Ministry staff join Qom’a Guinness World Records attempt at Mathaf

A large-scale community art project at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is bringing together thousands of people across Qatar to create a sculpture from reclaimed materials as part of a Guinness World Records attempt.

Known as Qom’a, the initiative aims to involve 20,000 participants in collectively creating one papier-mâché artwork.

Employees from Qatar’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change have also participated in building the sculpture as part of the Ministry’s support for the initiative.

What is Qom’a?

Qom’a is a community art project developed by Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art.

Participants take part in hands-on workshops to prepare and shape papier-mâché made from reclaimed palm material and recycled pages from Mathaf’s previous exhibition catalogues.

The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Ministry of Municipality.

Its aim is to combine art, community participation and sustainability while encouraging greater awareness of recycling and the reuse of discarded materials.

A Guinness World Records attempt

Qatar Museums describes Qom’a as a Guinness World Records attempt for the most contributions to a paper mâché sculpture.

The project is also intended to become the world’s largest bio-based, community-built papier-mâché sculpture.

Why is it called Qom’a?

The name Qom’a comes from the Arabic term for the small cap connecting a date fruit to its stalk.

The sculpture draws inspiration from this familiar element of Qatar’s natural and cultural landscape.

Its concept was developed by school students through workshops led by Mathaf’s Learning and Outreach Department, drawing on the museum’s history, architecture and collection.

How can the public take part?

Participation remains open at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art until November 19.

Workshops run from 9am to 4pm, except Fridays, and participation is free with registration required.

Individuals and families of all ages, abilities and backgrounds are invited to contribute to the collective artwork.

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