Doha, Qatar, 13 May 2019:  As part of the new Cultural Heritage Law project, Qatar Museums (QM)and University College London (UCL) Qatar are inviting local artists and designers to submit creative ideas that will be used to officially represent the project.

Under the visionary guidance of QM Chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, QM and UCL Qatar are working together to further protect and promote Qatar’s history and culture by drafting a new legal framework aligned with internationally recognised standards.

In doing so, the two organisations will help the country realise the ambitions of the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) and enhance the country’s reputation as a leading cultural centre in the region and internationally.

The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the Fire Station: Artists in Residence, a member of Qatar Museums, which has long sought to support and promote emerging artistic talents from Qataris and residents through various art programmes since 2015. 

Commenting on their participation in this initiative, Mr. Khalifa Al Obaidly, Director of the Fire Station, said: “The initiative demonstrates a commitment to nurture emerging artistic talent and build on a long tradition of arts patronage in Qatar. We’re working with UCL Qatar on this project, which seeks to involve the Qatari community and residents. Enabling everyone to participate in this competition stems from QM’s vision to enrich the lives of all those who live in Qatar through a culture that breeds creativity and innovation.” 

Qatari nationals and residents who want to take part in this landmark project are being asked to submit creative ideas. The winning design will become the ‘official gift’, handed out to international experts or senior members of the project.  

Dr Martina Renzi, Scientific Project Manager QM-UCL Qatar Cultural Heritage Law Project, said: “This is a nationally important project for the State of Qatar and we want members of the public to be involved. For this competition, we are looking for an evocative and unique design that will be front and centre of the project – the winning idea will be used to thank contributors to the project, both local and international, and become a token of appreciation for all VIPs involved. So, if you’ve got a good idea, we want to hear from you!”

Dr Renzi continued: “We really want participants to reflect their own feeling and understanding of Qatar’s national heritage and how it needs to be protected. We want people to be original, creative and innovative.”

Designs will be reviewed by a committee made up of senior representatives from QM, UCL Qatar and others from the arts and culture scene in Qatar. Five artists will then be selected to provide a sample of their work, from which a winner will be chosen.

Participants must be Qatari nationals or residents and must submit both the design of the item and a description of the idea behind the design. 

In the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan, the deadline for submission has been extended until May 27th, 2019.