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Qatar Museums (QM), under the patronage of HE the Chairperson Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, and in collaboration with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO) and a number of regional and international partners, is preparing to organise the 27th Conference on Archaeology and Cultural Heritage in the Arab World, on October 28-30 in Doha, under the theme *Sustainability of Cultural Heritage: Challenges and Strategies for the Future.The QM announced on its Facebook account that the conference is being held as part of efforts to enhance Arab co-operation in the field of protecting and preserving cultural heritage and finding innovative solutions to the challenges facing this vital sector.The QM said that the conference is aimed at highlighting the importance of environmental, technological, and social sustainability of cultural heritage in light of global change, while working to develop future strategies based on scientific methods and innovative practices.It also seeks to enhance the status of heritage as a source of inspiration and knowledge, and a key driver of sustainable development.The conference focuses on key objectives, most notably: addressing environmental and human challenges affecting archaeological and heritage sites in the Arab world; contributing to the development of long-term visions and strategies that ensure the sustainability of cultural heritage; supporting Arab co-operation in the field of heritage preservation and the exchange of expertise between cultural institutions; and ensuring that cultural heritage remains a marker of identity and history, and a source of inspiration and creativity for current and future generations.The conference will address a wide range of vital issues, including concepts, mechanisms, and approaches to sustainability in cultural heritage; the natural, environmental, technological, and human challenges facing heritage sustainability; sustainability strategies and the development of effective approaches to heritage preservation; digital transformation and its role in preserving cultural heritage and transmitting it to future generations; the role of cultural tourism in enhancing the sustainability of heritage sites; and the experiences of Arab countries in protecting and sustaining cultural heritage.The concept of contemporary heritage as a bridge linking the past to the future will also be discussed.The conference will include a high-level opening session featuring representatives of the organisation's Arab member states, keynote addresses by ministers and prominent figures from the Arab world and international organisations, and papers from the organising committee and the Young Researchers Forum.On the sidelines of the conference, the QM will organise the Youth Forum on October 26-30 as a key initiative paving the way for the launch of the conference activities.The forum targets young people and university students specialising in the fields of archaeology and cultural heritage, providing an interactive platform for young researchers to exchange experiences, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration.This embodies the "Doha Youth Declaration 2025”.The forum will conclude with the launch of the visions and aspirations of the new generation of Arab researchers toward a more sustainable future for cultural heritage.The declaration will represent an open call to unify efforts among cultural and academic institutions in the Arab world, affirming the role of youth in leading future cultural work with a spirit of innovation and responsibility.

The Musée d'Orsay and Qatar Museums (QM) have announced an agreement to loan Gustave Courbet's masterpiece autoportrait, also known as Le Désespéré, to the Paris museum.By virtue of the agreement, Courbet's painting (The Desperate Man, circa 1844-1845) owned by Qatar Museums, is now on display at the Musée d'Orsay.The picture is to be on display at the Musée d'Orsay until the opening of the Art Mill Museum in Doha, an institution that will be devoted to Qatar Museums' modern and contemporary art collection.The agreement was announced on the occasion of the official tribute paid to Sylvain Amic, President of the Musées d'Orsay et de l'Orangerie.HE Chairperson of Qatar Museums Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani said, "Sylvain Amic was a visionary who understood the need for works of art to travel and be accessible to different parts of the world. His work with us under a new cultural agreement between Qatar and France made possible the long-term loan of Gustave Courbet's self-portrait Le Désespéré, a painting we acquired for our future Art Mill Museum of modern and contemporary art. Le Désespéré reflects Courbet's emotional struggle to break away from artistic conventions and be understood. In a similar way, Sylvain moved away from the status quo, enhancing museum experiences beyond traditional norms. We honour his memory by unveiling Le Désespéré at the Musée d'Orsay on this occasion, with pride that the painting will travel regularly between Doha and Paris in the future, and with confidence that Sylvain's legacy will inspire the next generation of museum directors and curators to think about the power of culture beyond their own walls."Between 1842 and 1855, Gustave Courbet (1819-1877) produced some twenty painted and drawn self-portraits. This self-portrait is certainly the most remarkable and the most mysterious of them all. In it, Courbet depicts himself in the guise of a bohemian artist (billowing white shirt and blue smock), eyes wide, mouth half-open, and hands clutching his hair. The tight framing and violent lighting contribute to the work's dramatic tension, which is enhanced by the fact that the model's emotional state is caused by something that can only be guessed at.

