Qatar Museums Unveils Diverse September Program with Workshops, Dialogues, and Family Activities

Qatar Museums has unveiled its full September program, featuring a diverse array of workshops, dialogues, and family-friendly activities. The initiative aims to enrich Qatar's cultural and creative scene by offering engagements suitable for children, youth, adults, families, and educators. These activities will be hosted across its various museums and creative centers throughout the month. The program encompasses a wide range of interests, including art, design, photography, Arabic calligraphy, heritage, literature, and creative learning. Participants can expect storytelling sessions and creative lessons designed to foster engagement across different age groups and skill levels. Qatar Museums announced its general program for September, emphasizing its commitment to providing a rich cultural experience for all segments of the community. The activities are designed to cater to a broad audience, ensuring that there is something for everyone, from young children to seasoned educators, to explore and enjoy.

Featured Events and Collaborations

The 'Qatar Creates' dialogue series is set to continue its September program as part of Qatar Museums' Autumn/Winter season. This ongoing series serves as a platform for cultural exchange and intellectual discourse, inviting participants to engage with leading artists, thinkers, and creative professionals. Collaborations for these events include M7, Qatar Photography Festival: Tasweer, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Lusail Museum, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, and Georgetown University in Qatar. These partnerships show Qatar Museums' dedication to fostering a collaborative environment within the cultural landscape.

A panel discussion will be held on September 1 at the Msheireb: Fire Station auditorium, marking an early highlight in the month's schedule. This event promises to bring together experts and enthusiasts for an engaging conversation on pertinent cultural topics. On September 6, a tour and dialogue session with artists will be organized around the exhibition 'Creativity and Mastery of the Image' at Al Hosh Gallery. This provides a unique opportunity for the public to interact directly with the creators and gain deeper insights into their artistic processes and inspirations. The public will learn about Rayyan Tabet's research-based artistic practice at the 'Makan' auditorium at Mathaf on September 8. Tabet's work, known for its intricate research and conceptual depth, will be explored in detail during this session, offering attendees a full understanding of his unique approach. Additionally, a session by Bahar Nourzadeh is scheduled for September 29 within the 'Arts: Dialogues with Artists' series at Mathaf. Nourzadeh's participation further enriches the dialogue series, bringing another distinct artistic perspective to the forefront.

A dialogue with the Oxford Maqam ensemble is planned for September 28 at Georgetown University in Qatar. This event will offer a fascinating exploration of musical traditions and cultural heritage through performance and discussion. M7 will also participate in the 15th Arab Woman Exhibition, which is being held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center until September 5. M7's involvement notes its role in supporting and showcasing women's contributions to art and design within the region. Specific activities within the September program include Arabic calligraphy lessons, various drawing workshops, design and manufacturing classes, family-oriented activities, and dialogue sessions with artists. These diverse offerings ensure that participants can engage with culture through hands-on learning, creative expression, and insightful discussions, all designed to appeal to a wide range of interests and skill levels.

Museum-Specific Programming

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art's September program will emphasize artistic practices, drawing, Arabic calligraphy, storytelling, and creative exchange, according to Qatar Museums. This focus reflects Mathaf's mission to promote modern and contemporary Arab art and provide a dynamic space for artistic exploration and education. Mathaf is scheduled to organize a workshop for youth aged 15 and above, titled 'Kinetic Drawing Model,' on September 2. This workshop encourages young participants to explore innovative drawing techniques and engage with the principles of movement in art. Art classes led by Ismail Azzam will be available for participants aged 18 and older every Sunday and Tuesday at Mathaf. These classes offer a structured learning environment for adults to develop their artistic skills under the guidance of an experienced instructor. Calligrapher Issa Fakhro is set to introduce participants aged 15 and above to Arabic calligraphy in a course running from September 7 to September 10. This intensive course provides an excellent opportunity to delve into the beauty and intricacies of this traditional art form. The 'Rhythm Worlds' event, designed for adults aged 18 and older, will take place on September 12. This event promises an immersive experience, inviting adults to explore the concept of rhythm through various artistic mediums. Additionally, 'Unedited,' a studio writing session for adults aged 18 and above, is planned for September 26. This session offers a creative outlet for writers to develop their craft in a supportive and inspiring environment. Mathaf's program for September clearly notes artistic practices, drawing, Arabic calligraphy, storytelling, and creative exchange, aligning with its core mission.

