DOHA: Art and architecture luminaries have converged in Doha for the International New York Times ‘Art for Tomorrow’ conference which opened yesterday at W Doha Hotel.
Organised under the patronage of Qatar Museums (QM) and the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, the forum focuses on the role of art and architecture in building communities, developing commerce and enriching lives around the world.
Over 200 senior leaders from the arts, public and private sectors, tourism experts, city planners and business developers will discuss changing dynamics of art and architecture and their potential to transform people and places.
The forum also provides delegates with insights into the changing shape of Qatar’s arts and culture scene, the growing maturity of its creative community and its development as a progressive, artistic hub.
Speakers include Qatari artist Yousef Ahmad; Dr Abdellah Karroum, Director, Mathaf, and Arab Museum of Modern Art; Jean-Paul Engelen, Director, Public Art Programs, QM; artist Jeff Koons; architect Jean Nouvel; Martin Roth, Director, Victoria & Albert Museum, London; and Yorgos Archimandritis, curator, author and broadcaster.
They will visit Crusades and Other Stories, a solo exhibition in Mathaf by Egyptian artist Wael Shawky, one of the most powerful and urgent voices to emerge from the Middle East in the last decade.
H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson, QM, said: “Art, creativity and heritage play an important role in Qatar and support the realisation of our National Vision 2030. Hosting Art for Tomorrow 2015 reflects our country’s progress in bridging cultures, encouraging cultural exchange and nurturing creative talent. It is a privilege to host such a diverse and renowned group of experts, cultural figures and institutions from around the world.
“I am confident the event will support continued communication between nations, people and histories and demonstrate the power of art and culture in inspiring dialogue and enriching lives.”
Delegates attended the opening of the Fire Station, a new artists’ residence programme to support artists in Qatar and provide a platform for creative exchange.
The conference ends today.
The Peninsula
