The opening ceremony of the gallery “Friends Under the Roof of Art”
Written by Youness Maimoun
13 December 2024
Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Thani is a prominent figure in Qatar's ruling family and plays an important role in supporting and promoting arts and culture in the country. Sheikh Hassan has a special interest in visual arts and culture in general, and he actively participates in various art exhibitions and events held in Qatar. His presence at these events represents significant support for the artistic scene in the country and contributes to fostering connections between Qatari and international artists, reflecting Qatar's vision of integrating culture and art into its national identity.
Regarding his participation in exhibitions in Qatar, Sheikh Hassan has been involved in many events aimed at showcasing the development of the arts in Qatar and the Gulf region. One of the notable exhibitions he has participated in "Al-Hosh Exhibition," an important cultural event in Qatar that highlights contemporary art and brings together local and international artists on one platform. Through his involvement in this and other events, Sheikh Hassan continuously supports visual arts and contributes to the growth of the artistic environment in Qatar, enhancing its position as a leading cultural hub.
Over the years, Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Thani has provided substantial support for artistic activities, whether through personal participation or by encouraging cultural institutions to develop a sustainable artistic scene. This support includes funding exhibitions, providing platforms for local artists to express themselves, and promoting contemporary arts, thus fostering creativity and innovation in fields such as photography, sculpture, digital arts, and more.
Sheikha Al-Mayassa Bint Hamad Al Thani, who is now responsible for art and culture in Qatar, has taken the baton from Sheikh Hassan in this field. As the Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Arts and Education, Sheikha Al-Mayassa plays a major role in guiding Qatar's cultural policy and has worked to develop the global artistic scene by organizing international events such as "Doha Art" and others. Under her leadership, Qatar has become an important platform for contemporary art at both the regional and global levels.
Sheikha Al-Mayassa continues to support Qatari and international artists and contributes to the establishment of museums and cultural centers like the "Museum of Islamic Art" and the "National Museum of Qatar." She also strives to integrate art into the daily lives of Qatari citizens and residents through innovative events and workshops.
While Sheikh Hassan's active involvement in art exhibitions was characterized by encouragement and development, it is Sheikha Al-Mayassa who now leads many initiatives that contribute to transforming Qatar into a global cultural and artistic center.