and public figures from across the Muslim world. (end) amn.amh.gb