- “Partnership in Arts Learning: Museum, School and Community” held at the Museum of Islamic Art from 11-12 October, 2009.
- Conference attracted more than 200 delegates including teachers, academics, researchers and local artists.
- Invited speakers at the conference come from Qatar and several other countries: Egypt, UAE, Jordan, Sudan, UK and USA.

Doha 12 October, 2009 – The first academic conference at the Education Centre at the Museum of Islamic Art was launched yesterday in the presence of H.E. Hamad Bin Abdul Aziz Al Kuwari, Minister of Culture and H.E. Sheikh Hassan Bin Mohammad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Museums Authority. Over 200 delegates from local schools, art institutions and universities attended the conference. 

The conference commenced with a welcome from Mr Abdulla Al Najjar, CEO of Qatar Museums Authority in which he emphasized the importance of solidifying the relationship between schools and museums to offer an integrated educational experience.  He later invited H.E. Sheikh Hassan Bin Mohammad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Museums Authority to deliver his welcome address which stated the ambition of Qatar Museums Authority to promote the appreciation of Islamic art through education.  

Following the welcome session, Dr Roger Mandle, Executive Director of Qatar Museums Authority offered an introduction to the topic of the first day with a brief analysis of the challenges facing art education and appreciation as a result of technology advances.

The general theme of the lectures emphasized the importance of implementing policies that allow museums to offer unique educational programs. As such, panelists at the conference focused on a variety of topics ranging from museum education policy to methods to artistically inspire youth.

A video by Dee Dee Dewar, Artist in Residence at the Museum of Islamic Art titled “Arts and Young Minds” demonstrated to the audience creative ways in which to integrate art in education.  Also, Dr Pamela Erskine-Loftus shared her previous experience at Sharjah Museums Department to illustrate the importance of involving the local community in museum education programs.

Other lecturers shared their personal experiences with the audience but the general consensus revolved around the utmost importance of connecting museums with their surrounding communities.

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For further information, please contact Omar Chaikhouni, Manager of Public Relations and Information at Qatar Museums Authority Tel. +9744224608 or email mchaikhouni@qma.com.qa