Qatar and its ambition to become the "artistic mecca" of the Middle East.

Pioneering this initiative, Qatar Museums, a state-run entity affiliated with several Qatari national cultural organizations, stated that over 40 works displayed in public spaces are new, commissioned pieces by Qatari and international artists. In a press release, they said they aim to transform the local urban landscape into "a vast, open-air art museum experience."

"While the rest of the world is looking to Doha, we believe that showcasing the beauty of local art is one of the best ways to promote our country's image to the world," shared Abdulrahman Ahmed Al-Ishaq, Director of Public Arts at the Qatar Museum.

Art exhibition

The installation of spaces for the artworks has been carried out quickly, and large-scale pieces will appear in public squares, shopping malls, schools, sports centers, train stations, Hamad International Airport, as well as several stadiums set to host World Cup 2022 matches.

"All the artworks we are exhibiting are relevant to the context of Doha and Qatar," Al-Ishaq said. "Each piece will reflect different aspects of our country." One example is the artwork "Falcon."(Eagle)A gold abstract sculpture by Dutch sculptor Tom Claassen stands outside Hamad International Airport – a depiction of Qatar's national bird that was recently exhibited this summer. Near the National Theatre is the "Two Orchids" monument.(Two orchids)By German artist Isa Genzken, this large sculpture is considered an idealized version of a plant symbolizing the relationship between architecture, nature, and popular culture.

Al-Ishaq also stated that placing Genzken's "Two Orchids" in the garden of the National Theatre was because it is one of the city's oldest architectural works, associated with the beauty and elegance of art, and Genzken's orchid would serve as a symbol to enhance the inherent beauty of the theatre.

Although the full list of artists and works on display has not yet been announced, many well-known and talented names from both Qatar and other countries have been confirmed. Among them are Ahmed Al Bahrani, an Iraqi sculptor living in exile in Qatar, known for his works that strongly reflect the political themes of the Arab community, such as war, migration, and remembrance, and Faraj Daham, who focuses on changes in national architecture and urban development and the economic, political, and social consequences arising from those changes.

In addition, there will be appearances from several talented individuals such as: Simone Fattal - a renowned American artist of Lebanese descent known for her works on war, migration, landscapes, religion, and ancient mythology; and Shua'a Ali - a Qatari visual artist, who will also debut her first work before them - an abstract sculpture titled "Tawazun".(an Arabic word meaning "balance").

"Tawazun" consists of stacked stone details representing the country's "progress" and the "balance" between traditional and modern elements in daily life. Ali shared that she feels incredibly proud and honored that her work will be displayed in the heart of Doha, a great opportunity for her and "Tawazun" to reach a global audience. "Public art programs create a solid foundation for artists and creators to thrive in the future."

"Art sanctuary"

The road to the 2022 World Cup is not far off; however, ahead of this prestigious football championship, Qatar has faced criticism regarding its unfair treatment of migrant workers and its anti-gay laws. Last November, to address the issue of discriminatory laws against homosexuals, Nassar Al Khater, CEO of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, told CNN that no one should feel threatened when visiting Qatar. "Qatar is a country full of love and immense hospitality; our doors will always be open to welcome you."

And of course, cultural promotion initiatives such as public art programs are also an important part of helping the world change its perception of Qatar. Al-Ishaq said: "This program is being implemented with the aim of providing a holistic view of our identity and culture, whether in the past or present. It is an invitation for the world to turn its attention to Qatar – a country with its own unique beauty, not just because of the 2022 World Cup."

The public art program first launched in 2013 with a series of artworks including "The Miraculous Journey".(A miraculous journey)The controversial installation by British artist Damien Hirst featured 14 bronze sculptures depicting a fetus from conception to birth at the Sidra Medical and Research Centre. The piece showed sperm fertilizing an egg next to a giant, naked boy. Following outrage on social media, the work was revised in 2018.

Ali Hassan, the artist behind "Desert Horse," shared: "The fact that my work has left its mark on such important landmarks is beyond description for a Qatari artist. This not only holds immense significance for the local community but also allows the global public to admire the artistic beauty of Qatar."

The program has also been expanded to include more contemporary artists and local residents, including a call to action for students, encouraging young people to create temporary public art from recycled materials.

"The widespread public participation has brought people closer to art, making them feel freer and more comfortable than if they had to go to a museum to admire the works," Al-Ishaq said. "Our goal in all related projects is to make art a part of Qatar's urban fabric."

However, the country's plans go far beyond that. "We want Qatar to become the main arts center of the region," Al-Ishaq said, "To become the artistic mecca of the Middle East."

Khanh Ha