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At Art Factory Lusail, Fox Hills, a quiet exhibition space is currently drawing visitors into a world of unspoken emotions, fleeting moments and deeply personal reflections. The reason is Soul in Strokes, the latest solo exhibition by Dr Sreekumar Padmanabhan, a medical professional whose paintbrush has become as powerful a tool of healing as his stethoscope.The week-long exhibition, which was kicked off on 2 January, features a compelling series of realistic oil and acrylic works that explore everyday life, human expressions and the subtle emotions often overlooked in modern routines.“From the name Soul in Strokes, I wanted to capture emotions, the very essence of the soul, through my brush,” Dr Padmanabhan explains. “In our busy lives, we forget to appreciate the beauty in small moments. These paintings give those moments a space to be seen.”Each artwork is accompanied by a short narrative describing what inspired its creation, encouraging visitors to not only observe but also reflect. The result is an immersive viewing experience where art becomes conversation between the canvas and the viewer, and often within the viewer’s own memories.Dr Padmanabhan has spent more than 18 years in Qatar, building a medical career rooted in discipline, service and continuous learning. He arrived in Doha in 2007 after a decade of medical practice in the UAE and currently serves as a doctor in the government sector. His professional journey includes advanced qualifications such as MRCGP and specialised diplomas in Occupational Health, Diving Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine. He also conducts multiple training programmes at the Hamad International Training Center.Yet, alongside this structured medical path runs a parallel life shaped by creativity.“I paint whenever I get free time. It is not something I have to plan; it just happens,” he says. “Painting keeps me grounded.”What makes Soul in Strokes especially distinctive is the way it mirrors Dr Padmanabhan’s multicultural life journey. His Indian roots, professional life in Qatar, interactions across the Middle East and travels abroad all quietly surface through the faces, settings and emotions portrayed in his paintings.Being self-taught, his artistic evolution has been shaped by observation, curiosity and constant experimentation.“I learn by watching people, their expressions, their silences, their stories,” he shares. “I hope people can see my growth through my paintings.”His works often focus on people, not as posed subjects, but as carriers of stories, emotions and lived realities. Viewers frequently find themselves emotionally drawn to his canvases, connecting the scenes to their own personal experiences.“Art is not just about technique,” he reflects. “It is about making people feel something.”A member of the Katara Fine Arts Society, Dr Padmanabhan has participated in nearly 60 exhibitions in Qatar, including about 15 solo shows and more than 17 group exhibitions at Katara alone. He is also a familiar face as a jury member for children’s art competitions, quietly nurturing young creative talent.Despite this extensive artistic footprint, he remains humble, introducing himself first as a doctor, and letting his paintings speak for him.For him, artistic success is not measured in sales, but in emotional connection.“When someone stands in front of a painting and sees their own story in it, that is my real reward,” he says.A cultural connectorLiving in Qatar has further shaped his belief in multicultural harmony. He speaks warmly of working alongside colleagues from across the world and of the natural closeness that grows within Qatar’s compact and diverse society.He is currently also part of the Katara group exhibition ‘From Qatar’, which brings together artists of different nationalities, reflecting the country’s cultural mosaic.At the heart of his philosophy lies the Indian principle Atithi Devo Bhava (The guest is God), a value that influences both his medical practice and his artistic interactions.“As a doctor, I always ask myself how I would like to be treated if I were the patient. That is how I treat people,” he says.While realism remains the foundation of his work, Dr Padmanabhan plans to explore simplified styles, mixed media, story-driven compositions and larger-format works in future exhibitions — signalling a new creative chapter ahead.In his world, healing does not end in the clinic.It continues — quietly and beautifully — on canvas.

