Actor and director Kassem Istanbouli has been awarded by UNESCO with the 2023 Sharjah Award for Arab Culture and Arts, recognizing his prominent contribution to Arab culture.
The international committee of experts in the fields of culture and arts has chosen the work of Kassem Istanbouli, founder of the Lebanese National Theatre, from many nominations for his contribution to the creation of an independent culture and arts net in Lebanon, including the restoration of abandoned cinemas in South and North of Lebanon, the organization of international cinema, theater, and music festivals, the implementation of workshops for children and the youngers, and the creation of international bridges promoting the exchange of artistic experiences and dialogue, promoting the dissemination of Arab artistic experiences and culture in the world.
Sharjah Award for Arab Culture and Arts was created in 1998 by the initiative of Sheikh Dr.Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Quasimi to celebrate Arab creators and intellectuals, and this 2023 award will be its 19th edition.