Al-Mutairi issues decision to regulate licensing of theatrical and artistic performances
Council requires prior review and legal compliance for public performances; new procedures mandate declaration of content free from legal violations
Minister of Information and Culture, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and Chairman of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, has issued a ministerial decision to reorganize the procedures for licensing theatrical and artistic performances in Kuwait.
Aisha Al-Mahmoud, Assistant Secretary-General for the Culture Sector at the Council and Acting Assistant Secretary-General for the Arts Sector, told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the decision requires any party wishing to advertise a theatrical or artistic performance to submit an official request to the relevant department at the Council. The request must include all necessary documents and meet specified requirements.
Al-Mahmoud clarified that once all conditions are met, the Council will respond within three days. The applicant must also sign a declaration affirming the performance is free of content prohibited under Law No. 3 of 2006 and its amendments, as well as in compliance with Law No. 21 of 2015 on children’s rights and all relevant national legislation.
Following these procedures, the applicant is permitted to advertise the event and open reservations to the public in accordance with the rules of the competent authorities.
The final approval of the performance depends on a live review by the relevant committee at the Council during a final rehearsal. This must take place at least three days before the public showing, and no more than fifteen days after the rehearsal request. The committee then decides whether to approve, request modifications, or reject the show.
The new regulations cover all performing arts events presented by civil theatre groups, private institutions, diplomatic missions, and non-governmental organizations. Licensing will adhere strictly to current laws and legislation.
Al-Mahmoud emphasized the cultural and social significance of theater as a creative platform that promotes human awareness. She also underscored the importance of children’s theater as an educational tool that supports cognitive and social development.