Qatar Museums (QM) has unveiled Autorretrato (Self-Portrait, 2022) by Argentinian artist Gabriel Chaile, a major new installation in celebration of the 15th anniversary of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. Installed in Mathaf's performance space, the work underscores the museum's ongoing commitment to cultural exchange and its support for impactful contemporary artistic practices that resonate across the region and beyond. Autorretrato is also part of the Qatar Argentina and Chile 2025 Years of Culture, a national initiative that builds lasting partnerships and celebrates shared creativity, history, and innovation. **media[396990]**  The partnership with Argentina this year highlights the depth of artistic traditions, contemporary practices, and collaborative projects, positioning this new installation as a milestone in promoting cross-cultural dialogue and strengthening international artistic connections.  The deputy chief executive of ALRIWAQ, Public Art, and Rubaiya, Her Excellency Sheikha Reem al-Thani, said: "As Mathaf celebrates its 15th anniversary, the unveiling of Gabriel Chaile's Autorretrato highlights the transformative role of public art in connecting audiences with contemporary creative practice.” “This artwork not only enriches the museum's anniversary programme but also serves as a catalyst for dialogue, inviting reflection on ancestry, heritage, and the ways in which personal and collective identities are interwoven,” she said. “By situating Chaile's sculpture within a public space, we aim to create meaningful encounters that resonate across cultures, histories, and generations." **media[396915]** Born in 1985 in San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina, Chaile is renowned for sculptural practice grounded in the material cultures, archaeological histories, and native traditions of Latin America. Drawing from his Afro-Arab and Indigenous heritage, Chaile's work examines how identity is shaped by inherited memory, community narratives, and centuries of cultural interconnection. Autorretrato departs from traditional portraiture and expresses identity through symbolic and material elements. The sculpture's surface is marked by raised clusters inspired in part by the prehistoric Venus of Willendorf, suggesting textured hair and referencing Chaile's hybrid Afro-Arab and Latin ancestry. Subtle eye-shaped impressions appear on both sides of the work, echoing the dual-headed forms characteristic of pre-Hispanic ceramics and introducing a sense of duality and introspection. "Autorretrato brings together material memory and lived experience in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant,” said Mathaf director Zeina Arida. “Gabriel Chaile's work encourages us to consider how form can carry history and resilience,” she said. “Presenting this work at Mathaf during our 15th anniversary year is an ideal way to introduce the museum's future focus on ceramic art, crafting a dialogue where tradition meets innovative form." Crafted in adobe, a clay that was often used for Indigenous architecture and pottery across the continent, the work grounds itself in the earth, and the sculpture's conical form recalls traditional pipes once used in everyday life in northwestern Argentina.By merging these references, Chaile creates a work that articulates what he describes as a "Genealogy of Form", a framework through which ancestral memory, material history, and contemporary identity converge.  The sculpture is presented as part of Evolution Nation, an 18-month campaign honouring Qatar's cultural journey over the past 50 years since the founding of the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ).Curated by Qatar Creates, the national initiative positions Qatar as a global hub for art, culture, and creativity.  As part of this celebration, the unveiling of Chaile's Autorretrato represents a significant milestone for the QM, highlighting the institution's ongoing commitment to commissioning and presenting contemporary public art that connects local audiences with global artistic practice. 

