From Artists to Museums: The Impact of Art Donations at Mathaf

Q. Why do you think gifts of art and objects are so valuable to Qatar Museums?

Zeina Arida: Donations of artworks, which are mostly made by the artists themselves, are a powerful expression of their gratitude towards the institution that has supported them and showcased their work, or enabled them to produce new works through commissions, as is often the case with Mathaf and Qatar Museums. It is also a recognition of the important role that the museum plays in supporting them and promoting their artistic work. For us museum professionals, this is the most important sign of their trust in our institutions.

Donations may be encouraged by museums but are never imposed, and they are most rewarding when spontaneous. For artists, donating artworks is a way of giving back and acknowledging the importance of museums in our society. Artists such as Mehdi Moutashar and Daoud Sayed and many others have exemplified this generosity.

Q. How does this project enrich Qatar’s cultural heritage?

Arida: Museums are part of a wider ecosystem that includes artists, galleries, private collections and other complementary initiatives. Audiences are an integral part of this ecosystem and essential to its vitality. Art is part of our culture and identity, and our artists are our best ambassadors. A museum’s collection, especially a public one, is a shared asset, fostering a strong sense of ownership and pride among the public.

Some donations are made posthumously by artists' families or foundations to ensure an artist’s work is included in the history of art. Collectors may also collaborate with museums to preserve their vision and collections. This is especially true when museums recognise their important contribution and initiate collaborations with them, integrating their collections into the museum's exhibitions and activities. Notable examples include the 2025 Mathaf exhibition Qatar Close to my Soul with Sheikh Abdallah Al Thani’s private collection of Qatari artists, and the exhibition dedicated to Wafa al-Hamad: Sites of Imagination, featuring works on loan from her family. These exhibitions demonstrate the importance of private collectors in supporting artists and preserving their legacy.

I believe initiatives of this kind should be increased to strengthen trust and mutual respect between museums and collectors, potentially resulting in further donations.

Q. How do you personally build and maintain meaningful relationships with donors?

Arida: The first collector I met in Qatar provided invaluable insight into the local art scene. Since then, I have met other collectors and learned about their collections. It is important to include them in the Museum’s life with special access to our exhibitions, artists and curators.

Creating and strengthening ties with artists is equally essential. It is a necessity but also a challenge because we have limited space and a limited number of exhibitions per year. That said, the relationship between an art museum and artists is not limited to exhibitions, and that is what we are currently working on. With architect Lina Ghotmeh, we are redesigning Mathaf's café to include a welcoming majlis meeting space, which will also serve as an extension of Mathaf's library specialising in art books. The opening in December will coincide with Mathaf’s 15th anniversary and is intended to become a hub for artists and the community.

We are also expanding Mathaf’s campus and residency programmes, providing local and international artists with access to equipment and materials to support their artistic creation.

Q. What makes a donor’s journey with Qatar Museums special?

Arida: Qatar Museums continues to be a cultural, living hub of creativity, dialogue and cultural exchange. For our donors, Mathaf stands as a hub for modern and contemporary creativity, offering our partners the opportunity to gain intimate access to the ideas, artists and collections that define the region’s cultural landscape.

Q.What would you say to someone who is considering donating but feels unsure about it?

Arida: As an artist, or artist estate, or a collector, what could be more reassuring than knowing that your work is in good hands, inalienable, and preserved for future generations?

Q. Looking ahead, what are your hopes for this programme, and are there any new directions you would like to see?

Arida: My hope is for this programme to continue growing as a personal and meaningful platform for each donor, creating opportunities for supporters to recognise how their contributions make a difference to artists, exhibitions and the community, and to open new conversations within our community.

Moving forward, I would like to see the programme evolve to focus on inspiring collaboration and cultivating pride in supporting art and culture, both within Mathaf and across the Arab region.