Tribune News Network
Doha
Schools across Qatar Foundation’s ecosystem of learning have painted more than 40 canvases to display at the upcoming Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts, highlighting its focus on community engagement and commitment to fostering the arts within schools.
Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts will take place from November 28 to December 2 in Education City. Tickets are available now at educationcity.qa/al-ghorrah, priced at QR35 for children, QR50 for adults, and QR200 for specialised workshops.
The five-day event will celebrate local and regional cultural heritage, highlighting manuscripts produced under the Arab Islamic civilisation. The canvases painted by students in QF schools depict five stories: The Wonders of Creatures and the Marvels of Creation, Sindbad and the Old Man of the Sea, The Fisherman and the Genie, The Ruined Man Who Became Rich Again Through a Dream, and The Three Knights and the Treasure.
Participating schools under QF’s Pre-University Education umbrella include Qatar Academy Doha, Qatar Academy Al Wakra, Qatar Academy Al Khor, Qatar Academy Msheireb, Academyati, Awsaj Academy, and Renad Academy.
Hissa Al Thani, art teacher at Awsaj Academy, guided her 11 grade 5 students through the painting process.
“We used basic colours like yellows, browns, greens, and metallics such as gold”, she explained. “I was with them every step of the way, and they really enjoyed it. They’re excited about attending Al Ghorrah and seeing their work on display — they really want to be involved in the event.”
She highlighted the importance of art in schools: “Art makes the students happy. We play music, they sing, and they draw - they enjoy themselves. It’s a fun, creative process.”
Charlene Kasdorf, specialist, teacher and collaborator at Academyati, helped lead the painting sessions, and said, “The majority of the work happened over the course of just a morning. Up to 80 children came in, and there was music, mixing, and painting; it was celebratory. They really enjoyed it, and really wanted to be a part of this.”
Speaking about the importance of fostering an art culture within schools, she said, “Art is a staple. It improves gross motor skills (the movements made with large muscles), and these are transferable skills.”
The canvases will be displayed within the Multicultural Zone at Al Ghorrah. Other family-friendly activities in this area include bookmark making, book binding, chest decorating, and calligraphy.
Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts is a platform for expression where talents, artists, artisans, and other creators can interact through their work with an audience of local communities, art enthusiasts and families.
Members of the community will be given the opportunity to enjoy musical performances, theatrical showcases, poetry readings, lectures, interactive events, storytelling sessions, and culinary experiences.
Al Ghorrah is sponsored by the Social & Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM), with other partners including Qatar Calendar, the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