When The Sorrow of War was honoured by Vietnam's government as one of the 50 greatest works of literature and art since reunification, some conservative figures reacted with fury – suggesting the novel's unvarnished depictions of the war diminished the victors' heroism.However, the controversy that exploded across social media has only sparked renewed interest in Bao Ninh's haunting classic and forced bookstores to scramble to keep pace with surging demand."I only knew about this novel because of these online discussions," said Le Hien, 25, who tried to buy the book at several bookstores in the capital Hanoi this week but found they were all out of stock. "I was very surprised the book was sold out that quickly. I couldn't believe its sales went crazy."First published in 1987 as The Destiny of Love, the novel is narrated by a young North Vietnamese soldier who, like Ninh himself, served in a battalion that was almost entirely wiped out.He is stalked by memories of the "jungle of screaming souls" and tortured by thoughts of his girlfriend's sexual assault at the hands of fellow North Vietnamese men.The book was met with instant acclaim abroad and controversy at home, where most war literature emphasised valour and sacrifice over cruelty and suffering.The novel's inclusion in the 50-best list in late November touched off another round of recrimination even as it flew off shelves."This book has been debated for ages," said Nguyen, a bookseller on Hanoi's Nguyen Xi book street, who gave only his first name for fear of inviting backlash against his store. "It has always sold steadily. It has never sold out like it did this time, though."Nguyen Thanh Tuan, a former head of the military's propaganda department, wrote on Facebook earlier this month that the novel "aimed to diminish the heroism of our army... fabricating and distorting the truth of the heroic struggle and immense sacrifices of millions of people".Tuan's post calling for the honour to be revoked received thousands of likes and ricocheted across social media, garnering support especially from war veterans.However, many others defended the decision to honour the book."If we demand that a novel function like a battle report, we are forcing literature to perform the work of another profession," said literary critic Ha Thanh Van.The Sorrow of War continues to move readers nearly 40 years after its publication because it "delves into the dark corners of memory, where war continues to exist as haunting memories, traumas, lingering regrets", she said.Ngoc Tran, a 12th grade student in Hanoi, said she didn't think the work "tarnishes the image of Vietnamese soldiers from the past"."It just reveals more truth about human nature," she told AFP.However, while the debate has opened up old societal rifts, it has also propelled the book to new heights of visibility, especially among young readers like Tran, born after its initial publication."After the controversy about the award went viral online, more people became interested and started looking to buy (the book)," said bookseller Nguyen.Another bookseller on the same street who declined to give his name said that sales had been slow before the furore "but suddenly we're sold out".AFP journalists found five copies of the book at Ngan Nga bookstore in the capital, but many other vendors had been cleared out.Nguyen Hai Dang, an editor at Tre Publishing House which has a lifetime agreement with Ninh, was quoted in state media as saying the controversy had prompted a flurry of orders, causing the central warehouse to fall behind.Dang said a planned reprinting was already underway, however, and that the publisher had run off 15,000 copies so far this year.It has printed about 80,000 copies since its agreement began in 2011.The novel is also an international bestseller and has been translated into more than 15 languages. 

The Qatar International Art Festival (QIAF) 2025 staged a fashion show at Katara Cultural Village Thursday, turning the runway into a platform for cultural expression as artists unveiled designs inspired by national traditions and personal creative narratives. Among the participants was Martina Siladi of Slovakia, representing Unity Art Nations, a collective of artists from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Switzerland.**media[392609]**She said the group used its mannequin draping to highlight shared cultural symbols, including mountains and national floral motifs common to all four countries. Siladi described the QIAF as a platform where artists meet “with one vision – peace, friendship and understanding”.**media[392610]**“Art connects people of all nations, cultures and nationalities because that is what art is good for,” she said, introducing the abstract painters, sculptors and ink artists who form her multicultural group. Vedran Bukovina of Croatia presented a striking dress rooted in the symbolism of his heritage. Serving as Croatia’s brand ambassador, he introduced a young creative team of graduates and artists who helped bring the piece to life.**media[392611]**The design featured Croatia’s heart motif, a national symbol protected by Unesco. “The heart represents who we are. It is simple as wool and rich as lace, full of tradition and history,” the artist said, adding that the artwork stood as a reminder of how fashion can preserve identity while inviting the world to appreciate it. The showcase also welcomed the delicate and deeply personal work of Vishakha Lad, a Fine Arts Master’s graduate from Sir J J School of Arts in Mumbai.**media[392612]**Lad is known for her intricate eco-conscious leaf artwork, a tradition pioneered by her father in 1957 and carried forward today with immense pride. “My work blends culture and nature,” she said, expressing her gratitude to the QIAF and to Imagine Art Gallery Spain for giving her the platform to share her craft. She described the festival as more than an exhibition, calling it a warm, organised and inspiring gathering where participants enjoy workshops, fashion shows and shared experiences that become lifelong memories. 

