HE Sheikha Al Mayassa and Anne-Claire Legendre to Headline QC Talks Event

On September 24, the Qatar Museums Chairperson H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani and Paris-based Institut du monde arabe President Anne-Claire Legendre will convene for a public discussion titled "Culture as Diplomat: How Cultural Institutions Shape International Relationships." The event, moderated by Dr. Safwan Masri, will be held at the Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium at 11am.

The dialogue will delve into the role of cultural institutions in fostering international relations and deepening understanding among communities. Legendre and Al Mayassa will share their insights on how museums, exhibitions, and artistic collaborations can bridge gaps between societies and create lasting connections.

Legendre, who has helmed the Institut du monde arabe since February 2026, is the first woman to hold the position. Prior to this role, she served as Ambassador of France to Kuwait, North Africa, and the Middle East, as well as an advisor to the French President and spokesperson for the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Al Mayassa, Qatar's most prominent art patron, emphasized the importance of culture in enhancing quality of life and fostering reflection and connection. She expressed enthusiasm for exploring how cultural institutions can make these experiences more accessible and build enduring relationships through exchange and understanding.

Legendre echoed this sentiment, highlighting the shared purpose of diplomacy and culture in promoting dialogue and mutual understanding. She noted that cultural institutions can introduce societies to one another through artists, ideas, histories, and experiences, paving the way for new channels of conversation and cooperation between Qatar, France, and the wider Arab world.