Kuwait’s art scene is constantly expanding and there’s a growing demand for creative spaces. With that in mind, the good people at The Promenade are in the process of creating a cultural hub for all to enjoy! Aptly named the Promenade Culture Centre (PCC), their goal is to provide Kuwait with a creative space for activities, workshops, exhibitions, talks, and so much more. The Promenade’s newest addition to Kuwait’s booming creative realm is here to cover every aspect of culture. We met with Marketing Manager Alyah Al-Jasser and the Promenade Culture Centre Manager Noor Al-Sadoun to find out more about this incredible space. But before that, we want to get to know the wonderful ladies managing the PCC.
An amateur artist, Noor Al-Sadoun passes the time with doodles – or so she claims. “It’s a hobby of mine, I wouldn’t really call myself an artist,” Noor stated with a shy smile. According to Alyah Al-Jasser, Noor has created two characters that appear in most of her doodles! A comic-strip doodler of sorts, Noor’s talent and love for art is what drew her to the PCC. “I would love to develop my skills and see myself enlisting in all the art workshops that would be hosted at the PCC to learn as much as I can,” she laughed. When it comes to Alyah, her background in branding and communications, as well as working as a stylist – all within the fashion industry in Barcelona – has sparked her interest in the PCC. “The thing about all of us is that we have different tastes in art and what we’re interested in,” Alyah explained, “but we all agree on the need for creative spaces in Kuwait and we all come together to back the PCC as a place for the arts. Personally, I would love to see a language exchange program!” With this much love and appreciation for anything creative and cultural, the PCC is managed by a team that will truly deliver on the space’s promise.
The PCC is split into two giant areas taking up half of the second floor in The Promenade, and is a multifaceted cultural space. One of these spaces is the Multipurpose Hall for all kinds of exhibitions, screenings and viewings, while the other is divided into classrooms and workshops that could host different learning experiences. Providing creatives space to express their artistic ambition, the PCC aims to let the arts community shine. There’s something for everyone as the two spaces can run separate events and cultural activities harmoniously. Where other creative and cultural hubs end, the PCC essentially begins. The PCC is The Promenade’s way of giving back to the local community. By providing a space for artists and creatives alike, it gives everyone the opportunity to promote and showcase their work as well as planning activities that are relevant to today’s society. What the PCC wants people to know is that all creative types no longer have to feel like they are left out, but rather that they are all welcome into this incredible space. Vowing to take away the local growing concern for a lack of creative spaces, the PCC will be opening their doors this summer. In doing so, wiping away all trepidations and reinforcing a message of change.
“Reclaiming Hawalli” is how they explained The Promenade’s inspiring location. The entirety of Kuwait City’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf can be admired from the giant windows around the PCC without any obstructions. This reclaimed urban space is just the motivation anyone needs to create or learn. With easy access to The Promenade and PCC from anywhere around Kuwait, it’s off the 3rd Ring Road, there’s no excuse not to go.
A plethora of activities are to be expected to take place at the PCC – from workshops and spoken-word gigs to art and musical showcases. Exhibitions, seminars and galleries galore – the PCC is gearing up to become Kuwait’s new favorite cultural space. The PCC has further allocated spaces for social groups, clubs and cultural diwaneyas, so those that might seek shelter to meet up with their groups and various social clubs no longer have to worry about the location of their next meeting. Even drama workshops and theater rehearsals would also find a home at the PCC.
The team behind and in charge of managing the PCC come from a place of value to the center. With artistic backgrounds and a deep-rooted appreciation for the arts, the team’s focus is on creating a space that provides Kuwait with an amazing cultural hub in the heart of the country. The PCC team will also be on the hunt for new and amazing artists for some of their own self-initiated and curated exhibitions – starting with their launch later this summer! Welcoming and encouraging all local talents in the arts and musical scenes, the PCC wants everyone to apply to use the space at any time. Their ultimate goal is to fill up their events calendar with wonderfully curated activities. The PCC is already accepting applications for residencies and they want YOU to contact them!
The Promenade is located off the 3rd Ring Road in Hawalli, off of Tunis Street – the PCC is located on the second floor. For information about how to book a space or residency at The Promenade Cultural Center, please call 2227 7130 or email a.aljasser@alothmanportfolio.com and nalsadoun@alothmanportfolio.com. Follow the PCC and The Promenade on Instagram @thepromenadekw for updates.