The 7th edition of the Qatar International Art Festival (QIAF) 2025, hosted at Katara Halls Building 12, continues its vibrant journey until December 12, promising six captivating days of global artistic brilliance, cultural exchange, and creative celebration.The event opened in spectacular fashion on December 7 with a Red Carpet VIP, led by Katara Cultural Village general manager, Prof Khalid Bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, as the guest of honour. This year’s edition stands out as the largest and most diverse yet, offering a dynamic programme of 15 engaging activities designed to inspire, educate, and connect, organisers said. The festival schedule features master classes, art workshops, panel discussions, art conferences, live painting sessions, artists’ fashion shows, cultural tours, networking dinners, and awards and felicitation ceremony, among others, making it one of the most comprehensive international art gatherings in the region.A Major Highlight: QIAF Art Auction with Al BahieAmong the major attractions of this year’s festival is the much-anticipated QIAF Art Auction, organised in prestigious collaboration with Al Bahie Auction House. The auction takes place today (December 10) at 7pm at Katara Halls, Building 12.Art collectors, connoisseurs, and enthusiasts are invited to experience an evening of exceptional artistry as selected works from participating global artists go under the hammer. The auction catalogue is accessible via QR Code, offering a glimpse into the exquisite collection curated for this special event.Fashion Show is scheduled on December 11 from 6.30pm onwards, showcasing a vibrant blend of art, creativity, and sustainability. These shows highlight the festival’s commitment not only to visual arts but also to evolving intersections between art, culture, and conscious design.A Global Artistic Gathering Under One RoofWith participation from over 500 artists representing more than 70 countries, the festival continues to receive thousands of visitors daily, creating a buzzing, inspirational atmosphere at Katara.Art lovers, collectors, buyers, and cultural enthusiasts are warmly encouraged to visit and experience this extraordinary celebration, the region’s most vibrant showcases of artistic talent, an unforgettable opportunity to witness the world of art converge in Doha.Leadership and PartnersQIAF is organised under the leadership of Rashmi Agarwal, founder and CEO of QIAF and MAPS International WLL. Her vision and dedication continue to elevate the festival’s global footprint each year. QIAF 2025 is proudly presented in collaboration with Katara Cultural Village as Cultural Partners and British Council Qatar as Institutional Partners.As QIAF 2025 unfolds, organisers said it promises inspiration, discovery, and connection for everyone who steps into its creative world. With its diverse programming, prestigious auction, global participation, and dedication to cultural exchange, the festival continues to stand as one of Qatar’s most prominent cultural landmarks.

Katara Cultural Village’s Hall 12 has been transformed into a vibrant global space brimming with artistic expression, as the 7th Qatar International Arts Festival (QIAF 2025) continues. The festival brings together a distinguished group of international artists in a creative celebration that reinforces Katara’s role as a cultural bridge connecting the world through art and diversity.Running until Dec 12, the festival features the participation of more than 500 artists from 83 countries, representing various artistic schools and creative styles. The event offers a rich visual panorama that reflects the power of individual experiences and the convergence of cultures. Iraqi visual artist Jaafar Diaa of the Ashnon Arts Foundation said he is presenting two surrealist works titled 'The Fate of the Book in the Modern Age and Transcending Time', noting that the festival “is wonderful and features strong works from diverse artistic schools, making it a truly unique experience.”Indian artist Sugandha expressed her delight at participating for the first time, saying: “I am thoroughly enjoying this experience. The festival is large and gives us the opportunity to connect with artists from different countries. I was happy to meet artists from all over the world.”Ana de Negri from Spain explained that this is her second participation “after the success of last year’s edition,” noting that the Spanish delegation includes a large group of artists and two dedicated pavilions. She also expressed her pride in representing Spain again.Iraqi artist Tina Arfali stated that this is her first participation in Qatar, adding: “The opening was wonderful. My work combines Arabic calligraphy with photography using mixed media techniques to add depth and unique artistic texture.”Meanwhile, Iranian artist and university professor Mansoureh Valikhan said she is delighted to return for a second year, emphasising that her work received significant appreciation.She explained that the theme of her participation centres on Iranian folklore, using colours and patterns inspired by Iranian heritage. QIAF 2025 continues to host a daily programme of artistic performances, workshops, and public activities, reaffirming its position as one of the most prominent creative platforms in the region and a global event celebrating art in all its forms and expressions. 

