Fire Station: Artist in Residence in collaboration with Best Buddies, unveiled “Friends & More,” an inspiring exhibition displaying a range of artworks created by individuals with disabilities. Featuring themes of friendship and the iconic landmarks of Qatar, the exhibition highlights the immense creative talent of the local community. Now in its second edition and on view until 21 December, “Friends & More,” is a part of the Best Buddies Qatar Initiative, which aims to empower individuals and give them a platform for artistic expression.
Participants in the Best Buddies Qatar initiative showcase a vibrant and diverse collection of artworks using a variety of techniques like the paper clay technique combining paper with clay to make unique artwork. Different methods from embroidery to luminism are employed, and materials ranging from wood and jewelery to photographs and ceramics are used. Through a series of collaborative art workshops, held in partnership with specialised art centres and organisations across Qatar, participants of all ages have had the opportunity to develop their artistic skills, while fostering friendship and creativity.
Khalifa Al Obaidly, Director of Fire Station, reaffirmed the importance of this project saying, “At Fire Station, we are dedicated to promoting creative innovation and uplifting voices in the artistic community. We are honoured to partner with Best Buddies, a powerful initiative that highlights the creativity and potential of individuals with disabilities. This ‘Friends & More’ exhibition marks an important step towards greater inclusivity and celebrating the diverse stories within our community. We invite everyone to discover and be inspired by the unique talents of our friends in Best Buddies.”
The Best Buddies Qatar initiative is dedicated to promoting social inclusion for individuals with mild to moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities through a variety of programs, activities, and events. Aligned with Fire Station’s mission to nurture local talent, the second edition of the “Friends & More” art exhibition raises awareness about the incredible creativity of people with disabilities in our community.
Saida Al Khulaifi, Head of Programs in Fire Station and Curator for the exhibition, said, “Fire Station and Best Buddies Qatar have a shared vision to amplify the voices of local talent and empower communities to tell their stories. The power of friendship, national pride, and unique artistic execution are all presented in this exhibition. It offers a unique opportunity for participants to express themselves, build connections, and experience the power of social inclusion, all while sharing these special moments with their friends.”
The exhibition is open to the public at the Fire Station, Gallery 4, from Saturday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and on Friday from 1:30 pm to 7:00 pm.
For more information, please visit https://firestation.org.qa/en/calendar/friends-and-more/.
# # #
About Qatar Museums
Qatar Museums (QM), the nation's preeminent institution for art and culture, provides authentic and inspiring cultural experiences through a growing network of museums, heritage sites, festivals, public art installations, and programmes. QM preserves, restores, and expands the nation's cultural offerings and historical sites, sharing art and culture from Qatar, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region with the world and enriching the lives of citizens, residents, and visitors.
Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and led by its Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, QM has made Qatar a vibrant centre for the arts, culture, and education in the Middle East and beyond. QM is integral to the goal of developing an innovative, diverse, and progressive nation, bringing people together to ignite new thinking, spark critical cultural conversations, educate and encourage environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, and amplify the voices of Qatar's people. Since its founding in 2005, QM has overseen the Museum of Islamic Art and MIA Park, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of Qatar, QM Gallery Al Riwaq, QM Gallery Katara and the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum. Future museums include Dadu, Children's Museum of Qatar, Qatar Auto Museum, Art Mill Museum and the Lusail Museum.
Through its newly created Creative Hub, QM also initiates and supports projects—such as Fire Station: Artist in Residence, the Tasweer Qatar Photo Festival and the creative hub for innovation, fashion and design M7—that nurture artistic talent and create opportunities to build a strong and sustainable cultural infrastructure.
Animating everything that Qatar Museums does is an authentic connection to Qatar and its heritage, a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, and a belief in creating value through invention.
About Fire Station: Artist in Residence
The Fire Station is a world-class artist residency programme for residents of Qatar designed to nurture, energize and promote the country’s artistic and creative community, and enrich the art scene in Qatar. Founded in 2015 and located in a fire station repurposed by Qatari architect Ibrahim Mohamed Jaidah, the Fire Station offers a nine-month programme for creatives across all disciplines, enabling young artists to cultivate their talent through production support, curatorial advice, and expert mentorships. During the residency, artists engage with professionals from all over the world who recognize Qatar as a growing centre of artistic talent and creativity. Over the past six years, the programme has welcomed 92 artists and expanded its duration to include a three-month stint at the prestigious Cite Internationale des Art in Paris and New York City at Studio 209 NY, which is part of the International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP).
The Fire Station includes extensive studio spaces, a theatre, the popular restaurant Café #999, a bookshop, an art supply shop, and gallery spaces presenting inspiring local and international exhibitions. The Fire Station has also hosted world-class exhibitions organized by Qatar Museums within its expansive Garage Gallery, including Pipilotti Rist: Electric Idyll (2024), Experience Al Jazeera (2022), Virgil Abloh: “Figures of Speech” (2021), Picassos Studios (2020), KAWS: He Eats Alone (2019) curated by renown art historian Germano Celant, Kazimir Malevich: Genius of the Russian Avant-garde (2019), Russian Avant-garde Pioneers and Direct Descendants (2018), Laundromat by Ai Weiwei (2018), German Encounters – Contemporary Masterworks from the Deutsche Bank Collection (2017), and Picasso-Giacometti (2017). The Fire Station is headed by Director Khalifa Al Obaidly, the renowned Qatari photographer.
About Best Buddies
Best Buddies is a non-profit organisation established in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver. The mission of Best Buddies is to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Best Buddies Qatar, established in 2008 as an initiative under the umbrella of the Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities and Qatar Social Work and the Ministry of Social Development and Family, is the fortieth branch among the branches of Best Buddies worldwide.
Best Buddies Qatar is one of the most prominent initiatives in the social advancement of individuals with mild to moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities aiming to enhance their lives, end their social isolation, and integrate them into society.
FIND US ONLINE:
Qatar Museums
Twitter:@Qatar_Museums | Instagram:@Qatar_Museums | Facebook:@QatarMuseums
Fire Station: Artist in Residence
Twitter: @dohafirestation | Instagram: @dohafirestation | Facebook: @dohafirestation
PRESS CONTACTS:
Hanan Saif
hsaif@qm.org.qa
+974 3332 2829
Wasay Mir
wasaym@qm.org.qa
+974 3319 5504