Doha, Qatar: Qatar Museums’ QC Talks programme is reinforcing Qatar’s position as a global meeting point for cultural dialogue and creative exchange by bringing together prominent international and local figures to explore contemporary issues shaping art, architecture, design and culture, according to the Editorial Director of QC Talks and Senior Advisor for Academic and Cultural Affairs at Qatar Museums, Dr. Jelena Trkulja.
Dr. Trkulja said the initiative, presented under the Qatar Creates umbrella, seeks to make cultural discussions more accessible to diverse audiences while promoting intellectual curiosity, creative engagement and meaningful exchanges of ideas.
She highlighted the programme’s significance within the Qatar Creates Fall/Winter 2026–2027 season, describing it as an important platform for connecting international perspectives with local interests and encouraging greater public participation in cultural conversations.
“QC Talks is Qatar Museums’ platform for conversations, presented under the Qatar Creates umbrella, bringing together leading voices from art, architecture, design, fashion, and culture for carefully curated, thought-provoking discussions,” she said.
“Our ambition is to connect international perspectives with local interests, making complex subjects stimulating yet approachable, while cultivating an increasingly engaged and curious audience in Qatar.”
Dr. Trkulja said this season’s programme featured six conversations covering a broad range of subjects, reflecting Qatar Museums’ commitment to engaging audiences with different interests and backgrounds.
She said that among the highlights was What Makes an Icon?, featuring Amir Berbić, Dean of VCUarts Qatar, alongside other panellists who explored why certain artworks, buildings and designs attain lasting cultural significance.
“Another discussion examined the contributions of H E Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Thani to collecting and championing Arab modern art, highlighting his influential role in promoting the region’s artistic heritage.”
“The programme also explored fashion and storytelling with designer Erdem Moralıoğlu, the often unseen processes behind major exhibitions, and Doha’s architectural transformation through a conversation featuring architect Ibrahim Al Jaidah and urban planning scholar Dr. Sultana Al-Nabet,” she said.
She added that the programme concluded with ‘Leading in Challenging Times’, a discussion between
H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and H H Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, focusing on the responsibilities and challenges of cultural leadership in today’s world.
“The breadth of topics is intentional. We want to offer something for everyone, appeal to different interests and backgrounds, and introduce QC Talks to new audiences while continuing to engage those who already follow the programme,” Dr. Trkulja said.
She emphasised that accessibility remains a central consideration in developing the programme, with discussions designed to appeal to audiences beyond professional and academic circles.
According to her, QC Talks prioritises dialogue over formal presentations, allowing complex subjects to be explored through personal experiences, practical examples and exchanges between speakers.
She noted that bringing internationally recognised personalities into direct conversation with local audiences creates opportunities for more immediate, personal and inclusive engagement.
Dr. Trkulja also underscored the importance of institutional partnerships in broadening the programme’s international reach and enriching its intellectual content.
She said Qatar Museums, under the leadership and vision of H E Sheikha Al Mayassa, remains committed to developing Qatar’s cultural and creative ecosystem, nurturing local talent and strengthening international cultural engagement and diplomacy.
“Our collaboration with Art Basel also extends these conversations beyond Qatar, contributing to a two-way cultural exchange and strengthening Doha’s position as a meeting point for ideas and creative voices from around the world,” she said.
Looking ahead, Dr. Trkulja said QC Talks would continue exploring new subjects and bringing together voices from different disciplines and generations, with particular emphasis on engaging younger audiences.
She stressed the importance of encouraging young people not only to attend cultural events but also to participate actively in discussions and develop their own perspectives on contemporary issues.
“Ultimately, I hope QC Talks becomes a place that audiences of all ages return to for inspiration, fresh perspectives, meaningful exchanges of ideas, and a sense of community,” she said.
