San Francisco Frontiers - Arab World Institute president outlines plans for stronger Kuwait-France cultural links

Anne-Claire Legendre, President of the Arab World Institute and former French ambassador to Kuwait, returned to the country within the delegation accompanying French President Emmanuel Macron during his official visit. She stayed on in Kuwait the following day, using the opportunity to reconnect with the country and explore ways to further strengthen the longstanding cultural ties between Kuwait and France.

Kuwait Times: Your first trip to Kuwait as President of the Arab World Institute took place within the framework of the official visit by the President of the French Republic. What significance does this hold for the Arab World Institute?

Legendre: I had the honor of accompanying the President of the French Republic during his visit to Kuwait on October 19, 2026. This trip provided an opportunity for me to hold a series of discussions in the cultural sphere. Culture, heritage, and human exchanges occupy an essential place in the rich, shared history of Franco-Kuwaiti relations.

This visit to Kuwait held a very special resonance for me. Having previously had the honor of serving as the French Ambassador there, I returned with many fond memories and the joy of reconnecting with friends who are deeply committed to cultural life and the preservation of heritage. Meeting with these individuals once again, and engaging with a new generation of creators, gave this visit a truly special dimension. Cultural relations are built over time, fostered by the trust and friendships that allow projects to emerge and flourish.

Kuwait was involved from the very inception of the Arab World Institute—a project initiated by President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing. This historic commitment to fostering dialogue between Arab and European cultures serves as a valuable foundation for giving new momentum to our cooperation. I had the honor of being received in an audience by His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, former Prime Minister and Honorary President of the Council for the Promotion of the Francophonie. His Highness is a prominent figure within the Francophonie in Kuwait and has been a steadfast supporter of cultural dialogue between our nations over the years.

Anne-Claire Legendre at Al-Salam Palace.

Anne-Claire Legendre at Tareq Rajab Museum.

Anne-Claire Legendre with Sheikha Bibi Al-Sabah at Sadu House.

Anne-Claire Legendre with Sheikha Suad Al-Sabah and Sheikh Mubarak Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah.

Kuwait Times: What role can collectors and prominent figures from the cultural sphere play in this cooperation?

Legendre: Their involvement is essential for preserving artworks, transmitting knowledge, and facilitating the circulation of cultural heritage. My meeting with His Excellency Sheikh Mubarak Al-Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, as well as a numismatic collector—is a case in point. He loaned 430 gold coins from his personal collection for the exhibition “A Golden Treasure / Un trésor en or”, held at the Arab World Institute (IMA) in the second half of 2022. This contribution serves as a concrete illustration of the trust between Kuwaiti collectors and French cultural institutions, all in the service of sharing knowledge.

I also met with Her Excellency Sheikha Dr Souad Mohammed Sabah Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah, a Kuwaiti author and poet who has been honored by France most recently being elevated to the rank of Officer in the Order of Arts and Letters. Her career reflects the literary vitality of Kuwait and underscores a goal to enhance the visibility of Kuwaiti authors in France and across Europe. These exchanges are intended to spark new initiatives, such as exhibitions, the circulation of artworks, the promotion of collections, and encounters between artists, researchers, and writers.

Kuwait Times: What concrete prospects for cooperation have you identified with Kuwait?

Legendre: Several avenues warrant further exploration: cooperation regarding the new National Museum, the circulation of traveling exhibitions between Kuwait and France, and a greater effort to showcase the cultural heritage of Kuwait and the wider region to French and European audiences.

As for the new National Museum, its redevelopment is taking place in parallel with the renewal of the Arab World Institute’s own museum. I hope that a dialogue will begin between the teams at both museums to explore potential collaborations and partnerships. The new museum at the Arab World Institute (IMA) is intended to showcase the rich heritage of Arab countries to the French public, while also highlighting contemporary Arab creative work. I would be delighted if we could display objects recovered from excavations conducted by French archaeological missions in Kuwait—most notably on the island of Failaka. For several decades, French and Kuwaiti researchers have worked together to study and preserve this exceptional heritage, located at the crossroads of the great civilizations of antiquity.

Beyond heritage, we wish to help increase the visibility of the Kuwaiti creative scene by supporting the development of cultural and creative industries within the local ecosystem, and by building bridges to the French and European scenes. Fields such as design, fashion, the visual arts, and publishing offer promising opportunities for collaboration, which will benefit Kuwaiti talent and enhance their international profile. I hope that many Kuwaiti creators will apply for the IMA’s awards.

Kuwait Times: What role do you intend for the promotion of the Arabic language to play at the Arab World Institute?

Legendre: The Arab World Institute has set itself the ambitious mission of promoting the Arabic language in France and Europe, and raising awareness of it as a language of culture. We intend to expand our range of Arabic courses for both young people and adults to meet strong demand. Furthermore, we will ensure that the visitor experience throughout our new museum is presented entirely in Arabic. Beyond the IMA, we are in discussions with numerous French cities to introduce collections of Arabic-language books into their public libraries.

M.Powell--SFF