Culture keeps dialogue alive when politics stops, says Sheikha Al Mayassa

Qatar's cultural institutions have a unique ability to maintain communication and relationships when political channels are closed, according to Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, chairperson of Qatar Museums. She emphasized the vital role of culture in building trust, credibility, and enduring international connections among people around the world.

At the 'QC Talks' session titled "Culture as Diplomat: How Cultural Institutions Shape International Relationships," Sheikha Al Mayassa highlighted that cultural diplomacy should complement political diplomacy, not replace it, especially when formal dialogue becomes challenging. Speaking alongside Anne-Claire Legendre, president of the Institut du monde arabe in Paris, and moderated by Dr Safwan Masri, Sheikha Al Mayassa explained that culture serves as a space to discover and understand others beyond political agendas.

During the discussion, she drew from Qatar's experience during a blockade, where despite political challenges, cultural ties with artists from involved countries remained intact. Qatar continued to support artists, produce films, stage exhibitions, and maintain cultural exchanges without punishing creators due to political circumstances.

She stressed that political crises are temporary, while human connections persist. Sheikha Al Mayassa also cited examples of Qatar engaging in cultural initiatives with Iran and facilitating loans between institutions under political constraints. Cultural diplomacy and political diplomacy, she noted, are interconnected, with credibility being the ultimate goal.

This credibility is built through consistency in commitments, a principle she learned from her father: "Your work is your contract." Sheikha Al Mayassa further discussed Qatar's broader efforts to boost regional creatives' confidence and global visibility through various cultural platforms. Legendre pointed out that cultural institutions can challenge the notion of a unified Arab identity, drawing from the long history of Arab influence on France and the rich diversity within Arab communities.

The conversation also addressed the impact of fragmented information on younger generations through social media, with Sheikha Al Mayassa advocating for museums to provide historical context through art and archives. She encouraged parents to take their children to museums for learning experiences. Presented in collaboration with Qatar Creates and the Institut du monde arabe, this conversation was part of Qatar Creates' Fall/Winter 2026/2027 season, emphasizing the pivotal role of cultural institutions in fostering dialogue, trust, and connections between people beyond political boundaries.