The Qatar International Art Festival (QIAF) 2025, held at Katara Halls Building 12, organised its first-ever art auction Wednesday with 29 lots.This was the first ever auction since its inception seven years ago and was held in collaboration with the Al Bahie Auction House. There was a large number of participants for the auction and the art works were well bid by the art enthusiasts.“This is for the first time, we are having an art auction and held in collaboration with Al-Bahi Auction House. Al-Bahi is a Qatar-based auction house that is registered in Qatar since 1996,” Rashmi Agarwal, founder and president of Maps International Limited, and CEO and director of QIAF told Gulf Times.**media[392204]**Agarwal said that the auction is livestreamed and those interested have the option for bidding both online and in-person.“This year we have 32 artworks in 29 lots. These are the works of the artists from about 15 countries. The response for the auction is very positive and we do plan to continue it in every edition of the festival. Next year onwards, we plan to do it on a much bigger scale, ” said Agarwal.The official said that overall there is a participation of more than 500 artists in the festival from over 73 countries.**media[392205]**“We have another big event coming up today as part of the festival. We are doing an artistic and sustainable fashion show with participation from Qatari fashion designers and also from international fashion designers. More than 72 fashion designers have registered to participate in this,” said Agarwal.She noted that the exhibition that lasts until Friday showcases global artistic brilliance, cultural exchange, and creative celebration.“This year’s edition stands out as the largest and most diverse yet, offering a dynamic programme of 15 engaging activities designed to inspire, educate, and connect. The festival schedule features master classes, art workshops, panel discussions, art conferences, live painting sessions, artists’ fashion shows, cultural tours, networking dinners, and awards and felicitation ceremony, among others, making it one of the most comprehensive international art gatherings in the region,” added Agarwal.**media[392206]**Agarwal said that the festival has been a tremendous success with greater participation compared to the previous years.She said: “We are really very happy with the participation and the numbers which we are having. We are already receiving a very positive response for the next year 2026. Even in 2025, we have had more than 200 applicants in the waiting list. They all want to come next year. We have received inquiries from more than 50 galleries to participate in the 2026 edition of the festival,”**media[392207]**She also described that the public response to the exhibition has been very phenomenal. “People are coming and praising. We have also received very good response from a lot of organisations in Qatar. We have got very encouraging words from different embassies. On the red carpet VIP opening, we had a representation of a large number of ambassadors from the embassies in Qatar,” added Agarwal. 

M7 hosted the Franca Fund Gala on Nov 23 at the Museum of Islamic Art, honouring the life and legacy of the late Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, by raising funds to drive research in preventative genomics.The event, in partnership with The Franca Sozzani Fund for Preventive Genomics, took place as Qatar marks its cultural journey over the past 50 years with Evolution Nation, a celebration highlighting both the nation’s cultural milestones and its aspirations for the future.The gala was co-hosted by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Qatar Museums Chairperson and Fashion Trust Arabia Co-Chair; Francesco Carrozzini, Co-Founder, Franca Sozzani Fund for Preventive Genomics and Sozzani’s son; and global editorial director at Vogue and chief content officer for Condé Nast and longtime friend of Sozzani, Anna Wintour. Among the VIPS in attendance includes Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan.“This evening, we have come together to honour the vision of Franca Sozzani, who used fashion to disrupt, to talk about difficult topics, and to give the voiceless a voice. In the presence of her family, we celebrate her courage and resilience, as we join to advance the work of The Franca Sozzani Fund for Preventive Genomics,”“Tonight’s gala underscores our commitment to reimagine healthcare through cutting-edge science, combined with the highest ethical standards, global advocacy, and compassionate care. These vital goals are the core of Franca Fund as well as our other beneficiaries this evening: the Qatar Cancer Society and the Xana Foundation in Barcelona,” said HE Sheikha Al Mayassa.The event raised more than $4mn, which will directly support the work of The Franca Fund and its visionary goal: to support ongoing research programs in preventive genomics at Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham, led by internationally acclaimed physician-scientist and Harvard Professor of Medicine (Genetics) Dr Robert Green. He is considered a pioneer in the responsible use of DNA analysis to detect and provide early treatment or prevention of inherited conditions that affect millions of children and adults worldwide.In a statement, Carrozzini said: “My mother believed that ideas should never sit still. She once told me, ‘If it’s not daring, it’s not new. And if it’s not new, it won’t matter.’ That was Franca – fearless, restless, always pushing everyone, including herself, to see what others haven’t yet seen”.Advancing equity in access to medical care, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa announced a donation to the Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), founded and chaired since 1997 by Dr Khalid bin Jabor al-Thani. Serving as a voice of awareness and a platform of support for all those facing the journey of cancer treatment, QCS offers every patient a renewed sense of hope, providing financial assistance to more than 10,770 cancer patients.HE Sheikha Al Mayassa also announced a contribution to the Xana Foundation in support of the launch La Casa De Las Xanas. The Xana Foundation was born to offer warm support and steadfast companionship to families whose children face serious illnesses. 

