By Raynald C Rivera
DOHA: The Qatar China 2016 Year of Culture will be launched on Sunday at Katara Drama Theatre, with entertainment and performances organised in cooperation with China’s Ministry of Culture.
Mohammed Al Othman, Director, Public and International Relations, Qatar Museums (QM), announced this at a press conference at Shangri-La Hotel Doha yesterday, jointly held by Chinese Ambassador Li Chen.
He said activities and events have been lined up year round in both countries, including world-class art exhibitions, sporting activities, a photography journey exchange, Chinese film screenings and an open-air Chinese Festival featuring music, performances, crafts and food from different regions of China.
Two major exhibitions will open in March -- ‘What About the Art?’, a showcase of contemporary Chinese artists at Al Riwaq Gallery and ‘Silks from the Silk Road - Chinese Silk Art’ exhibition at QM Gallery at Katara.
‘What About Art’ will be curated by internationally acclaimed New York-based Chinese artist Cai Guo Qiang who held a solo show in at Mathaf Arab Museum of Modern Art in 2011.
“While Qatar and China are different places with different cultures, we share in common the fact that we are civilisations striving to balance progress and heritage in the context of the modern world,” said Al Othman.
He stressed common values shared by both countries “based on respect for family, education, hospitality and cultural curiosity. There are also strong economic ties and positive diplomatic relations that date back to the 1980s.
“It is our firm belief that the year will help show Qatar is open to the world, demonstrating our appeal as a cultural destination; promote China in Qatar; and promote improved intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding between the two historic cultures,” added Al Othman.
Chen said: “Holding the Year of Culture is an important step in promoting development of bilateral relations and I’m sure that by holding the Year of Culture, the mutual understanding between our two peoples will be enhanced greatly.”
He said as relations between China and Qatar expand, more and more Chinese people are coming to Qatar.
“In November 2014, Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visited China and our two leaders signed an agreement to establish a strategic partnership that will continue to promote bilateral relations, which are comprehensive -- not only politically and economically strong but also we expanded to culture, education and other aspects,” Chen said.
The Peninsula
