DOHA: Qatar Museums, in collaboration with Qatar Foundation partner universities in Education City, took part in the inaugural orientation session of the Art, Culture, and Heritage Program, marking the start of a series of gatherings aimed at fostering discussions and collaborations in research and academic initiatives at the intersection of art and education.
Held on the campus of Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), the inaugural event began with a welcome from the Chairperson of Qatar Museums HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani and dean of GU-Q Dr Safwan Masri.
In his welcome address, the dean highlighted the participants' shared human development mission. "In Qatar, we are fortunate to have a highly engaging and engaged artistic environment as well as a plethora of superb educational institutions and resources. And when art and education meet, exciting opportunities emerge, revitalizing not just the art world, but also adding a valuable new dimension to teaching and learning. The effects of this convergence reverberate far beyond both spheres, encouraging inclusive participation, enhancing personal and professional growth, and inspiring a desire for lifelong learning."
The programme was facilitated by undergraduate student and international debating champion Moza Al Hajri (GU-Q'26), who also moderated the final EC alumni panel discussion.
The first panel featured representatives from Qatar Museums who shed light on the diverse art and cultural offerings provided by the participating institutions.
Panellists included HE Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Thani, Director of the National Museum of Qatar, Zeina Arida, Director of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Dr Tara Desjardins, Curator of South Asia at the Museum of Islamic Art, Essa Al Mannai, Director of Dadu, Children's Museum of Qatar, Abdullatif Al Jasmi, Director of Cultural Heritage Protection, Sheikha Reem Al Thani, Acting Deputy CEO of Exhibitions, Public Art and Publications, and Fatma Hassan Al Remaihi, CEO of Doha Film Institute.
Faculty from Education City campuses shared examples of effective integration of cultural and art resources in research and in academic course design and delivery.
Rounding out the discussion, a panel of Education City alumni, now contributing to various cultural entities in Qatar, discussed their professional journeys.
