It is always good to talk, and Promenade Culture Centre (PCC) is a multi-purpose space where conversations are happening that bring communities together, driving forward action on social issues and raising awareness on socially responsible activities. Our understanding has never been keener, that positive thoughts lead to positive words which lead to positive actions. The environment in which we communicate can help facilitate positive interpersonal engagement, no matter the subject.
Filled with the natural light which streams through windows that arc around the side of the tower building like a revealing truth, the second-floor main hall is large enough to be comfortable to host a substantial group plus a significant break-out area in the same room. The largest regularly held event is for a mixed diwaniya, where topics effecting the local community are often considered as well as broader thoughts and ideas.
Within the hall, the facilities include a sound system, pop-up screen, and can include seating for up to 300 people. PCC is able to advise you on the seating and interior arrangements that may best suit your gathering or conference, a skilled team setting up in a timely manner before your event and on hand during, in case you have any requests or need any help with the IT facilities. The hall can be at once both corporate and more relaxed, so businesses as well as charities and social organizations are able to use PCC effectively. It is also great for showing films or presentations and hosting panel discussions and lectures.
“Mind Matter Lecture and Workshop Series” is a collaboration between AUK Art & Graphic Design Department and PCC which also makes for a very generous exhibition space for all kinds of art installations and performances. Professor Marcella Kulchitsky from AUK says, “PCC not only offers fabulous views of Kuwait City from the gallery but also offers our graduating design students the professional exposure we believe they’ve earned with their projects.”
As well as the Mind Matter lectures you can also catch a thought provoking series of debates “Niqashna”. All generations are represented in the audience, as we strive to respect each other’s opinions on topics which are hard to talk about, brave to broach but easier to do set in an environment like Promenade Culture Centre.
As with The Promenade itself, and the incubator Soapbox on the mezzanine floor, many activities focus on Kuwait’s future. This is not only in the abstract but literally, with younger children being catered for through creative workshops which are fun and educational at the same time. For example, recent research has shown that younger children may be more exposed to English, through streaming and YouTube, and not learning Arabic at home as a first language. One organization uses the bright, colorful PCC workrooms to host creative play teaching young children Arabic.
If you’d like a more intimate space that feels less exposed while you discuss business, formulate plans or simply review books over coffee, PCC has three workrooms of varying sizes available for use. As many of us work remotely or in satellite offices this is also a good way to bring distant team members together for thought-shower sessions or it can be a stimulating way to change your environment and get the creative juices flowing again. Each workroom has a large TV screen, air-conditioning, WiFi and is furnished with fabric couches, brightly colored armchairs and cushions. These can be swapped out for simple chairs or bean bags depending on how you’d like the ambiance to be. Portable whiteboards are available for use too. The largest of the workrooms also features an overhead projector and drop-down screen making it one of the most engaging communication environments to be in. What a wonderful way for a book club to compare a movie to their last read!
While it may be easy to talk about healthy life styles, environmental concerns and supporting good causes, Promenade Culture Centre walks the talk. Subsidized events have been hosted where you can see and talk to vendors about the projects they care about and purchase the artisanal and craft goods they produce. The Craft Markets held in the spring and winter are something to look forward to. Because of its high ceilings and stretch of windows, PCC always feels spacious, even when filled with the chattering and bustling of people around the forty tables at the markets. Many vendors put their profits toward purchasing supplies for charitable causes, so it is invaluable to use a generously subsidized location like PCC. “It is a great platform for art and crafters and the team is so supportive. It’s a feel-good community place,” says Elaine Haider who curates the markets. “PCC ticks all the boxes as there is plenty of parking, and it’s strategically placed off 3rd Ring.” There is also plenty to do if you want to take your family to The Promenade and keep them busy while you are enjoying a PCC event. The children can physically exhaust themselves in Trampo, take an ice-skating lesson, a trundle around the walking track or experience the challenge of an escape room. You can even meet up afterwards and indulge in healthier eating options in the food court!
Promenade Culture Centre can be found on the second floor of The Promenade. Follow the Instagram account @promenadeculturecentre for regular updates on events and exhibitions.
