DOHA: At a special preview hosted by the Embassy of Qatar in Buenos Aires, the Years of Culture initiative yesterday announced details for the remainder of Qatar-Argentina 2025.
The varied programme will spotlight music, debate, community service and even a cycling journey across international borders. Years of Culture supports Qatar in building global connections with a focus on heritage, creative industries, social and economic development, and innovation.
Qatar’s ambassador to Argentina, H E Battal Al Dosari, applauded the achievements of the initiative to date, saying,“This partnership comes at a particularly meaningful moment in Qatar’s cultural story as we mark several important anniversaries, including the 20th anniversary of Qatar Museums and the 50th anniversary of the National Museum of Qatar. These milestones are commemorated through Evolution Nation — a campaign that traces our journey from the founding of the National Museum to today’s robust cultural ecosystem. We are here today because these foundations have enabled initiatives like the Years of Culture to extend our connections worldwide.”
The Minister of Economic Development for the City of Buenos Aires H E Hernán Lombardi, and Minister of Culture for the City of Buenos Aires H E Gabriela Ricardes, attended the event and expressed their support for the ongoing collaboration. Both officials highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy as a tool to deepen bilateral ties, with Ricardes noting that, “These exchanges expand opportunities for dialogue, creativity, and long-term cooperation.”
This year’s programme has already featured the landmark LATINOAMERICANO exhibition at the National Museum of Qatar, staged in partnership with the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA). The critically acclaimed exhibition was the first large-scale presentation of Latin American art in the wider West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region and drew thousands of visitors.
Qatar Reads, an initiative led by Qatar National Library focused on encouraging a love of reading from an early age, is bringing Arabic tales to Argentina through storytelling workshops and the distribution of 1,000 reading kits, all translated to Spanish. An accompanying exhibition of 12 miniature-style paintings by Qatari artist Wadha Al Athba inspired by the Kalila wa Dimna book is on view at Biblioteca Ricardo Güiraldes through the end of October. The exchange is also building long-term relationships focused on innovation and economic diversification. Earlier this year, seven Argentinian start-ups travelled to Doha for Project Qatar where Argentina was honoured as the Guest Country by Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry. These companies showcased the forefront of Argentine innovation, ranging from biotechnology to blockchain, meeting with investors and government representatives to explore opportunities for global expansion. Through this collaboration, Years of Culture set a new precedent for how cultural exchange can intersect with economic opportunity.
