Doha: Minister of Culture inaugurated the Freej Art and Design Festival, a significant cultural event that brings together over 100 local and international artists and designers. The festival aims to celebrate art and creativity through a variety of artistic styles, enriching Qatar’s art and cultural scene.
According to Qatar News Agency, Khalid bin Ahmed Al Obaidan, HE Chair of the Education, Culture, and Sports Committee in the Shura Council, emphasized the importance of art as the highest form of human expression. He praised the Ministry of Culture’s initiative in ensuring that all forms of visual art, including surrealism and classicism, have a platform. Al Obaidan highlighted the deep emotional significance of the name Al Freej, especially for Qataris in the 1960s and 1970s, and commended artist Youssef Ahmed’s exhibition for capturing this spirit.
In his speech at the launch of the book “Through the Eyes of Qatari Art,” Abdulrahman Abdullah Al Dulaimi, Director of the Department of Culture and Arts at
the Ministry of Culture, celebrated the addition of a new title to the art library. He noted that the book immortalizes the journeys and experiences of pioneering visual artists and creates a lasting legacy for future generations. Al Dulaimi reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to creativity and innovation in culture and arts.
The book is described as a unique artistic and creative innovation, incorporating QR Code technology that allows readers to engage with artists by viewing videos of them discussing their art and experiences. It features the experiences of pioneering artists such as Jassim Zaini, Hassan Al Mulla, Wafiqa Sultan, Youssef Ahmed, and others.
Artist Youssef Ahmed expressed his enthusiasm for the Freej Art and Design Festival, describing it as a long-awaited dream for artists. His personal exhibition, part of the festival, is set in a house with traditional Qatari design and features elements that visually captivate him. The festival includes various sec
tions such as art exhibitions, theatrical performances, workshops, cultural seminars, and children’s art workshops, all aimed at celebrating and enriching Qatar’s cultural landscape.
