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Ailyn Agonia
DOHA
THE Majlis-Cultures in Dialogue has been successful in projecting Qatar’s legacy to the global audience, said Kees Wieringa, director of Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al Thani Museum (FBQ Museum).
The travelling cross-cultural exhibition, featuring rare artefacts from the rich collection of the Sheikh Faisal Museum, was exhibited in Malta and Paris recently as part of the plan to take the event to various high-profile venues over the next two years.
In an interview with Qatar Tribune recently, Wieringa said the response to the exhibition at both the venues was phenomenal.
“The exhibition was highly appreciated by the personages as well as the international media. It was successful in distinctly establishing rich Qatari culture on the global canvas through a display of impressive collection of artefacts. This event also highlighted the crucial role played by museums in initiating cultural dialogue,” he said.
According to him, the exhibition stresses importance of cultural dialogue among nations while highlighting Qatar’s contribution to this end.
Similarly, he underlined how the Majlis – Cultures In Dialogue enhances the role of museums in fostering mutual understanding between cultures and serves as a platform, which actively seeks to make history, culture and tradition living entities that future generations can learn from and draw upon, while also promoting a lasting dialogue in the different countries it visits.
“By sharing the works of art that connect peoples with their past, ‘The Majlis – Cultures in Dialogue’ will be both a fitting celebration of this heritage and a catalyst for further dialogue in the future. Various artefacts are used to facilitate the dialogue and resonate in the visitors’ minds and hearts. Like the majlis, the exhibition, with objects from the collection of the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum carefully selected to illustrate different sides of culture, is a facilitator of dialogue: a dialogue capable of transcending barriers and expanding the horizons of our understanding of other peoples and places,” Wieringa said.
He also emphasised that the initiative is only the beginning of bigger projects of the institution aimed at connecting people, beliefs and cultures by creating opportunities for respectful, yet incisive dialogues to take place.
“We will organise exhibitions, concerts, storytelling events, conferences and publications among others to initiate meaningful connections between peoples and cultures and stimulate enriched dialogue. Locally, we are already organising a wide range of events and educational programmes to attract schools, universities and individuals to the museum. For residents in Qatar, we offer a reduced price for all our activities,” he said.
He also underlined the importance of the partnership between FBQ Museum and the UN Doha office in realising the ambitious project.
“FBQ Museum’s vision involves inspiring and educating a diverse community and fostering fruitful intercultural dialogue. Sharing with the local and international community has always been part of Sheikh Faisal’s personal vision and The Majlis – Cultures in Dialogue is a project that joins the museum’s vision with Sheikh Faisal’s personal wish of sharing part of the vast collection with a wider audience. The co-operation with UNESCO serves the Qatari role in preserving history, culture and traditions for future generations. As both the entities have the same goal of spreading peace through the works of art & culture, the partnership between the UNESCO and us is long-standing with a great thrust on preserving cultural heritage. Qatar possesses a great culture and it needed to be projected in the right way and the right place; hence the Majlis, which did an excellent job in propagating blending of art with business to drive future growth,” said Wieringa.
Regarding the impact of the exhibition on the perception of the international community about Qatar and its thriving arts and culture scene, he said, “Qatar has always hosted people from different backgrounds, and its spirit of tolerance and dialogue with others on the basis of shared values has given rise to a splendid heritage. Qatar has always taken keen interest in cultural diversity, as well as in intercultural and interfaith dialogue. The country believes strongly in the power of diversity to bring people closer together and to promote values of tolerance, peace and security in the world, which comes in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.”
DOHA
THE Majlis-Cultures in Dialogue has been successful in projecting Qatar’s legacy to the global audience, said Kees Wieringa, director of Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al Thani Museum (FBQ Museum).
The travelling cross-cultural exhibition, featuring rare artefacts from the rich collection of the Sheikh Faisal Museum, was exhibited in Malta and Paris recently as part of the plan to take the event to various high-profile venues over the next two years.
In an interview with Qatar Tribune recently, Wieringa said the response to the exhibition at both the venues was phenomenal.
“The exhibition was highly appreciated by the personages as well as the international media. It was successful in distinctly establishing rich Qatari culture on the global canvas through a display of impressive collection of artefacts. This event also highlighted the crucial role played by museums in initiating cultural dialogue,” he said.
According to him, the exhibition stresses importance of cultural dialogue among nations while highlighting Qatar’s contribution to this end.
Similarly, he underlined how the Majlis – Cultures In Dialogue enhances the role of museums in fostering mutual understanding between cultures and serves as a platform, which actively seeks to make history, culture and tradition living entities that future generations can learn from and draw upon, while also promoting a lasting dialogue in the different countries it visits.
“By sharing the works of art that connect peoples with their past, ‘The Majlis – Cultures in Dialogue’ will be both a fitting celebration of this heritage and a catalyst for further dialogue in the future. Various artefacts are used to facilitate the dialogue and resonate in the visitors’ minds and hearts. Like the majlis, the exhibition, with objects from the collection of the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum carefully selected to illustrate different sides of culture, is a facilitator of dialogue: a dialogue capable of transcending barriers and expanding the horizons of our understanding of other peoples and places,” Wieringa said.
He also emphasised that the initiative is only the beginning of bigger projects of the institution aimed at connecting people, beliefs and cultures by creating opportunities for respectful, yet incisive dialogues to take place.
“We will organise exhibitions, concerts, storytelling events, conferences and publications among others to initiate meaningful connections between peoples and cultures and stimulate enriched dialogue. Locally, we are already organising a wide range of events and educational programmes to attract schools, universities and individuals to the museum. For residents in Qatar, we offer a reduced price for all our activities,” he said.
He also underlined the importance of the partnership between FBQ Museum and the UN Doha office in realising the ambitious project.
“FBQ Museum’s vision involves inspiring and educating a diverse community and fostering fruitful intercultural dialogue. Sharing with the local and international community has always been part of Sheikh Faisal’s personal vision and The Majlis – Cultures in Dialogue is a project that joins the museum’s vision with Sheikh Faisal’s personal wish of sharing part of the vast collection with a wider audience. The co-operation with UNESCO serves the Qatari role in preserving history, culture and traditions for future generations. As both the entities have the same goal of spreading peace through the works of art & culture, the partnership between the UNESCO and us is long-standing with a great thrust on preserving cultural heritage. Qatar possesses a great culture and it needed to be projected in the right way and the right place; hence the Majlis, which did an excellent job in propagating blending of art with business to drive future growth,” said Wieringa.
Regarding the impact of the exhibition on the perception of the international community about Qatar and its thriving arts and culture scene, he said, “Qatar has always hosted people from different backgrounds, and its spirit of tolerance and dialogue with others on the basis of shared values has given rise to a splendid heritage. Qatar has always taken keen interest in cultural diversity, as well as in intercultural and interfaith dialogue. The country believes strongly in the power of diversity to bring people closer together and to promote values of tolerance, peace and security in the world, which comes in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.”
