Tribune News Network
Doha
Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, in collaboration with Palestinian artist and journalist Bilal Khaled, is presenting the ‘Wall of Home – Art for a Brighter Future’ initiative. This impactful project brought together children from both Palestine and Qatar, with a special focus on Gaza students, through art sessions that aimed to nurture peace, hope, and cross-cultural understanding.
The Wall of Home project offers children a creative platform to express their feelings and thoughts, bridging divides and promoting emotional connection. Through the medium of art, young participants are encouraged to share their personal stories, dreams, and aspirations, developing a sense of unity and healing in a world often impacted by conflict.
The sessions, held every Saturday at Mathaf, provide a safe space for the next generation to engage in a meaningful dialogue about their lives and hopes for the future.
In particular, the art sessions held on January 18 and 25, placed special emphasis on the inclusion of Gaza students, inviting them to participate in this transformative art initiative. Ten Gaza students took part on each of these Saturday sessions, channelling their emotions and experiences into their artwork, further solidifying the project’s focus on providing a platform for young people from conflict zones to express their aspirations for a better future.
Commenting on the occasion, Gazan artist Bilal Khaled said: “Through this collaborative art project with school children in Qatar, I aimed to send a message of love and peace to the world. These innocent children, full of dreams, displayed sincere creativity that reflects the values of coexistence and tolerance. For me, art is a universal language that transcends borders and builds bridges of communication between people. Every painting created by the children was an expression of hope and a desire for a better future. I hope this work will inspire others, demonstrating that art can be a tool for change and a heartfelt message carrying values of love and peace.”
Mathaf’s collaboration with Bilal Khaled underscores the museum’s commitment to promoting art as a powerful force for positive change and transformation. This initiative is a testament to the role that art can play in bridging cultural gaps, especially in times of uncertainty and conflict.
Eman Abdulla, head of Public & Family Programmes at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art commented, “The Wall of Home initiative underscores the profound impact that art can have in bridging communities and promoting peace. By engaging children from Gaza and Qatar, this project creates an invaluable opportunity for young people to share their stories and aspirations, nurturing empathy and mutual understanding. We are honoured to provide these young voices with a platform to express their hopes, dreams, and emotions, creating a space where they can imagine and contribute to a brighter, more connected future.”
The public is invited to continue supporting and engaging with this remarkable project, which will continue for the coming months.
