Art For Tomorrow Conference Starts in Doha

Doha, March 13 (QNA) - Under the patronage of Qatar Museums Chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, the second annual edition of The New York Times "Art for Tomorrow" Conference was officially opened in Doha Sunday under the theme of "Technology, Creativity and the City". The four-day conference began with a panel discussion on the importance of culture in strategies for local, national and international development. The members of the panel included HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, the Chairperson of Qatar Museums; Charles Landry, the author of The Creative City: A Toolkit for Urban Innovators; and Francesco Bandarin, the Assistant Director General for Culture at UNESCO. The discussion was moderated by columnist Roger Cohen from The New York Times. Speaking in the first panel discussion, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani said: "As a nation thats growing very quickly, embracing global culture and joining in the narrative of global art, I think its quite obvious for us to bring in contemporary artists. Were trying to bring contemporary artists here, to inspire young artists to see whats happening around the world, and to be inspired. Thats what weve tried to do and will continue to do, with complete respect to our tradition." "The desert is very much part of our identity, and when we invited Richard Serra to commission him on a sculpture, we said to him we would like you to do something in the desert where we preserve it but, at the same time, create a public space for people to experience art in a very remote and unexpected space; something they would experience only here, and not something you would experience in New York, or London, or elsewhere." HE Shaikha Al Mayassa said commenting on the latest additions to public art across Qatar. HE the Deputy Chairman of Qatar Museums Sheikh Hassan bin Mohamed Al-Thani said that such gatherings aim to exchanging opinions and experiences between artists from different countries. He pointed that the State of Qatar has always been keen on occupying a leading position in the world of intellect and enlightenment through openness to the cultures and arts from around the world. Hosting international artists in Doha also has a positive impact on the local art movement, which one of the most important objectives of the Qatar Museums, he added. On the relation between art and economy, HE Sheikh Hassan bin Mohamed Al-Thani said that art is a sensitive and precise indicator of any country's economy. Art is the measuring tool for civilization and progress of people as well as for their economy, he added. Taking place at the W Doha Hotel & Residences, some of the worlds leading artists, curators, art collectors and museum directors have been brought together to explore the complex relationships between the digital world and the creative process, the nature of creativity, its impact on developing cities and nations, and what makes a city creative. In addition to the international speakers at the conference, guests will be able to attend a speech from the CEO of Qatar Airways Akbar Al Baker. Signature pieces of art will also be on display from talented local individuals including HE Sheikh Hassan bin Mohamed Al-Thani and Omar Khalifa. "Art for Tomorrow" will explore the many global influences shaping the creative infrastructure of nations and cities today, and apply this to the changing shape of Qatars arts and culture scene, the growing maturity of its creative community, and its development as a progressive and artistic hub. In so doing, the conference supports the position of Qatar Museums as the nations focal point for connecting cultures, encouraging cultural exchange and nurturing creative talent. Commenting on the event, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums said: "We look forward to welcoming so many renowned global institutions, experts and cultural figures to Doha for the second Art for Tomorrow conference." "The progress we have made at Qatar Museums in shaping our nations artistic, creative and cultural development makes Doha the ideal backdrop for this important event. Building on the success of last year, this global gathering further highlights the role for art in connecting cultures, promoting mutual understanding and encouraging cultural exchange. It promises to be a truly inspiring few days," she added. Aimed at delivering an informative and rich creative experience for participants, the 2016 edition of "Art for Tomorrow" has this year been expanded into a four-day programme. In addition to the wide range of panel discussions, presentations and roundtables scheduled, the entire 29th floor of the W Doha Hotel and Residences has been transformed into a pop-up art gallery where works from several artists will be on display for the duration of the conference. (END)