Doha, October 29 (QNA) - HE Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Qatar Museums Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani affirmed on Thursday that culture serves as a tool for resilience in the face of crises, a bridge for communication between peoples, and a mechanism to create safe spaces for dialogue and mutual understanding. She emphasized the imperative of continuing to support artists and creators, while amplifying the voices of those who need to be heard, including the Palestinian people.
During a panel discussion titled "When Culture Transcends Borders," held as part of the "Global Perspectives: In Doha" event, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani stated that culture and cultural diplomacy play a vital role in bringing people together, de-escalating tensions, and fostering dialogue, especially at a time when the world is witnessing rising tensions and hate rhetoric. She noted that providing a safe environment for creators allows them to express human experiences and narratives, ranging from accounts of suffering and injustice to celebrations of life.
She added that the State of Qatar remains committed to its cultural programs and will not retreat from them due to crises. She explained that many artists and creators rely on cultural platforms to sustain their work, noting that while canceling such activities might be the easier path, it would effectively represent a surrender to uncontrollable circumstances.
HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani highlighted that Qatar established itself as a regional hub for supporting artists from the Arab world across various disciplines, including fashion, design, photography, visual arts, and cinema. She pointed out that investment in culture yields significant economic returns, noting that capital allocated to the arts generates a positive multiplier effect across the national economy.
Regarding the Palestinian cause, HE Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Qatar Museums Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani stated that Palestine has always remained a priority for HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF). She noted that this stems from the perspective of human rights and human suffering, pointing to the active presence of Palestinian academics, educators, and artists within Qatari educational and cultural institutions, alongside targeted support for Palestinian filmmakers.
She emphasized that every individual, regardless of origin or background, deserves to live with dignity, affirming that Qatari cultural efforts will continuously amplify the voices of marginalized groups, including Palestinians.
She explained that culture possesses the power to transcend ignorance and arrogance, emphasizing that the global community requires greater empathy. She highlighted that the core objective is to provide inclusive spaces where individuals participate in creative activities without discrimination, while respecting social values and heritage.
Her Excellency noted that the evolution of Qatar's cultural landscape rests upon two complementary pillars: nurturing local and Arab talent and hosting international artists. The goal, she clarified, is not to segregate local art from global movements, but rather to construct an integrated cultural ecosystem that fosters authentic dialogue, knowledge transfer, and cross-cultural expertise.
She pointed out that hosting international artists enables local talent to engage with diverse techniques and artistic mediums, opening avenues for collaboration and co-production. She drew parallels to healthcare and education, where attracting international expertise accelerates local capability-building and knowledge transfer to younger generations.
HE the Chairperson of Qatar Museums observed that Qatar possesses a vibrant domestic arts ecosystem, encompassing Qatari and Arab talent, independent initiatives, and creative production spaces. Hosting international art events responds to this abundance of local talent, serving to enhance the nation's global cultural presence.
Addressing the institutional role of museums, Her Excellency stated that museum institutions extend far beyond displaying art; they document human experiences and facilitate public understanding of history and civilizations, noting that preparing major exhibitions typically requires three to five years of rigorous academic research and international institutional collaboration.
She remarked that teaching history and introducing new generations to civilizational contributions are critical to building a knowledge-based society, emphasizing that knowledge enables individuals to recognize the limits of their understanding and motivates continuous learning.
She added that Qatar's cultural strategy forms an integral part of a broader vision aimed at transitioning from a hydrocarbon-based economy to a knowledge-based society. She highlighted that education, sports, and culture served as key pillars in the vision of HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, which sought to build a proactive society capable of taking responsibility while inspiring youth toward innovation.
She also touched upon the role of women in Qatari society, explaining that HH the Father Amir held immense respect for women and valued their historical contributions. He ensured families were granted choice and extended full support to HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser to lead structural reforms in health, education, and social development through Qatar Foundation.
She highlighted that dialogue, intellectual exchange, and respect for differences were fundamental elements of her upbringing, instilling a deep sense of responsibility toward national development while preserving cultural identity and heritage.
Regarding the balance between creative freedom and societal values, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani emphasized the importance of mutual respect. She noted that public cultural content must remain mindful of all segments of society, ensuring that creative freedom does not infringe upon community spaces or values.
HE Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Qatar Museums Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani concluded the session by affirming that culture enables nations to understand one another's lived experiences, building a confident society that embraces its identity while fostering an environment conducive to sustainable creativity. (QNA)