KUWAIT: American Chargé D’ Affaires James Holtsnider attended a mural unveiling ceremony held in partnership with the LOYAC Academy of Performing Arts (LAPA) and the National Council for Culture, Letters, and Arts (NCCAL) at the Museum of Modern Art on Thursday. The embassy-commissioned mural, titled “America & Kuwait: 60 Years of Friendship”, celebrates six decades of US - Kuwait diplomatic ties.

“Designed in the form of a collage, the mural showcases the shared history of America and Kuwait through the decades,” Chargé d’Affaires Holtsnider said. “Additionally, as part of a broader effort to mark Women’s History month in March, the mural highlights the important contributions of women to the development of both countries. The women featured include prominent rights activists, martyrs of the first Gulf War, and other significant figures.”

American and Kuwaiti talents collaborated on the project, including acclaimed Kuwaiti artist and LAPA Board Member Amira Behbehani, LAPA Fine Arts Department Manager Zena Dabbous, and Associate Professor of Studio Art and Graphic Design at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) William J. Andersen.

“Our deepest thanks to Amira Behbehani, Zena Dabbous, and William Andersen - your hard work paid off. Because of your creativity and talent, we now have a remarkable mural that will speak to generations to come about the special bond between our two countries,” Holtsnider added. Various government officials and members of the local art community attended the ceremony, including the NCCAL’s Acting Secretary General Dr Eissa Al-Ansari. The mural will feature as part NCCAL’s Al-Qurain Cultural Festival from March 21-30.