Titled,‘The Shapes of Water’, an exhibition featuring social design projects and products related to the uses of water, is underway at the Msheireb Enrichment Centre at the Corniche. 

The exhibition that underlines water’s significant role as a unifying factor among cultures is open to the public until November 3.
Doha is the first city of this travelling exhibition which focuses on water sustainability and will be showcased at different cities in the region. The exhibits are the works of a group of designers from Italy, France, Spain, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Tunisia, Lebanon, Jordan among others and it also features a beautiful art piece by Qatari female designer Shaikha al-Sulaiti named ‘Msheireb Light’.
Organised by the Italian embassy and the Triennale di Milano in partnership with Msheireb Properties, it is also the first official event taking place in the framework of the 2018 Qatar Sustainability Week, an initiative promoted by the Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) to be held from October 27 to November 3. 


An art work on display

“Today, from Doha, we are sending out a very powerful message of cultural inclusion and openness to diversity. Qatar is an example of inclusiveness, no matter where an art piece comes from. Culture is meant to express the best side of human beings and is a powerful means to overcome divisions,” said Pasquale Salzano, Italian ambassador while opening the exhibition on Wednesday.
“The exhibition, is part of a special programme named ‘Italy, Culture and the Mediterranean’, launched by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote dialogue and enhance cultural exchanges within the Mediterranean, the Middle-East and the Gulf regions, highlighting the extraordinary cultural variety and inputs that this part of the world has absorbed over history. It is composed of a meaningful selection of social design projects and products dedicated to the various uses of water,” explained the ambassador.
The envoy also noted that the exhibition aims to present water as a unifying value among people, rather than a matter of commercial promotion or a cause of geopolitical clashes, as unfortunately often happens around the world.
The exhibits are related to different uses of water and reflective of different cultural backgrounds and values, sending out a strong message on environmental challenges. 
Al-Sulaiti’s work symbolises Qatar’s support for truth, clarity and transparency while being surrounded by success and prosperity as represented by the elements of water, brass enclosure and the Rosso Levanto marble reflecting the colours of Qatari flag. The piece is also highlighted with an Arabic text in brass taken from Qatar’s national anthem translated as ‘Qatar will always be free’.
Salzano also announced that in the framework of the 2018 Qatar Sustainability Week, the embassy will sign a partnership agreement with Elite Paper Recycling company to jointly promote environmental sustainability and recycling through programmes and activities.
Qatar Sustainability Week 2018 has over 200 registered activities and supported by various ministries, universities, municipalities and key players in the private sector.
Acting CEO of Msheireb Properties, Ali al-Kuwari, QGBC director Meshal al-Shamari, and artist Shaikha al-Sulaiti also spoke at the event.

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