DOHA: Qatar is investing in museums because of their importance in supporting the economic, educational and diplomatic aims of a country and in enhancing the quality of life of its citizens.
This was underscored at the ‘Generations of Culture’ panel discussion yesterday at Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar (SFS-Q).
“The museum industry is relatively new in the region and the interest of the audience is in the early stage. However, our government has begun to realise the importance of museums,” said Qatar Museum’s (QM)CEO Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, explaining why there is a need to enhance the museums industry in the region.
He highlighted the growth and popularity of museums around the world, growing from 23,000 in 1994 to 55,000 in 2014.
“Today, museums are one of the most popular attractions and educational centres of the world. Globally, demand for museums has grown substantially. In the last 20 years the number of museums and attendance has nearly doubled.
“Museums have very strong positive impact on the economy. In the US, museums employ over four million people and receive more visitors than sports events and theme parks combined.”
Statistics have shown museum visitors in the US number 850 million compared to those visitors to sports events and theme parks which is 483 million, he said, adding museums account to 40 percent of world tourism revenues, cultural tourists invest 63 percent more on average than other tourists and museums is among the top three family destinations.
“Museums also have shown to improve the quality of life of a society providing unique environment for quality time with family, museums enrich the lives of individuals, strengthen communities and contribute to enhance the creativity of the public,” he said.
He pointed out museums’ importance in nation branding and strengthening bilateral relations, social cohesion and conflict resolution.
To enhance the museums industry, Qatar is investing in many projects which cater to various sectors of society.
“We recently opened Fire Station artists in residence, a hub to engage in creative exchange. Under construction is National Museum of Qatar: A journey to the past, present and future of Qatar. Our plan is Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum: Celebrating the history and love of sports, Orientalist Museum: Emphasising the creative fusion of the East and the West, and the Children’s Museum to offer a learning experience for children and families.”
Both NMoQ and Olympic Museum are slated to open next year and Orientalist museum is expected to open by 2018, Al Mahmoud said.
“Investing in museums and collection however is not enough; the other half of the investment relies on our relationship with students. Our goal is to inspire the next generation of creative audience and producers. It is youth that will become our future and carry the growth of this art and culture industry in the years to come.” The Peninsula
