Art Meets Olympic Values: Qatar’s First Cultural Olympiad Expo

With over 400 artworks submitted by students aged 6 to 18, the Cultural Olympiad Expo showcased QOSM as a vibrant space for youth creativity, drawing inspiration from previous exhibitions and global art movements such as cubism, expressionism, and fauvism.

Reviving the original vision of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games, the initiative aimed to reconnect sport with art and culture which Coubertin believed should always be intertwined. The values at the heart of the exhibition — friendship, respect, excellence, courage, and determination — were brought to life through imaginative, student-created works that reflected both artistic skill and personal meaning.

The project brought together more than 80 schools each supporting their students in producing artworks that brought these values to life.

Following a thorough judging process, gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded across age categories to recognise the impressive achievements of all students. All medalists and participating schools will also receive certificates and commemorative trophies to honour their hard work and contributions.

Engaging the public played a vital role in celebrating student achievements, going beyond the judging panel. Visitors to the museum were invited to vote for their favourite artworks as part of a “People’s Choice” initiative. This added an interactive layer to the exhibition, allowing the community to connect with the students’ perspectives and recognise the thought and creativity behind each piece.

The Cultural Olympiad Expo benefited from the support of key cultural partners, including the Qatar International Arts Festival. Among the most inspiring figures involved was Diane de Navacelle de Coubertin — great-great grandniece of Baron Pierre de Coubertin — who served as the expo’s official ambassador. As a lifelong advocate of art and education, she reflected on the deep historical bond between creativity and the Olympic movement, encouraging young people to express meaningful values through their work.

More than just an exhibition, the Cultural Olympiad Expo highlighted how creativity enriches education and how artistic expression connects sport, heritage, and culture. As part of Qatar Museums’ ongoing efforts to support youth engagement and cultural development, the initiative offered students a meaningful platform to share their voices, while also laying the groundwork for future editions and initiatives to come.

Through QOSM, Qatar Museums continues to champion the power of youth-driven creativity as a fundamental part of Qatar’s cultural future.

View the full list of winning students and participating schools below.

Courtesy of the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum Curatorial Team.