Qatar-Russia 2018 Year of Culture deepens people to people ties

The ongoing Qatar Russia 2018 Year of Culture is a potent means for the people of both countries  to further understand each other and forge stronger links expected to stay long even after the Year ends.
Qatar-Russia 2018 is part of the landmark ‘Years of Culture’ initiative developed by Qatar Museums (QM) to deepen understanding between nations and their people through mutual exchanges of arts, culture and heritage. It provides tangible opportunities to build sustainable links and cooperation between creative members of Qatari and Russian society and foster continuous collaboration. 
The varied lineup of more than 30 events to celebrate the Year is a brilliant showcase of the diverse cultures of Russia and Qatar presenting a golden opportunity for Qataris and Russians to witness and appreciate things they all share.
“Despite the differences in size, climate and geography, Qatar and Russia share common values, among them – the will to modernize yet save and cherish national traditions, the respect for the historical heritage and the ability to respond to the challenges of contemporary world,” organizers told The Peninsula.
A broad spectrum of large-scale events and activities have already taken place in Russia, from Qatari art exhibition at Cosmoscow International Art Fair, charity football match on Red Square and Gala-dinner organized in Moscow in the aid of Natalia Vodianova’s Naked Heart Foundation to such activities as Qatari movie screening in the framework of Kazan Muslim Film Festival.
In Doha, the wide variety of world class artistes who flew all the way from Russia to share their talents and showcase vital aspects of Russian culture to the people of Qatar has impressed Doha’s multicultural audiences, starting with award-winning Igor Moiseyev Ballet’s dazzling performance to the world-renowned Moscow Sretensky Monastery Choir’s captivating rendition of liturgical chants and folk songs at the opulent Katara Opera House.
The Russian Seasons fashion show and exhibition featuring well known designers from Russia wowed local fashion connoisseurs and enthusiasts when they recently staged a show at Doha Fire Station. Prior to that, the Qatari Seasons fashion show at the Multimedia Art Museum in Moscow which displayed latest creations by homegrown Qatari designers was also a huge success.
Film being a powerful medium of communication between cultures,  Doha Film Institute and QM mark the Year of Culture with a special ‘Russian Film Showcase’ curated by The Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, comprising screenings running till middle of next month.
Strong people to people bonds are being created via partnerships between different institutions of both countries to implement the various projects for the Year.
“Cross-cultural collaborations between Russian and Qatari educational and social institutions play a crucial role in building strong relations between both States and strengthen economic, touristic and cultural partnership between the countries.Within the Qatar Russia 2018 Year of Culture, it has been important for us to provide an opportunity for exchanging experience and knowledge between our countries. As the pursuit of innovation, combined with deep respect for our historical heritage, is what unites our nations,” said organizers.
Not only does the cultural year strengthen bilateral ties, it also promotes unity and cooperation among the Russian community as well as other residents here.
“Qatar is a unique multicultural country which unites people of different nationalities. We are delighted to host the members of Russian community of Doha. Recently we met Russians at Moscow Sretensky Choir concert in Katara Cultural Village and we could say it was absolutely an amazing event – 3,000 people came to see the show and many of them are Russians,” said organizers.
The support of the Russian community was very much evident at the Russian Festival last week when the Organisation of Russian Compatriots joined hands with the Russian Embassy and Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum to organise the festival.
Qatar-Russia 2018 Year of Culture will extend further even after the curtain falls on the last event of the Year, organizers believe.
“The Qatar-Russia 2018 Year of Culture will provide an invaluable contribution to the development and further strengthening of the relationships between our countries as well as encourage the people of both countries to learn from each other’s cultural heritage and travel,” they said.
Meanwhile, people in both countries can look forward to more exciting events and activities in store  as the conclusion of the cultural year nears.
There’s the upcoming “Contemporary Qatar: art and photography” exhibition which will take place in St. Petersburg and showcase Qatar’s rapid social and urban transformation as seen through the eyes of talented emerging local and expatriate artists.