Doha: The Gulf region is evolving into a driver of advancement and development for cultural institutions and increasing public spaces.
Qatar Museums (QM) Charperson H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani said the region is turning into an engine of progress and development for cultural institutions and "expanding public spaces, unique and innovative approaches to creativity become central to our progress, setting the balance between preservation and development”.
The Chairperson said this on the opening of the International Council of Museums (INTERCOM) Doha 2023 conference on Sunday. It will conclude today.
As the country is hosting the international gathering of museums experts, she said that it is gratifying that this kind of professional and cultural exchange is happening in the Gulf region at a “time when high emphasis is given to culture as an enabler to enhance the quality of life and economic diversification".
"I believe this region has much to offer, and the more creative centres the better,” she said.
Moreover, Sheikha Mayassa also put emphasis on QM’s 25-year cultural plan wherein its final phase focuses on global outreach and world connection, with the establishment of Qatar Auto Museum, the Lusail Museum, and the Art Mill Museum.
“In globalising our local population to understand world culture, design, and craft, we empower our residents and region to be able to engage in a world conversation without losing a sense of self. The concept of globalising the local, and localising the global, becomes paramount in these future institutions, where the power of culture to bring people together couldn’t be more evident.”
Qatar Auto Museum will bring Qatar’s expanding car community under one roof; Lusail Museum will house the world’s largest collection of Orientalist paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, and rare texts; and the Art Mill Museum is Qatar’s future museum of international modern and contemporary art, due to open in 2030 and is the conclusion of the 25-year cultural plan.
First phase of the said plan which is in operation is investment in the local community and is focused on heritage and identity. And these are the Museum of Islamic Art, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, and the National Museum of Qatar which house important exhibitions on heritage, Arab identity and contemporary life and sustainability.
Second phase of the strategy concentrated on social development. This was accomplished with last year’s opening of the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, which covers both local and traditional sports in Qatar as well as worldwide sports.
“When you walk through the museum, you learn about human beings, their traditions and customs — as well as their sports. The DADU Children’s Museum recently celebrated the opening of its gardens with programs on food security, agriculture and sustainability at the heart of our offerings. Its target opening date is 2026,” the Chairperson explained.
Moreover, she stressed that the core of Qatar Museums is “engaging segments of our community” including academic, teachers, teenagers and collectors council.
“These dynamic relationships between communities and museums ensure more representation for the future needs of generations. In working with the schools, we meticulously enhance their curriculums to empower the youth with creative tools that prepares them for future employment. In working with our health providers, we create safe havens for people suffering from illnesses or injury to live the best quality of life possible.”
Today is the last day of the INTERCOM Doha 2023 conference where four round tables will be conducted with topics: Museum leadership across MENA, Museums and society, Museum audience and cultural leadership, and New museums and ideas.
