Mona Al‑Qanai

Visual Anthropologist & Multidisciplinary Artist 📍 Kuwait City | 🌐 monaalqanai.com

Education

  • 2010–2011 — MA in Visual Anthropology, University of Manchester, UK

  • 1998–2002 — BA in English Literature, Kuwait University, Kuwait

Professional Appointments

  • 2022–Present — Head, International Cultural Organizations, National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, Kuwait

  • 2006–2022 — Head of International Relations, General Secretariat Office, National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, Kuwait

  • 2003–2006 — Curator, Designer & Translator, Art Department, NCCAL, Kuwait

  • 2003 — Assistant Curator, Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah, National Museum, Kuwait

Residencies & Curatorial Projects

  • 2013 — Curated Prof. David Rayson: reinterpretation of landscape, via Out of Kuwait residency; showcased at Edge of Arabia, London. Developed art film The Rhumb Line.

  • 2016 — Residency at Bait al-Sadu as part of the Sadi Sadu Design Initiative; created film/installation Energy of Love.

Solo Exhibitions

  • 2023 — Letting Go, Al‑Adwani Exhibition Hall, Kuwait

  • 2005 — Black, Modern Art Museum, Kuwait (series executed entirely in black ink)

Group Exhibitions

  • 2016 — Sadi Sadu Art & Design Initiative, Kuwait

  • 2013 — Out of Kuwait, Edge of Arabia, London, UK

  • 2009 — New York Art Expo, USA

  • 2009 — 4th Youth Art Exhibition, NCCAL, Kuwait

  • 2009 — 16th Qrain Exhibition, NCCAL, Kuwait

  • 2008 — Spring Art Exhibition, NCCAL, Kuwait

  • 2008 — 3rd Youth Art Exhibition, NCCAL, Kuwait

  • 2008 — 5th Summer Exhibition, NCCAL, Kuwait

  • 2008 — 15th Qrain Exhibition, NCCAL, Kuwait

  • 2007 — Summer Surprise, Dubai, UAE


    (Exhibitions are listed with consistent credit to NCCAL and regional galleries where applicable.)

Film & Video Arts

  • 2018 — Hands of Mercy (2 min, dir. Mona Al‑Qanai)

  • 2013 — The Rhumb Line (25 min, art film), produced and directed by Mona Al‑Qanai

  • 2011 — Fortitude (20 min documentary), produced and directed as MFA thesis

    at Manchester University by Mona Al-Qanai

Art Installations

  • 2016 — Energy of Love, Sadu House, Kuwait (textiles, film, sound)

Speaking Engagements

  • 2018 — “The Little Things That Matter”, Contemporary Art Platform, Kuwait

Selected Projects & Consulting

  • 2017 — Producer & General Consultant, Kuwait Film Festival (1st Edition)

  • 2015 — Art Director, Feature Film Kilshay Makow, Kuwait

Awards & Honors

  • 2007 — Awarded by National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, Kuwait (Summer Painting Exhibition)

Certifications & Training

  • 2013 — Film Festival Celebrating Arab Women Filmmakers, London

  • 2010 — Light Camera Action; Bespoke Avid; Bespoke Sound for Picture

  • 2020 — Enhance Illustration: Pencil, Pen, Paint, and Pixels

  • 2021 — Graphic Design for Beginners; Art Direction for Film; Curating Contemporary Art; Brand Management

Donations & Contributions

  • 2018 — Charity painting donation to Children & Families Across Borders (CFAB), London

  • 2006 — Works donated to tsunami relief, Animal Rights Association, and Cancer Research for Children, Kuwait

Collections

Private and institutional collections including:

  • London-based architect’s private collection
  • First-generation Royal family collections in Kuwait