By Peter Townson
The Global Art Forum opened at the Mathaf Arab Museum of Modern Art yesterday, where experts from across the international art world gathered to discuss issues related to the theme of ‘changing audiences.’
Chris Dercon speaking at the art forum
The forum involved a number of countries in the Gulf, with the next two days of the forum to take place in Dubai from tomorrow, and the event being supported by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and the Bahraini Ministry of Culture.
Yesterday’s event was opened by the chief curator and director of Mathaf, Wassan al-Khudhairi, who welcomed guests to the event, and discussed the importance of hosting forums in Qatar.
“We are thrilled to be able to finally host this international event,” she said, adding “throughout the years we’ve been trying to open Mathaf to the public. It has always been important for me to find ways in which the contribution of the Arab artists to the modern and contemporary world could be connected to people’s lives today.”
“Mathaf is a platform both for local and international communities providing a unique opportunity for discussions about art. It’s an honour to welcome such distinguished museum directors, curators, artists and writers from around the world to discuss about changing audiences,” she added.
She was followed by the director of the Tate Modern, London, Chris Dercon, who gave his first public address in his new role, detailing his thoughts on the way that audiences are changing in the 21st century, and how museums must adapt and transform to cater for this change to remain important cultural institutions.
Dercon spoke passionately about how audiences were often seen as a hindrance in the past, but are now becoming more important to institutions, which are exploring the possibilities of how to welcome them more wholeheartedly.
The newly-appointed director discussed the renovation of the Tate Modern, while thanking Qatar Museums Authority for supporting an upcoming retrospective of Damien Hirst’s work to be held at the museum to coincide with the London Olympics next year.
He also declared the opening of Mathaf as representing a significant contribution to the history of art, claiming that “something has changed in the world of global art.”
Dercon also talked about the importance of communication between the western and non-western artists and art institutions throughout the world, saying that it is no longer possible -- if it ever was -- to believe the West can provide a coherent view of the Middle East from outside.
The forum then featured two discussion sessions, the first of which addressed the issue of ‘producing audiences,’ while the second focused on the subject of ‘soft institutions.’
The discussion on producing audiences featured experts discussing the way in which museums are embracing visitors, creating more interactive exhibitions in which they have the opportunity to participate.Indeed a large part of the day-long event revolved around capturing the imagination of young people, and encouraging participation through art for youngsters to help foster a sense of its importance from a young age.
The event also highlighted the importance of social media, fast becoming a major player in almost all areas of modern society, and its role in breaking down the control of information once possessed by art authorities and experts.
