Dalal Al Nafisi is an interior architect by trade and education, but her upbringing amongst an art-loving family left a lasting influence that continues to shape her character to this very day. As a child, Dalal was immersed in the arts and art history as a child because of her art-loving father who shared his passions with her. When she became a mother, she came to realize that much of the allocated time for the arts at her children’s school is being compressed to make more room for other academic subjects. Because of her own background, she understood how exposure to art could help shape young minds and hearts.

Dalal believes in being the change, instead of waiting for the world to change for you. So she set out to create a studio where an art curriculum could be taught that would expose children to the rich world of history, creativity, and art as both a process and a result. Her vision was clear and simple, and she sat down to write a list of all of the things that were important to her. Once she was done, she recognized that her list was also her manifesto. When she found the perfect space, it was store number 13 in one of Hawalli’s older business complexes, thus Manifesto 13 was born.

In the beginning, she found a non-profit organization that had already created a teaching plan that was in- line with what she already had in mind. Over time, and stemming from her experience, she started developing her own curriculums. The classes are a jumping point for a larger, ongoing conversation. Instead of just teaching art techniques or painting, they start with art history. Understanding what happened in the past gives children a better perspective of the social and historical context that created sociocultural shifts, not only in the media being created but also the reasons behind it.

And the kids are loving it! They are curious, they ask more questions and keep coming back for more. The focus on the process, instead of the results, also helps them value hard work, discipline, and perseverance, all of which is then reflected in the rest of their lives as well. Manifesto 13 arrives as a welcome change of pace in a world that is becoming increasingly fast-paced and disconnected from reality. More importantly, Manifesto13 is a place that helps children stay grounded.

The Foundation class is on-going throughout the year, and introduces the students to the different schools of art and thought, but there are also visiting artists that offer a vast array of techniques and methods. There are also music classes, as Manifesto13 is all about offering people different forms of self- expression, regardless of the medium.

For Dalal, It’s not about creating perfect pieces of art, the experience is more about being original and creating something that is meaningful to the artists themselves. In her opinion, one of the main barriers to art in the region is our obsession with perfection, instead of authenticity. Art does not need to be an exact representation of real-life, it can be anything you want it to be.

The choice of the studio’s location to be present in Hawalli wasn’t an accident either. Dalal wants the children to see that there are different sides to life in Kuwait. And with Hawalli arriving as one of Kuwait’s oldest multicultural and economic hubs, Manifesto 13 provides a culturally immersive experience, as well as an artistic one. As a parent herself, she understands our need to shelter and protect our offspring from things we might not entirely be comfortable with. “I realized that most kids had no idea what was happening around the world. They have no awareness of current social issues that are happening, and it is really important, even for kids. And I think that it’s really, really essential for them to understand things. It also gives them the ability to be grateful for what they have,” Dalal explained. The kids once saw a queue of women with suitcases at one of the domestic staff offices near the Manifesto 13 premises, and were curious. This prompted a discussion about rights, empathy, challenges faced by other people and the fruitful discussion shifted the entire class’s perspective.

Dalal turns every experience into a teaching moment. They have a beautiful ongoing project called the Gratitude Tree. Manifesto 13 students are encouraged to write down three things they are grateful for on leaf shaped pieces of paper made out of recycled materials and hang them on the tree’s reclaimed wood branches to promote sustainable living. It is a constant reminder that everything is inter-connected, that we need to be thankful for what we have and not use more than what we need.

While children are there to learn about art, they end up learning about life and gaining confidence, awareness and compassion. Art is the destination and the path at Manifesto 13.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL QUESTIONAIRE

What do you most value about your friends?

Honesty, kindness, support and free therapy sessions!

Which living person do you most admire?

My parents for being the most inspiring activists and humans who overflow with kindness and giving. They are also the most kicka** grandparents. They really are a force of this universe. I’m so lucky to have them.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Happiness comes from gratitude and being present and mindful of your blessings. It is achievable anywhere and at any time with those two components. I try every day to be conscious of my blessings, smile and laugh all the time.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Travel, I think! I’m not at all into possessions and I believe in non- attachment so I don’t need much to be happy. However, travel is my one extravagance that I can’t resist. I love exploring places that take me out of my comfort zone. I love learning about different cultures through that and expanding my knowledge on life and meaning.

What is your most treasured possession?

Memories. I don’t believe in possession or materialism. “Everything” has meaning and meaning is more important than the “thing” itself.

What is your greatest fear?

I think any mom’s greatest fear is losing a child. I freak out all the time on the streets of Kuwait because of reckless driving. It is completely unacceptable to feel unsafe and if I had free time I would be protesting daily until someone makes a drastic change to our situation.

What is your most marked characteristic?

I can’t answer that about myself.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I wish I could play guitar and have a voice that’s slightly acceptable.

What is one trait you have that you are most grateful for?

Regardless of any hardships, I’m resilient and I just keep going.

What is the human trait you most dislike about others?

We are all flawed as humans but my biggest trigger and general green light to cut people off is if I see someone treating others (any living being) disrespectfully. Especially when the person/being is less powerful.

What is it that you most dislike?

Having to leave the house after my kids are tucked in bed.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“The education system is archaic, and schools need to change.” I also say, “Oh my God” and “Sorry” way too much.

What are your favorite words to live by?

Everything happens for a reason.

Where would you most like to live?

Anywhere in nature and also where life is simple. I can live in Thailand, Sri Lanka or India.

If you could have any job, what would it be?

I think I’m pretty much doing what I want to do! That’s pretty awesome!

What would you consider your greatest achievement?

I would say my kids, but I can’t take all the credit for that. So, when I see kids walking out of our studio with an understanding of art and social responsibility that is completely different from when they first started, it makes me just so happy that I managed to create a place that could do that!

What do you hope for the future?

That Kuwait changes its education system, so we have better educated and conscious beings. in turn, that will breed tolerance and stop people from mistreating others based on race, religion or gender. I hope Kuwait makes it mandatory to recycle everywhere. I also hope that parents who decide to have kids, actually spend time raising their kids with ethics and values. That is very rare today unfortunately.

Want to know what classes are available right now? Follow Manifesto 13 on Instagram @manifesto13.