To assist students of art in pursuing their interest, the Department
of Education established The Free Art Studio (FAS) in 1960. It
was set up to grant scholarships to members for study abroad and
help exhibit their works at home and abroad. In 1971, FAS was
brought under the Ministry of Information, and its scope of work
broadened. The restoration and care of all items at the Department
of Antiquity and Museums; the lending of art work to the state
for exhibitions; and the designing of stamps, posters and tourist
post-cards are FAS's responsibility. It continues to actively
promote and help artists. The first works of sculpture and ceramics
were made at this studio.
The Kuwaiti Society of Formative Artists (KSFA)
A group of artists at FAS established KSFA as an independent art
centre with a different distinctive character in 1967. Its objectives
were to encourage novices, foster talent, give exposure to local
and foreign artists in Kuwait and showcase Kuwaiti art to the
world. The good work done by the Society has been acknowledged
by NCCAP and since 1973, it has sponsored the Society's exhibitions.