Qatar residents and visitors have a final opportunity to immerse themselves in a captivating exploration of personal and collective memories at the “Printed Nostalgia” exhibition on view at Fire Station: Artists in Residence until September 1. The exhibition, curated by Saida Alkhulaifi and Fatima AlZaini, takes visitors on a journey through the evocative power of printed works at Gallery 4 of Fire Station. “Printed Nostalgia” showcases a diverse range of artistic perspectives, with contributing artists hailing from Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye, Morocco, Sudan, the US, the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Kenya, Yemen, Tunisia, Jordan, Iran, and Syria, among other countries. Through their prints, Qatar Museums (QM) noted that these artists dig deeper into themes of architecture, culture, migration, and the fabric of everyday life, creating a poignant space where emotions, identities, and histories converge. Each piece serves as a fragment of time, carefully preserved, shared, and reimagined for audiences to contemplate. Among the featured artists contributing their unique visions are Mubarak al-Thani (Qatar), Syeda Hiba Zehra (Pakistan), Jaili Hajo (Sudan), Ali Gad (Egypt), Meara Albast (US), Nuwair al-Hajeri (UAE), Rasha Yousif (Bahrain), Aleesha Suleman (Kenya), and Asli Gokce Musekura (Turkiye), alongside a host of other international talents. According to the QM, this show offers a distinct artistic experience for all who seek to understand the deep connections between art, memory, and the fundamental aspects of the human condition. It artfully blends various mediums, including digital illustration, photography, painting, collage, and written word, successfully transforming digital expressions into tangible, physical forms. The exhibition culminates in a specially designed cozy and reflective room, providing a quiet sanctuary for visitors to pause and reconnect with their own personal memories. This thoughtfully curated space honours the enduring and tangible power of remembrance, echoing the historical role of printed materials in preserving people’s stories. The artwork on display were carefully selected through an international open call that garnered 322 submissions from across the globe. From this extensive pool, 98 artists – whose works collectively represent a rich collection of voices and interpretations of nostalgia – were chosen. The Fire Station plays a crucial role in nurturing artistic talent by supporting artists and curators at all career stages. Through its comprehensive residency programmes, it provides vital working studio space, fosters creative exchange, and offers cultural enrichment both within Qatar and internationally through its Paris and New York residency programmes.

Qatar Museums (QM) announced its participation in the fifth edition of the “Little Employee” initiative, organised by Qatar Foundation’s Qatar Career Development Centre (QCDC), by hosting 35 children of QM staff for a full day of job-shadowing and hands-on learning on Wednesday.Throughout the day, children accompanied their parents and relatives across front-of-house and behind-the-scenes functions – observing how multidisciplinary teams collaborate to deliver exhibitions, protect collections, and serve visitors – while reinforcing the role of families as first career counselors.In a press statement, QM chief executive Mohammed Saad al-Rumaihi said: “At the QM, we believe career awareness should begin at an early stage, and be rooted in meaningful, inspiring experiences.”“By opening our working spaces,” he continued, “we provide the young generation with a unique glimpse into museums as dynamic environments – where administrators, historians, designers, conservators, and technologists collaborate in pursuit of a shared cultural mission, especially during this landmark year of which we celebrate our 20th year anniversary and two decades of cultural legacy, marked by Evolution Nation.”“We extend our gratitude the QCDC for the opportunity to help spark this awareness today, so that together we can nurture the talent that will sustain Qatar’s creative industries tomorrow,” al-Rumaihi said.The QM took part in the initiative to spotlight the breadth of meaningful careers that shape Qatar’s cultural and creative sectorsFrom conservation science and curatorial research to exhibition design, education, visitor experience, communications, and digital content, the initiative highlighted the wide range of professional pathways available in the field.The initiative closely aligns with the QM’s Education Learning and Outreach strategy, and reinforces efforts to build a diversified, knowledge-based economy as outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030.By promoting early, hands- on career exploration, the QM remains committed to inspiriting the next generation of cultural leaders and innovators.“We thank the QM for joining the Little Employee family and promoting early career development,” QCDC executive director Saad Abdulla al-Kharji said. “When leading institutions welcome children into authentic work settings, they help families guide informed academic and career decisions and inspire the next generation to contribute meaningfully to a knowledge-driven economy.”“Little Employee” is open to students worldwide and can be scheduled on any working day, offering flexibility for families and organisations.The programme introduces youth aged 7-15 to real workplace environments and encourages constructive dialogue at home about education and career choices.

