The College of Fine Arts at Al-Mustaqbal University, in cooperation with the Student Activities Department, the Babylon Directorate of Education / School Activities Division, and the Babylon Directorate of Youth and Sports, with the participation of the University of Babylon / College of Fine Arts, the University of Kufa / College of Education for Women, and the Open Educational College / Physical Activity Department, is preparing to organize its art festival under the patronage of Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, on January 10, 2026, under the slogan “When Art Paints the Courage of the Nation.” The festival coincides with the Iraqi Army Day, presenting an integrated national artistic panorama that combines artistic design, handicrafts, sculpture, expressive theatre, and puppet theatre, reflecting the richness of the cultural scene and the power of art in expressing heroism, belonging, and national pride. Festival activities will feature expressive theatrical performances inspired by the heroism of the Iraqi Army, alongside distinguished puppet theatre presentations, where puppets become symbolic tools conveying national values in a touching humanistic style that resonates with audiences of all ages. In this context, writer Ali Shaheen from the College of Administrative Sciences / Department of Business Administration noted that the inclusion of puppet theatre represents a qualitative addition to the celebration, emphasizing that puppet theatre has a unique ability to convey national messages in a language that is both simple and profound, especially on a cherished occasion such as Iraqi Army Day, where art meets collective memory and national joy. Meanwhile, Mr. Mazen Al-Taie, Head of the Preparatory Committee for the festival, affirmed that this artistic diversity reflects the festival’s vision of embracing all forms of creative expression and employing theatre, puppetry, and visual arts as effective cultural tools for strengthening national awareness and reinforcing the values of sacrifice and dedication. The festival conveys a clear message: when art diversifies, the nation becomes more present, and when art celebrates the army, creativity transforms into an act of loyalty and pride. Almustaqbal University, The First University in Iraq.