Doha: On May 8 each year, the world observes the International Museum Day as endorsed by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1977 to highlight the vital role of museums as cultural institutions that preserve tangible and intangible data.
UNESCO is set to celebrate the International Museum Day 2024 on Saturday under the theme: “Museums for Education and Research”, in collaboration with ICOM to underscore the importance of cultural institutions in providing an overarching educational experience.
To mark this occasion, a coterie of officials working in museums and education sectors highlighted to Qatar News Agency the significance of integrated roles among those institutions to build knowledge and promote innovative and critical thinking, since the celebration of education and research this year is considered a rational occasion to urge all partners to dedicate an exploration platform and spreading in
novative ideas.
Deputy Director of Learning and Outreach at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Salem Abdullah Al Aswad told QNA that the functions of museums are not merely devoted to preserving and archeological artifacts, but rather posing as cultural and educational centers. He pointed out that MIA always strives to dutifully upgrade programmes to be in line with the educational curricula at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), in addition to setting programmes that broaden the horizons of participants and imbue them with knowledge on Islamic arts.
The MIA organizes a series of programmes, foremost of which are the programmes of discover which is organized for Qatari artists during their foreign trips to get familiarized with the Islamic arts, along with the ambassador of museum for secondary school students, et al, he pointed out. He added that there are myriad programmes that overtly target all educational phases through pursuing a whole -of -government approach in organizing these pro
grammes.
To mark this day, Al Aswad added that the MIA is set to hold a major workshop on the Islamic decorative patterns in collaboration with the geometric drawing artist Eng. Adam Williamson under the theme: “International Museum Day: Shapes and Structures” that will explore building 3D structures found in architecture and patterns inspired by Islamic art. The participants will work together to build a structure of hundreds of sticks and other materials inspired by Islamic patterns. It is open to all age groups and will be organized at the lobby of the MIA on May 22.
For his part, Director of the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum 3-2-1 Abdullah Yousef Al Mulla emphasized the importance of museums in raising awareness among community members, fostering a museum culture, and preserving the legacy for future generations. This, he noted, is achieved through collaboration with various scientific, research, and museum institutions, such as Qatar University and Hamad Bin Khalifa University under the Qatar Foundat
ion for Education, Science, and Community Development. In a statement to Qatar News Agency , Al Mulla said that the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum 3-2-1 always stressed three messages to visitors: First, that the museum is a beacon and a cultural and educational center. Second, the role of the state is to invest in Qatari talent to create a generation capable of leading creative efforts in organizing various events, and utilizing infrastructure such as roads and facilities to serve hosting needs optimally. Third, to showcase the significant legacy gained through hosting international championships and events.” He added that, based on the partnerships between Qatar Museums and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, there is a focus on ensuring that museums play a vital role in enriching the educational process and fostering a museum exploration culture within the community. He noted that this includes highlighting achievements that connect the past with the present and building for the future through
advanced scientific programs and activities that raise awareness across various age groups. Al Mulla also highlighted that Qatar Museums plays a significant role in supporting Qatar’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, affirming the country’s readiness. He pointed out that the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum 3-2-1 is a member of the global museum network under the International Olympic Committee and has agreements with international museums. Researchers can access necessary information through the museum, which houses a library with more than 8,000 sports-related books, covering ancient, medieval, and modern history. Assistant Director of Virginia Commonwealth University Dr. Othman Mohammed Khunji meanwhile highlighted in a similar statement to QNA that universities, academic institutions, and museums share common goals and support learning and research processes. He said that, over the years, Virginia Commonwealth University has consistently graduated cohorts of students who now work in various sectors, inc
luding museums, and that the university takes pride in that and in its students’ projects. Senior Kindergarten Guidance Expert at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Samira Malallah Al Harami emphasized the importance of enriching the educational process through museums. She noted that students benefit from various workshops and training sessions where they learn scientific research methods and familiarize themselves with museum collections. She pointed out that the educational process is a complementary one between education and museums, and that it is not limited to lessons in textbooks but is also enhanced by field visits. Al Harami highlighted that many curricula include lessons about museums, where visual learning in museums plays a significant role in reinforcing information, as evidenced by scientific studies.
Source: Qatar News Agency