Qatar Museums (QM), celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, will present a wide-ranging programme of cultural, educational, and creative activities for the community this September, a statement said Thursday.From stargazing during a once-in-a-century lunar eclipse at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) to storytelling and family tours at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), and workshops at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, M7, and Liwan, the month is filled with opportunities to learn, explore, and be inspired.Highlights also include Tasweer’s immersive photography lecture with Kamal Naji, archaeology-inspired workshops, and interactive sports debates at 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum.Mathaf presents workshops and training sessions ranging from portraiture with Ismail Azzam to creative fashion upcycling and public speaking skills.How to Write a Public Speech: September 3, 4-5.30pm - A series of interactive training workshops designed to enhance communication, public speaking, and vocal expression skills, positively impacting participants’ personal and professional abilities.Art lessons with Ismail Azzam: Every Sunday and Tuesday throughout September, from 4-6pm - Participants will learn different portraiture techniques using various mediums, including pencil, charcoal and paint.Fashion Forward, September 29, 4-6pm - Upcycling Style is a 7-month journey happening once a month at Mathaf.NMoQ welcomes families for interactive storytelling, drop-in activities on pearl diving heritage, and guided tours that bring Qatar’s culture and history to life.Drop-in Activity: The Life of the Pearl Divers - English session: September 7, from 11am to 12noon. Storytelling: Mya’s First Day of School, September 11, 5-6pm. Family Tour: Family’s Exploration Journey - English Session: September 13, 1-2.30pmMIA offers experiences including a once-in-100-years total lunar eclipse viewing, family days, and creative workshops celebrating the beauty of nature in Islamic art.Total Lunar Eclipse: September 7, 7-10.30pm (eclipse peak at 8pm) - A public astronomy event organised by MIA in collaboration with Qatar Calendar House. The programme includes live observation of the total lunar eclipse from MIA Park, along with interactive astronomy activities for the whole family.Daytime Activities relating to the Total Lunar Eclipse: September 7 - Guided tour, English session at 3pm, for adults, exploring the scientific and technological contributions of the Islamic world.Treasure Hunt at 4pm - A family-friendly game for children (8+) and their families, combining fun with educational clues themed around the lunar eclipse.Art Workshop at 4.30pm - A creative session for adults, to create artwork inspired by the lunar eclipse. Family Day: The Blessings of Qur'anic Plants and their Meanings.September 13, 3-5pm - In collaboration with the Qur'anic Botanic Garden, the public are invited to discover the hidden blessings of Islamic plants and learn about their significance and representation in Islamic art and traditions.Sacred Gardens: The Plants of the Qur'an - September 23, 3-4.30pm3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum inspires dialogue on sport and society through international conferences, debates, and family-friendly peace-themed activities.321 Goals - September 7-11 4-6pm: A series of three week conferences, debates and hackathons will invite high profile speakers to debate the “big issues”.Celebrate International Day of Peace with Us: September 21, 10am to 12noon - This year’s theme, 'Act Now for a Peaceful World' reminds us that peace is not just a dream—it’s something we create together.Liwan Design Studios and Labs combines tradition and technology in a laser cutting and pattern-making workshop that bridges heritage with modern design.Design Meets Tradition: Laser Cutting & Pattern-Making Workshop - English Session: September 9, 16, 23, and 30, 4.30-6.30pmQM’s Archaeology Department engages children in hands-on artefact workshops exploring pottery and drawing techniques inspired by Qatar’s archaeological discoveries. Artefact Workshop - English Session: September 23, 4-5.30pm.M7 invites participants to develop fashion illustration skills in a hands-on drawing workshop designed for beginners, and personalise their own postcards in a creative session. Creative Letter and Post Card Workshop: English Session: September 20, 11.30am to 1pm.