The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and the National Museum of Korea (NMK) are presenting the ‘Islamic Art: A Journey of Splendour’, which opened Saturday in Seoul, South Korea. The landmark collaboration marks the first comprehensive presentation of MIA’s world-renowned collection in South Korea, taking audiences on an extraordinary journey into the history of Islamic art and culture as it evolved in regions stretching from Spain to China.A press preview was recently held with the attendance of dignitaries and the directors and representatives of the MIA and NMK, including Qatar’s ambassador to Korea Khalid Ebrahim al-Hamar, MIA director Shaika Nasser al-Nassr, NMK director You Hong June, and Dr Mounia Chekhab Abudaya, deputy director of Curatorial Affairs at the MIA.On view through October 11, 2026, in the NMK’s World Art Gallery, the exhibition brings together more than 80 masterpieces spanning 1,400 years, including exquisite Quranic manuscripts, ceramics, glassware, textiles, scientific instruments, and objects from royal courts.It celebrates exceptional craftsmanship and creativity and the evolution of Islamic art across continents through trade, scholarship, and artistic innovation. “We extend our sincere gratitude to the National Museum of Korea for the partnership and warm collaboration that have brought this exhibition to life. Islamic Art: A Journey of Splendour reflects our commitment to nurturing cultural dialogue and mutual appreciation through the universal language of art.**media[384926]**“As we mark the 20th anniversary of Qatar Museums, this exhibition stands as a testament to our ongoing dedication to strengthening global exchange and understanding. Together, we celebrate the power of art to connect people and inspire understanding across borders,” said Shaika Nasser. The exhibition unfolds across three thematic sections that guide visitors through the spiritual, cultural, and artistic expressions of the Islamic world.It explores ‘Islam and Religious Art of Islamic World’, ‘The Embrace and Expansion of Islamic Culture’, and ‘The Islamic Courtly Culture and Manuscripts’. At the conclusion of the exhibition, visitors can experience a digitally reconstructed version of an 1817 Damascene reception room, recreated by MIA. Islamic Art: A Journey of Splendour will underscore the significance of Islamic art beyond its traditional geographic and cultural spheres, highlighting the shared values of craftsmanship, calligraphy, and heritage that resonate throughout the Islamic world and Korea.June said, “This exhibition is a meaningful opportunity to introduce Islamic art through our collaboration with the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha. I hope that visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the Islamic culture that flourished brilliantly across eras and regions, and that the exhibition will inspire reflection on the diversity of human cultures and the value of coexistence.” Curated by Abudaya and curator Kangmi Kwon, associate curator Hyeeun Kwon, and associate curator Youngwoo Kwon of NMK, the exhibition represents a rich collaboration between Qatar and Korea-based experts.**media[384927]**Abudaya delivered a lecture Saturday titled ‘A Journey of Splendour– Presenting Islamic Art from Doha to Seoul’ at the Education and Training Room of the NMK, and offered audiences a deeper understanding of the themes and highlights presented in Islamic Art: A Journey of Splendour. Islamic Art: A Journey of Splendour signals Qatar Museums’ ongoing commitment to cultural exchange and international collaboration through initiatives like Years of Culture, which connect Qatar with partner nations for ongoing exchange.It is also presented as part of Evolution Nation, an 18-month campaign honouring Qatar’s cultural journey over the past 50 years since the founding of the National Museum of Qatar, and 20 years since the founding of Qatar Museums.Curated by Qatar Creates, the national movement positioning Qatar as a global hub for art, culture, and creativity, Evolution Nation highlights both the nation’s cultural milestones and its aspirations for the future. For more information, visit https://mia.org.qa/en/calendar/islamic-art-a-journey-of-splendor/.

The Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, in cooperation with the Children's Literature Center, launched the "Art of Writing and Illustrating Comics" programme. It aims to train participants in creating and executing comics that combine writing and illustration in a modern storytelling style.The programme is part of the "Children's Story Designer" initiative, within the framework of the Ministry of Culture's ongoing efforts to enhance literacy skills among the younger generation, striving to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to build a learning and sustainable society based on knowledge and creativity.The "Comics" programme is designed for participants aged 12-16 and targets 15 participants. The project will run for three weeks. During the programme, participants will learn the stages of comic book design, starting with writing, then scene layout, character design, and full scene illustration. They then add effects and text, and finally, colour and inking, continuing to produce their stories until the final production stage.Jassim Ahmed al-Buainain, Director of the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum, explained the importance of the "Comics" programme, emphasizing that it is not limited to training children but is a genuine investment in the cultural future of Qatar. He stressed that the programme primarily aims to build a generation of authors and designers capable of producing innovative and engaging storybooks.**media[381079]**The director of the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum explained that this initiative opens up broad horizons for children, giving them the opportunity to explore the world of authorship in its various stages. Instead of being mere readers, children themselves begin writing stories from their own pure imagination and illustrating their comics, drawing inspiration from their surroundings and national values.Writer Asma al-Kuwari, director of the Children's Literature Center, said that the "Art of Writing and Illustrating Comics" programme is part of a series of initiatives implemented by the center in cooperation with the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum to promote reading and develop writing and literary and artistic production skills among children and young adults.She emphasized that the "Comics" programme aims to train participants in innovation and the creation of illustrated stories that combine writing and graphic design in a modern storytelling style. It also contributes to developing aesthetic sense, critical thinking, and the ability to narrate and express themselves both in writing and visually. She explained that the final products will be showcased to the public at the Doha International Book Fair.The "Children's Story Designer" programme is an innovative approach to teaching children and young adults the entire book-making process. Participants learn to write, illustrate, design, and market their stories independently, culminating in their publication in Qatari and Arab markets.

