Qatar Museums, in collaboration with Qatar Red Crescent, is launching a humanitarian initiative to champion peace and respond to the recent events unfolding in Gaza, Palestine. The weekly fundraising event Art for Peace is set to commence on Friday 19 Januaryand will continueevery Fridayuntil8 March 2024,from2 pmto6 pm. The campaign will take place across various Qatar Museums’ entities, marking a significant collaboration between art, community, and humanitarian efforts.
Art for Peace’s primary goal is to raise awareness and advocate a nationwide fundraising initiative that employs the power of "Art & Creativity" to educate and engage Qatar's diverse population. The aim is to shed light on Gaza, Palestine, and extend unwavering support through artistic expressions and communal solidarity.
Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Museums, said, "As advocates of cultural heritage at Qatar Museums, we understand the profound impact of art in uniting communities for a shared cause. Art for Peace reflects our dedication to utilizing artistic expression to provide moral and financial support for those affected by the recent events in Gaza, Palestine, in partnership with Qatar Red Crescent. Through this campaign, we aim to unite our community in a collective effort to make a meaningful difference, showcasing the transformative power of art in fostering unity and solidarity."
Faisal Mohamed Al Emadi, Acting Secretary-General of Qatar Red Crescent, commended the Art for Peace initiative as the product of shared vision and goals between cultural and artistic work, represented by Qatar Museums, and humanitarian and social work, represented by Qatar Red Crescent. “This collaboration is part of the partnership between Qatar Red Crescent and Qatar Museums. It embodies a spirit of inter-sector understanding, inspired by Qatar’s position of solidarity with the Palestinian people and belief in their right to security and dignity.”
Commencing at the Qatar Auto Museum within Expo 2023 Doha on Friday, 19 January, the 8-week campaign promises an array of engaging activities and initiatives aimed at fostering a sense of unity and compassion:
- Live Painting: Experience live painting sessions by Qatar Museums and acclaimed artists, showcasing creativity in action.
- Arts & Crafts Bazaar: Explore a vibrant showcase of artistry by local artists, curated by the Community Service Department at Qatar Museums.
- Community Programs: Each Qatar Museums entity will spearhead and manage distinctive community programs and activities, amplifying the impact of the campaign.
3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum and Dadu
Location: Expo 2023 Doha – Al Bidda Park
Date and Time: Friday, 19 January 2024 / 2pm – 6pm
Activation: The 321 Sustainable Obstacle Race Challenge
At the Doha Expo 2023, the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum demonstrates its promising strategy that is designed to reduce the negative environmental impact using more environmentally friendly materials at our 321 Obstacle Course Race Challenge, termed The 321 Sustainable Obstacle Course Challenge, whose obstacles are made from different materials that are eco-friendly in nature, composed of biodegradable, and recyclable materials.
The 321 Sustainable Obstacle Course Challenge will feature a range of challenging obstacles that will test the participants' strength, speed, agility, motor skills, coordination, and endurance. The objective is to promote physical activity and a healthy lifestyle, encouraging the community to stay active and fit.
Adult obstacle:
Wall climb, Tire drag, Barricades, Crawl, Ladder, Cones, Sand bucket.
Junior obstacle:
Hurdles, A-frame, Tire run, Crawl, Sandbag wall.
Activation: Dadu Gardens’ Adventures
All returns of the day for Dadu Garden, which is located in Al Bidda Park at Expo Doha, will go to the aid of Palestine. Artists will be invited to visit the Dadu garden to paint and create artworks, which will then be auctioned.
Museum of Islamic Art
Date and Time: Friday, 2 February 2024 / 2pm – 6pm
Activation:Fashion Show (Isfahan Abayas & Caftans). Fashion Show in conjunction with “Fashioning an Empire: Textiles, Trade, and Power in Safavid Iran” exhibition at MIA. The fashion show showcases Islamic art and the manufacture of abayas and caftans, displaying a creative and cultural collection that combines Islamic art and contemporary fashion for the participating designers. The fashion show will explain the Islamic Art and Aesthetics used in the designs.
Fire Station: Artist in Residence
Date and Time: Friday, 9 February 2024 / 2pm-6pm
- Artists' Artwork Sale with Donation Commitment:
Artists will generously commit to donating 25% of their profits from artwork sales towards the donation fund.
- Fab Lab Key Chain Sales:
The Fab Lab at Fire Station will produce unique key chains and stickers for purchase during the event. Visitors will have the opportunity to buy these items, with all proceeds dedicated to the donation fund.
- Participating Restaurants' Contribution:
Collaborate with local restaurants willing to participate in the event. These restaurants will offer food for sale during the event, pledging to donate a percentage (ranging from 15% to 25%) of their profits to support the charitable cause.
- Artists' Screen-Printing Station for Tote Bags:
Artists Zainab Al Shibani and Aisha Al Abdullah will set up a screen-printing station during the event. They will produce and sell specially designed tote bags, with all profits directed towards the donation fund.
- Sticker and Tote Bag Sales for Donation:
Additional sticker and tote bag sales will be organized during the event. The profits from these sales will also contribute to the donation fund.
- Workshop with Artist AbdulAziz Yousef:
Conduct an engaging workshop led by artist AbdulAziz Yousef to create a large mural. The participation fee from the workshop will be entirely donated to support the event's cause.
Mathaf: Arab Modern Museum of Art
Date and Time: Friday, 16 February 2024 / 2pm – 6pm
Activation:Mathaf is organizing a series of art workshops and drop-in activities to engage families and the public. Workshops include various creative exploration like creating a collage with mixed media. After attending the activities, the public will be encouraged to donate to the cause. The aim of the event is to raise awareness about the recent situation in Palestine and to advocate for a nationwide fundraising campaign, using “Art and Creativity”as tools to educate and engage residents in Qatar.
All Qatar Museums entities will host workshops and activations throughout the campaign; be sure to follow Qatar Museums on social media to stay up to date with the latest happenings.
Qatar Red Crescent is the main partner in this endeavor, offering an online donation platform and fundraising boxes at the heart of the event every week. Their integral support ensures a seamless and effective channel for donations throughout the entire duration of the campaign.
Approximately 250 volunteers will actively participate and contribute their efforts over the course of 8 weeks, embodying the spirit of unity and solidarity.
For more information, please visit qm.org.qa
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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 the Fire Station Artist in Residence, the Tasweer Qatar Photo Festival, the creative hub for innovation, fashion and design M7, and Liwan Design Studios and Labs —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.
Press Contact
Mohammed Khames Al Abdallah
mfaraj@qm.org.qa
+974 5592 0088