Under the patronage of his Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of The State of Qatar
 
Doha, Qatar, January 21, 2019:  Following its successful voyage to the Grandmaster's Palace in Valetta, Malta and to UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, “The Majlis – Cultures in Dialogue”, a traveling cross-cultural exhibition that features a collection of the Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani Museum – a unique assembly of artefacts reflecting the interaction of civilizations in the past while encouraging dialogue in the present – moves to its next and third stop – Institut Du Monde Arabe in Paris, which opened to the public on January 8, 2019 and will remain on view through March 10, 2019. The cross-cultural exhibition will be showcasing carefully selected objects that illustrate different levels of culture while expanding the horizons of our understanding of other people and places and will be enriched by an open space for intriguing panel discussions.

A new feature to the exhibition in the Institut Du Monde Arabe is the fact that it is enriched by contemporary art from the Institute’s collection. Whilst the ancient antiques present the history of cultural integration, the new collection of contemporary art emphasizes the continuity and uninterruptedness of the inter-cultural dialogue, throughout the history.

The highly esteemed Institut Du Monde Arabe is the perfect spot for this exhibition, since it was designed to create strong and durable cultural ties while cultivating constructive dialogue between the Arab World, France, and Europe. This cross-disciplinary space is the ideal place for the development of cultural projects, in collaboration with institutions, creators and thinkers from the Arab world and intends to make a distinctive contribution to the institutional cultural landscape. Additionally, to make the next generation aware about the impressive art forms and strong culture that Qatar displays, major emphasis will be placed on making the event accessible to school children and university students.  

Commenting on this occasion, H.E. Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Bin Faisal Al Thani, said:
“Since its inception, the intent of this travelling cross-cultural exhibition has been to spread the message of peace, prosperity, understanding each other’s cultures, believing in co-existence and becoming more tolerant. With this exhibition, we want to focus on the similarities that bind us as human beings belonging to different religions and cultures. These objectives are being perfectly enhanced in the artefacts, which we have selected to be displayed at the Institut Du Monde Arabe. It will actively serve the role of keeping alive the history, culture and traditions for the next generations to learn and draw from, as well as helping promote and sustain cultural dialogue in the different countries we will be visiting.'

On his part, Mr. Andrew Faulkner, Chairman and Managing Director of Qatar Shell, said:
“Qatar Shell is proud to be associated with The Majlis – Cultures in Dialogues journey, demonstrating our aim to foster dialogue and understanding between Qatar and the world. Our contributions to the State of Qatar stretch well beyond our direct assets and projects; therefore, it is through our Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, in collaboration with our local partners, we take pride in supporting events that showcases Qatar’s commitment to promoting outreach, openness and integration through the nation’s cultural heritage.”

 Dr. Anna Paolini, Director of UNESCO Doha Office, said :
“The previous showcases in Malta and UNESCO headquarter in Paris have proved that art and culture have their own importance in bringing peace and prosperity globally. Our inherent objective of fructifying this through museums has only spelt good for The Majlis – Cultures in Dialogue entourage. Our association with this unique initiative and Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museums has been able to chart an unparalleled course in exploring the rich history of Qatar and bringing it to people across the globe. Our next display at Institut du Monde Arabe is all set to offer an exhilarating experience to art connoisseurs and in making sure that we are able to reach out to people in large numbers and project Qatari artefacts in the best formats it deserves.”       

“The Majlis – Cultures in Dialogue” will travel to several European countries, showcasing a unique collection that reflects the interplay of civilizations in order to foster intercultural dialogue and a spirit of understanding, harmony and peace among peoples. The tangible, intangible and documentary heritage of all peoples – their artefacts, handicrafts, arts and songs – are central to the existence of a cultured and civilized dialogue among nations. Artefacts contain all sorts of knowledge about the ideas and cultures that nations produce; they tell us stories about social and religious phenomena as well as the customs and traditions that have prevailed in the lives of different people.