There are several commercial international art galleries in Kuwait, notably in Salhiya Complex and in Salmiya. SHE Art Gallery in Salmiya, near the Zahra Complex, displays art works by Jose Fernandez, a Spanish artist and art critic who has several other outlets in major capital cities. Those interested in Arabic themes executed by renowned Spanish, Italian and French artists, such as Marian Ribas, Calderon, Anthonio Arias, Suarez, etc, will find this shop interesting as all works are original and commissions can be accepted to order.

Theatres and Musical Societies

The first amateur plays were performed in Kuwait in 1922. In 1945, the first group of Kuwaiti drama students went to study at the Egyptian Higher Institute for Acting. When they returned, they formed the nucleus of the Acting Society. This in turn became the foundation of an extremely popular form of entertainment, playing in theatres in Kaifan, Shamiya and Dasma. In 1959, the Institute of Theatre Studies was founded in Kuwait. In the 1960s a number of theatrical troupes, such as the Arab Theatre and the Popular Theatre were founded. Today, the continuing popularity of Arab theatre in Kuwait is impressive in view of the strong competition from videos.

Before the invasion there were at least four English language theatres in Kuwait, providing a high standard of plays, pantomimes and musicals.

Established in 1952, the Kuwait Players has resurrected itself very successfully after Liberation, and puts on nine or 10 superb shows (dramas and musicals) each season. These are advertised in the daily newspapers. Established in 1948, the Kuwait Little Theatre in Ahmadi, which produced plays professionally, was almost totally destroyed by Iraqi vandalism in 1990. In 1994, the company rebuilt itself and now, with its premises refurbished, is in a position to produce musicals and dramas throughout the year, as well as its traditional year-end pantomime. The Kuwait Singers is composed of a group of music lovers. With at least a dozen different nationalities in the group at any one time, they perform a series of shows per year, and are always interested in welcoming more singers.

With a small core of active musicians, the Kuwait Folk Club welcomes newcomers. Music played is mainly acoustic European folk music and R&B using guitar, fiddle, harmonics, etc.