The Ministry of Culture organised a dialogue session Wednesday evening entitled "Opportunities of the Creative Economy in a Changing World," on the sidelines of the "Art and Design Village" festival at Darb Al Saai.The session aimed to highlight the pivotal role of the creative economy as an engine for sustainable development and to explore its new horizons in light of rapid global transformations, particularly in the fields of technology and digital transformation.The session was presented by media personality Iman al-Kaabi.The speakers discussed the legal and institutional frameworks necessary for the flourishing of creative industries and reviewed successful models in this field.Hamid Ibrahim, head of Creative Operations at Kogali, emphasised that the partnership with Disney+ to produce the series "I wago" represents a pivotal step. He explained that the most significant advantage lies in leveraging the immense global reach of the Disney brand, renowned for its rich heritage and extensive experience in animation.Ibrahim summarised the philosophy of working in the creative economy with the phrase, "Thinking in terms of the entire ecosystem". This perspective goes beyond simply creating a character for a film; it encompasses adapting that character into a series or designing them for products like lunchboxes, confirming that the industry is growing and expanding in this way.Abdulaziz al-Kubaisi, owner and founder of Lusail Art Production Studios, highlighted the importance of integrating creativity with the economy, calling for the transformation of studios and creative activities into "sustainable economic platforms in the face of global competition."Al-Kubaisi explained that the creative economy is the art of transforming creativity, activity, and hobbies into income-generating economic value, noting that this concept represents the turning point from pursuing a hobby to establishing a business.Qatar-based filmmaker Obada Jarbi emphasised that documentaries and feature films represent a long-term investment tool and a form of soft power capable of building a creative economy that reflects local identity and culture. He stressed that this type of content can replace traditional public relations and advertising campaigns.Jarbi discussed the pivotal role of cinema as a "long-term investment" for the country, adding that many major global cities owe their popularity primarily to what has been portrayed in films, thus reducing the need for massive advertising campaigns.Qatari entrepreneur Nada Khamis Mohammed al-Sulaiti, founder of Alama Jewellery, revealed the motivation behind launching her brand in 2011. She explained that growing up in a home deeply rooted in heritage inspired her to be the one to tell Qatar's story, emphasising that Qatar is "the most deserving of telling our identity and stories" to the world.Qatari entrepreneur Abdullah al-Mana called on young people and the community to adopt the concepts of the creative economy as a fundamental pillar for diversifying income sources, stressing that this economy opens "new and numerous horizons in industries" away from total dependence on the traditional economy.

His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, Minister of Culture, inaugurated the second edition of the Fereej Art and Design Festival on Monday. The festival, organised by the ministry’s Visual Arts Center, will run until Nov 14 at Darb Al Saai in Umm Salal, with wide Arab and international participation.The opening ceremony was attended by HE Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi, Minister of Justice; Dr Ahmed Hano, Minister of Culture of Egypt; Dr Mustafa al-Rawashdeh, Minister of Culture of Jordan; Mohammed Yassin Saleh, Minister of Culture of Syria; HE Khalifa bin Jassim al-Kuwari, Chairman of the General Tax Authority; a number of senior officials from the Ministry of Culture; and several ambassadors accredited to Qatar.HE the Minister of Culture toured the festival, where he viewed a number of the participating events and exhibitions. On this occasion, HE Dr Ghanem bin Mubarak al-Ali, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Culture, affirmed that the festival represents a fundamental pillar in the ministry’s strategy to support and showcase local talent. He noted that the main objective is to promote Qatari art and support Qatari artists across various art forms.He explained that the festival aims to reinforce Qatar’s position as a centre of cultural and artistic influence in the region. This year, the festival has witnessed a significant expansion in the number of art galleries, exhibitions, and workshops, with the participation of more than 120 artists representing over 20 countries.He noted that the festival aims to attract leading artists and art institutions from both within and outside the country, thus fostering cultural and creative exchange. He highlighted the key features of this year’s festival, explaining that it includes exhibitions by pioneering Qatari artists such as Yousef Ahmed, Salman al-Malik, and Mohammed al-Jaida, among others, in addition to a unique digital exhibition titled “Sana Qatar Sana Art”.The festival features more than 12 art exhibitions and 14 workshops, including seven international workshops in diverse fields such as Japanese Bingata art, Kuwaiti glass melting, creating colours from Australian nature, a Spanish gilding workshop, a fabric printing workshop from India, a floral plate workshop from Russia, and a live performance workshop from Kuwait. These and other experiences blend artistic heritage with modernity.The festival houses six main art spaces: the Exhibition House, the Art Workshops House, the Calligraphy House, the Ceramics House, the Artists’ Studios House, and the Seminars House, in addition to the Art and Design Market and the Children’s Courtyard area.The festival celebrates Arabic calligraphy, ceramics, and sculpture, as well as the creativity of young people in design, anime, and digital art. The festival programme also includes art activities for children, such as paint-pouring workshops, art school workshops, and a free drawing area.Furthermore, there are panel discussions and art seminars that bring together artists, critics, and the public, as well as live drawing sessions held in an interactive, open atmosphere.