Qatar Museums Chairperson Joins Institut du Monde Arabe President for Public Dialogue

The Qatar Creates Talks event brought together HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums' Board of Trustees, and Anne-Claire Legendre, President of the Institut du monde arabe in Paris, for a public panel titled "Culture and Diplomacy: The Role of Cultural Institutions in Advancing Dialogue and International Understanding" at the Museum of Islamic Art auditorium.

The discussion, moderated by academic, researcher and author Dr Safwan Masri, explored the role of museums, exhibitions and artistic partnerships in deepening understanding between societies and building lasting relationships whose impact extends beyond individual cultural events.

Held in collaboration with Qatar Creates and the Institut du monde arabe, with support from the Embassy of the French Republic in Qatar and the French Institute, the discussion examined how cultural institutions can create opportunities for dialogue and trust-building, complement diplomatic efforts and strengthen connections between peoples.

During the discussion, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa said: "Culture begins with curiosity. It encourages you to learn about others and connect with them on a deeper and more human level. Throughout history and to this day, when political dialogue stops, cultural dialogue can continue."

Anne-Claire Legendre, President of the Institut du monde arabe in Paris, discussed the role of culture in strengthening mutual understanding and enabling dialogue between people with different perspectives.

Legendre said: "Culture has the ability to reach much deeper levels because it speaks to our humanity and emotions. We must invest in positive emotions because they play an essential role in building dialogue and understanding."

Legendre has served as President of the Institut du monde arabe since February 2026 and is the first woman to hold the position.

The event forms part of the Qatar Creates programme's Fall/Winter 2026-2027 season, bringing together leading cultural-sector figures, artists, thinkers and members of the public to discuss culture and its place in society while enabling the exchange of ideas and expertise across different disciplines and generations.

Source: QNA

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