The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) has outlined a September program that incorporates Arabic calligraphy, art, science, literature, and family learning activities. MIA's diverse offerings reflect its commitment to presenting the richness of Islamic art and culture through various engaging formats. On September 5, MIA will host 'Story Time: Al-Khwarizmi,' aimed at engaging younger audiences with tales inspired by the renowned Islamic scholar and mathematician. This session makes learning about historical figures both fun and accessible for children. A Nastaliq calligraphy course is scheduled to run from September 6 to September 9 at MIA. This specialized course will allow participants to learn the elegant Nastaliq script, a prominent style in Persian and Urdu calligraphy. The museum will also hold 'Family Day: I am a Little Curator' on September 12, providing an interactive experience for families to explore the museum's collections and understand the role of a curator. This hands-on activity fosters a sense of ownership and curiosity among young visitors. The Museum Book Club is slated to convene on September 28 to discuss Jean Soustiel's work on 'Paradise Tombs: Shah-i-Zinda in Samarkand and Architectural Ceramics in Central Asia,' offering a literary and historical focus for participants. This book club session provides an intellectual platform for delving into specific aspects of Islamic art history and architecture. MIA's program for September distinctly includes Arabic calligraphy, art, science, literature, and family learning, ensuring a well-rounded cultural experience.

Liwan Design Studios and Labs will host creative workshops focusing on several disciplines, including digital fabrication, ceramics, miniature art, and alternative photography techniques. These workshops aim to provide practical skills and foster creativity across various artistic and design mediums. The diverse offerings from Mathaf, MIA, and Liwan are part of Qatar Museums' broader initiative to engage the community with a wide range of cultural and educational experiences throughout September.

Creative Hubs and Educational Initiatives

Liwan Design Studios and Labs will host 'The Trace of Memory: From Observation to Material' workshop on September 6 and 7, as part of Qatar Museums' September program. This workshop encourages participants to explore the connection between observation, memory, and material creation, fostering a deeper understanding of artistic processes. On September 9, Liwan will organize a dedicated workshop focusing on the porcelain etching technique. This specialized session provides an opportunity to learn a unique and intricate ceramic art form. Additionally, Liwan is scheduled to host a workshop on September 10 and 11, where participants will create miniature paintings inspired by Qatari folklore and the social life stories of 20th-century Qatar. This workshop not only teaches artistic skills but also connects participants with local heritage and historical narratives. The 'Alternative Methods for Image Production' workshop, set for September 15 and 16, will introduce attendees to the 'film soup' method for photography. This innovative technique offers a creative and experimental approach to image making, pushing the boundaries of traditional photography.

The Qatar Auto Museum's September program is designed to support educators by utilizing automotive history and technology as an instructional tool. This unique approach provides educators with new perspectives and resources to make learning engaging and relevant. The National Museum of Qatar will host the 'Teachers Teaching Teachers' workshop on September 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, and 30. This extensive series of workshops is specifically designed to empower educators, equipping them with innovative teaching strategies and insights into cultural education. The National Museum of Qatar continues to highlight the country's heritage through various programs, connecting the public with traditional practices, personal stories, and creative learning experiences. Within the 'Mahara' program, women aged 18 and above will participate in a perfume-making workshop on September 14 and 16. This workshop offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and practical skill development, allowing participants to delve into the art of traditional perfumery.

Youth, Family, and Heritage Focus

On September 26, Qatar Museums will organize the 'Digital Content Creators Camp – Teen Hub x Qatar Creates' – Phase 3. This camp is tailored for young digital enthusiasts, providing them with skills and knowledge to create engaging online content, fostering the next generation of creative minds. Additionally, a 'Bookbinding Workshop – Ihsan Program' is scheduled for September 27 and 30. This workshop offers participants the chance to learn the traditional craft of bookbinding, preserving a valuable skill and creating personalized items. The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum offers a series of storytelling sessions tailored for families and children. These sessions are designed to inspire and entertain, connecting young audiences with themes of sportsmanship, perseverance, and achievement. On September 25, participants aged 6-10 will attend the 'Storytelling: One, Two, Go!' session by author Mary Jacobs at the museum's library. This interactive session by a celebrated author promises to captivate young minds with engaging narratives. Another session on the same day, 'Storytelling: Giraffes Don't Play Golf!', is planned for children aged 2-5, ensuring that even the youngest visitors have a delightful and age-appropriate storytelling experience. These family-focused events show Qatar Museums' commitment to making cultural institutions accessible and enjoyable for all age groups, fostering a love for learning and creativity from an early age.