DOHA: Speakers at the three-day ‘Education for Future’ conference which opened at Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) yesterday highlighted the role of museums and heritage sites in promoting creativity and inspiring generations.
The international conference on informal learning in museums and cultural institutions is being hosted by Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) under the patronage of the Chairperson H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
“Given that Qatar is a small nation in the midst of profound and rapid change, Qatari people greatly value the pillar of our cultural identity. We feel our identity is strengthened by learning about our past, but also by connecting with contemporary influences in our region and the wider world,” Sheikh Dr Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani, President of Hamad bin Khalifa University, told the opening session.
“This is in keeping with historical traditions, for Qatar has always interacted with its neighbours, near and far, through its maritime and trading heritage. This tradition of openness to the world is well reflected in the important work of the QMA and of Qatar Foundation,” he added. He said that Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is working with QMA to offer residents and visitors access to education and inspiration through museums and culture.
“This is demonstrated by our three-way partnership with University College London in Qatar, which is delivering Masters programs in Archaeology and Museum Studies at Education City. Some of the graduates will explore and record our heritage, and they will interpret it to the public — Qataris, expatriates and visitors — through exhibitions,” he said.
On the role of museums, he said, MIA embodies Qatar’s approach to culture.
“It anchors us firmly to our values and beliefs, while demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of society overall. The Arab Museum of Modern Art – Mathaf, at Education City-- engages us at the cutting edge of creativity and forms another link between our two institutions.
“Our new Qatar National Museum, which is under construction, will offer a narrative of our nation’s history and customs, illustrating the influences of other countries, including our close neighbours,” said Al Thani.
Commenting on the importance of informal learning through art and cultural heritage, Dr Jelena Trkulja, Director of Education at QMA said, “Museums and similar environments provide ample learning opportunities through the cultural and artistic riches they display. By not forcing any specific learning style or approach onto the visitor, they encourage creativity and imagination.
“The societies of tomorrow will recognize that coming in direct contact with works of art is a particularly powerful learning experience and will use museums progressively more as teaching resources.” The conference focuses on the role of visual arts and cultural heritage education on forming new generations of Qatari youth, as well as enriching the lives of all its citizens and residents.
It showcases learning opportunities provided by museums and heritage sites, and explores their relevance to and integration with the formal education taking place in schools and universities.
Other speakers include Dr Zaki Aslan, Director of the Sharjah-ICCROM’s Regional Conservation Centre, Dr Wendy Woon, Director of the Education at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The Peninsula
