Doha: Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) yesterday announced that 2014 will be the Qatar Brazil Year of Culture.
Being observed under the patronage of QMA Chairperson, H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar Brazil 2014 will be the third consecutive Year of Culture launched by QMA, following Qatar UK 2013 and Qatar Japan 2012.
The announcement was made during Qatar National Day celebrations at the Qatari Embassy in Brasilia, Brazil. In addition to a speech by Mohammed Al Hayki, Qatar Ambassador, the event featured Qatar and Brazil national anthems, traditional crafts and cuisines.
Sergio Bruane Solon de Pontes, Secretary of Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism, and Cristovam Buarque, Senator, were among the guests.
The announcement follows the successful conclusion of the Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture, which engaged more than 350,000 people in over 90 activities in Qatar and the UK. Qatar’s Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage is a key partner in each Year of Culture, sending four artists to the launch event in Brasilia.
“We are proud of the legacies built and partnerships created by the Years of Culture and eagerly await a year of exploring shared passions, talents and cultural links with our friends in Brazil,” said Al Hayki.
Miguel Blanco, QMA’s Director of Strategic Cultural Relations, added, “From a traditional souq in downtown Tokyo to Damien Hirst’s thought-provoking debut into Qatar’s emerging arts scene, I am confident that we will reach new heights with Qatar Brazil 2014. The Years of Culture embody QMA’s wider philosophy and objectives, nurturing artistic talent, creating opportunities and developing skills to serve Qatar’s emerging art economy.”
Qatar and Brazil have enjoyed close cultural and educational ties in recent years with the launch of initiatives and high-level visits exploring collaborations.
Both nations share a passion for football that will guide several activities in the upcoming year.
“Focusing on culture, community and sport, Qatar Brazil 2014 will start with a packed year of events in both countries and continue for generations to come,” said Qatar Brazil 2014 Project Head Rafah Mouafak Barakat.
QMA is committed to consolidating Qatar’s efforts to become a vibrant centre for arts, culture and education, fostering ideas and nurturing artistic talent.
Through the past Years of Culture, QMA has built lasting legacies between Qatar and the people of Japan and the UK.
Launched during Qatar Japan 2012, the $100m Qatar Friendship Fund continues to help Japan rebuild after the devastating 2012 tsunami while an ambitious partnership between the British Library and Qatar Foundation continues to digitise more than 500,000 pages of historical documents following Qatar UK 2013.
The Peninsula
