Cultural diplomacy creates space for dialogue when politics falters: Sheikha Al Mayassa

In a conversation titled "Culture as Diplomat," Sheikha Al Mayassa, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, highlighted the crucial role of cultural institutions in fostering international relationships and understanding, particularly when political diplomacy encounters difficulties. At the Qatar Creates Talks session, Sheikha Al Mayassa, alongside Anne-Claire Legendre from the Institut du monde arabe in Paris, discussed how cultural diplomacy could supplement political efforts, creating spaces for dialogue even when formal political engagement becomes challenging.

Sheikha Al Mayassa explained that her transition from a diplomatic career to cultural leadership was not a departure, but a new form of engagement, encouraged by her father's emphasis on human development and public service. She emphasized that cultural institutions, like museums, offer unique platforms for international engagement, starting with curiosity and the desire to understand others on a human level. This curiosity-driven approach to cultural relations can persist even when political conversations come to a halt.

Qatar's cultural diplomacy initiatives in Latin America, such as visits to Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, serve as examples of how cultural engagement can foster collaboration and deeper understanding. Legendre, with her background in diplomacy, discussed her shift to the IMA, noting that while her early interest in literature and Arabic shaped her understanding of culture's role in building empathy, her diplomatic career revealed the limitations of traditional diplomacy in addressing certain social and cultural issues.

Both speakers argued against rigid categorisations, stressing the importance of recognising the diversity within the Arab world and its diasporas. They emphasized that cultural institutions should provide platforms for talented artists based on the quality of their work, rather than identity-based categorisation. Sheikha Al Mayassa also stressed the role of cultural institutions in the digital age, urging parents to take their children to museums to develop curiosity and critical thinking about online information.

While acknowledging the limits of cultural diplomacy, Sheikha Al Mayassa noted that cultural institutions can maintain relationships when political channels are constrained. She cited cultural exchanges with countries where political engagement may have been difficult, highlighting how museums and cultural institutions can facilitate conversations through exhibitions, loans, and artistic collaborations.

She also recalled Qatar's approach during periods of political tension, underscoring that artists and creators should not be treated as representatives of political disputes. The conversation concluded by reflecting on Qatar's Years of Culture initiative, framed as a response to the need for sustained cultural engagement to bridge understanding between countries and communities.