AUK Host 2nd Al-Kout Festival

The American University of Kuwait campus was converted into an elaborate fair introducing the students and community to the wonders of Kuwaiti heritage for two full days, April 21-22. Under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Ahmad Al Sabah Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and State Minister for Housing Affairs and Development Affairs, the AUK Arabian Heritage Project (AHP) 2010 Al Kout Festival opened with a great start. Among the attendees were Chair of the Board of AUK Shaikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah, Vice Chair Mr. Meshal Ali, President of AUK Dr. Tim Sullivan, Board Member Wael Abdulghafour as well as several Ambassadors and dignitaries. The Arabian Heritage Project, under the directorship of Dr. Lisa Urkevich, is a center devoted to promoting and fostering culture in the Peninsula, and the annual Al Kout Festival is a way to bring that heritage alive. "Although the academic lectures, research and scholarship that the Arabian Heritage Project engages in are at the forefront," says Dr. Urkevich, "it is important to invigorate the community and especially students and the youth of Kuwait with events like our Al Kout Festival. As our Al Kout motto states, this is: 'Where Kuwaiti past meets Kuwaiti future." In a speech given by Sheikh Ahmad on Wednesday evening, he noted how delighted he was to see the students engaged in the Al Kout Festival, "This brings back warm memories of my own college days and the activities I was involved in. I am pleased to see our youth so involved in this important heritage project. And I am happy for your happiness."

This was the second Al Kout Festival held at AUK, and the campus was replete with exhibits, events, and a grand bazaar. There were over 14 traditional craftspeople, including boom ship makers, Sadu weavers, and bisht embroiderers. The National Museum provided an elaborate display. Camel rides were offered all day, and Bedouin artisans were available to introduce their craft in a traditional tent surrounded by tools of Bedouin life. A bazaar with dozens of booths and tables lined the central campus, and a car show with antique vehicles was also enjoyed by all. Nearby, one could sit in a traditional tent as AUK students taught the guests how to play old Kuwaiti games and offered traditional food. One hall of the campus was prepared with a fashion runway, and each day, creative young designers of Kuwait presented a fashion show of Arabian dara'a (gowns), which was a new event introduced this year for female participants.

The stage built in the central campus was the focal point where seven hours of performance took place each day. AUK students were featured performing both classical western and Kuwaiti traditional pieces that they themselves often arranged musically. Kuwaiti "sawt" musicians had a special place during the performance hours, and on day one, the great Salman Al Ammari sawt master and his large backup choir was featured. Famous Bedouin poets presented their art to fascinated students and guests. This year Al Kout has a more comprehensive flavor, as classical South Indian Karnatic music was added to the program. Moreover, a special guest women's band was brought to the campus from Bahrain. This group performed a reenactment of a Gulf wedding ceremony "jelwa" and a Bahraini genre known as Mrada, along with other Gulf pieces. A highlight was that each evening, the festival closed with a great sea band of Kuwait, night one: Bin Hussein Band and night two Mayouf Band. The festival was generously sponsored by Kipco with much support from Burgan Bank, Kuwait Hotels, Gulf Net, and Gulf Insurance, who all manifested their great pride in Kuwaiti heritage. "The festival provides an opportunity for the community and students to witness those special people who keep the culture alive," added Dr. Urkevich.

For more information please contact Dr. Lisa Urkevich, Director ArabianHeritage Program M 6611 8298 Ms Rehab El Bahey, Coordinator, Arabian Heritage Project M 99535660
  

H.E. Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Ahmad Al Sabah Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and State Minister for Housing Affairs and Development Affairs
 

left to right: Chair of the Board of AUK Shaikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah, H.E. Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Ahmad Al Sabah, the Director of the Arabian Heritage Project Dr. Lisa Urkevich
 

Dr. Lisa Urkevich
 

President of AUK Dr. Tim Sullivan
 

left to right: Vice Chair of the Board of AUK Mr. Meshal Ali, Board Member Wael Abdulghafour, Shaikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah, H.E. Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Ahmad Al Sabah & the USA Ambassador Deborah K. Jones
 

Various events took place at AUK campus during the 2nd Al-Kout Festival
 

Poets presented their art to audience
 

Poets presented their art to audience
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The great Salman Al Ammari sawt master and his large backup choir
 

The great Salman Al Ammari sawt master and his large backup choir
 

AUK students were featured performing both classical western and Kuwaiti traditional pieces that they themselves often arranged musically
 

AUK students were featured performing both classical western and Kuwaiti traditional pieces that they themselves often arranged musically
 

Nick Knezek, Dartmouth College intern at AUK performs during the festival
 

Classical South Indian Karnatic music was presented during the festival
 

Bin Hussein Sea Band performs on the stage
 

Traditional Women's band from Bahrain performed during the festival
 

Traditional Women's band from Bahrain performed during the festival
 

AUK students took part in organizing Al-Kout festival