Commenting on this occasion, H.E. Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani, said:
“We are overwhelmed to receive such a stupendous response for “Majlis – Cultures in Dialogue” event in Paris. The city is known to be a connoisseur of global art & culture and the success of this event very well resonates with its inherent philosophy of spreading peace by way of artefacts, handicrafts, arts and songs. By taking this event to various parts of the globe, we intent to spread the message of hope and positivity, by way of breath-taking artistic displays, to the global canvas and encourage visitors to respond to what they see by sharing their own stories, creating dialogue between East and West, between young and old, within a real Majlis seating. This event has also positioned Qatar firmly on the global map and reaffirmed its strength to the global audience.”
From her part, Dr. Anna Paolini, Director of UNESCO Doha Office, said:
“The Majlis – Cultures in Dialogue in Paris truly exemplifies how art can perfectly play the role of a critical enabler in building bilateral ties. In sync with the philosophy that Museums play a decisive role in strengthening the creative economy locally and regionally, we take immense pride in associating with this noble cause and such an exemplary initiative. Qatar possesses a great culture and it needed to be projected in the right way and the right place; hence the Majlis which did an excellent job in propagating the very notion of blending art with business to drive future growth.”
On his part, Mr. Andrew Faulkner, Chairman and Managing Director of Qatar Shell, said:
“This exhibition will help to build awareness of Qatar’s commitment to promoting outreach, openness, and integration through the nation’s cultural heritage, while also linking this heritage to those of other peoples and civilizations. Qatar Shell is proud to support such an initiative.”
For his part, QNB Group Acting CEO, Abdulla Mubarak Al Khalifa, said:
“Throughout the years, QNB Group has supported many initiatives and events that promote the rich heritage of our beloved nation, and we are very happy to help make The Majlis – Cultures in Dialogue initiative happen and continue on this path, through providing our Local sponsorship. QNB believes that culture and art communicate across barriers of language and bridges communities. By sharing the roots and values of the Qatari people with other communities outside Qatar, we can all contribute to bridging cultural understanding, promoting a peaceful co-existence, and achieving prosperity for all.”
His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman of Katara Hospitality, said:
"We are proud to host the gala dinner for the grand dignitaries attending The Majlis - Cultures in Dialogue exhibition opening ceremony. This is such a unique endeavor being held under the patronage of his Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of The State of Qatar, and her Excellency Mme. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO to bind two regions together. The Gala Night facilitated networking opportunities for the like-minded people to connect over cultural matters, moreover to discuss and deliberate upon the key role museums play in showcasing a region's cultural prowess.”
Noted composer, Dana Al Fardan, said:
“I am honored to contribute a piece of music dedicated to bridging cultures and promoting dialogue. Music is a universal language that transcends physical and cultural barriers, creating shared values and experiences that enrich the human spirit and condition. I am proud and honored to participate in this noble cause to unite humanity through the arts. This piece was composed to highlight historical commonalities between civilizations around the world. The musical features of this composition resonate between Eastern as well as Western cultural movements and traditions, with the intention of bridging the gap, and invoking a heritage based on inclusion”.
The exhibition is only the beginning of a much bigger project to connect people, beliefs and cultures by creating opportunities for respectful, yet incisive dialogues to take place. The project envisions to create a platform where relevant cultural aspects can be discussed, and original perspectives can be generated through collective thinking. The aim is to initiate meaningful connections between people and cultures and stimulate enriched dialogue around the world.
The Majlis – Cultures in Dialogue is a visitor’s experience that reveals how global perspectives can vary depending on the position of the viewer. Following Paris, the exhibition will visit several countries, including Austria, Germany, Spain, Turkey, and the UK. The tour will also include the United States by 2021.
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