Qatar Museums (QM) and the Fire Station Artist in Residence have announced a design competition with the objective of transforming functional products, which the general public interacts with, into functional art such as landscape furniture, carpets, rugs, etc designed by local artists, embodying the rich Qatari culture and heritage.
The contest, titled 'Qatar Al Fann' or 'Qatar Art', is being held in association with Coastal Qatar. The contest aims to provide a platform and mediums of expression for local artists to showcase their creativity and talent and at the same time provide exposure to a global audience and revenue streams, according to a press statement.
“To maximise the exposure of the Qatari heritage and artists, opportunities needs to be created for fans and visitors to interact with art rather than art being confined within the walls of art galleries and museums,” said Fire Station director Khalifa al-Obaidly, noting that Qatar is on the threshold of hosting the most prestigious and exciting global sporting event, the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The event, al-Obaidly added, will provide Qatar with “an unprecedented level of international exposure and the opportunity to showcase its rich Arab culture and heritage to the world”.
“Historically, art has thrived only with the support of patrons. We are extremely happy to note that government bodies like Ashghal, Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Lusail Development, Msheireb and Awqaf, among others, have expressed their eagerness to incorporate the selected designs in their upcoming projects,” he said.
“Qatar could probably be the only country where the government agencies have come forward to promote the functional art designed by the local artists” the director said.
A jury will judge and shortlist designs for incorporation in a co-branded design library with the details of the artist, and inspiration for the design, among others, which could be used by architects and designers for their projects.
“Coastal Qatar as a local company has always strived to embody the essence and pride of Qatari products. We are very proud of our local manufacturing initiatives like lamp posts, crash barriers, etc. and more notably the local manufacture of spectator seats for six of the FIFA 2022 stadiums,” Coastal Group CEO Nishad Azeem said.
“We aim to showcase Qatari products on the global stage as world class products and we are confident of delivering these products designed by the local artists,” he added.
The products could be utilised in public spaces, hotels, offices, parks and mosques, among others, both locally and internationally.
“To maximise the exposure of the Qatari heritage and artists, opportunities needs to be created for fans and visitors to interact with art rather than art being confined within the walls of art galleries and museums,” said Fire Station director Khalifa al-Obaidly, noting that Qatar is on the threshold of hosting the most prestigious and exciting global sporting event, the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The event, al-Obaidly added, will provide Qatar with “an unprecedented level of international exposure and the opportunity to showcase its rich Arab culture and heritage to the world”.
“Historically, art has thrived only with the support of patrons. We are extremely happy to note that government bodies like Ashghal, Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Lusail Development, Msheireb and Awqaf, among others, have expressed their eagerness to incorporate the selected designs in their upcoming projects,” he said.
“Qatar could probably be the only country where the government agencies have come forward to promote the functional art designed by the local artists” the director said.
A jury will judge and shortlist designs for incorporation in a co-branded design library with the details of the artist, and inspiration for the design, among others, which could be used by architects and designers for their projects.
“Coastal Qatar as a local company has always strived to embody the essence and pride of Qatari products. We are very proud of our local manufacturing initiatives like lamp posts, crash barriers, etc. and more notably the local manufacture of spectator seats for six of the FIFA 2022 stadiums,” Coastal Group CEO Nishad Azeem said.
“We aim to showcase Qatari products on the global stage as world class products and we are confident of delivering these products designed by the local artists,” he added.
The products could be utilised in public spaces, hotels, offices, parks and mosques, among others, both locally and internationally.
