A unique display of poetry written in real times based on events happening in the city will be one of several interesting things to look forward during the ‘Qatar-British Festival 2019’ which will begin on November 18, said organisers yesterday.
The Qatar British Festival 2019, under the theme ‘People and Place’ to celebrate the strong and ongoing cultural relationship between Qatar and the UK, was officially launched at the Katara Cultural Village.
It was launched by British Ambassador to Qatar, Ajay Sharma, together with Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim AI Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara Cultural Village, and Sam Ayton, Director British Council Qatar, during a press meet. “The Qatar British Festival is a visible embodiment of the strong relationship between the UK and Qatar. The Festival is a celebration of our cultures and through the various events on the programme it provides a unique and vibrant way of bringing people together. We are delighted that we are holding the Festival for its sixth year,” said Sharma.
“Through the lens of public art, photography, music and film, it will examine the impact of place on us and in turn, our impact on place and the long-lasting, positive effects of artistic exchange between the people of Qatar and the people of the UK,” he added.
FROM LEFT: British Ambassador to Qatar, Ajay Sharma; General Manager of Katara Cultural Village Foundation, Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, and Director of British Council Qatar, Sam Ayton, during the official launch of the Sixth Annual Qata-British Festival 2019 at Katara, yesterday. Source: The Peninsula Qatar
Among several new features of the 2019 Festival, ‘Every Thing Every Time’ a public art installation by ‘Future Everything’. This is a ground-breaking installation which blurs art and technology. It is real-time digital writing that takes data from its position a city and turns it into a constantly changing poem about the location. The art by Naho Matsuda will be on display at Katara Cultural village and Qatar National Library between during the Festival.
As part of the Festival, ‘The Place I Call Home,’ a contemporary photography exhibition will explore the idea of ‘home,’ related to the experiences of young people living in the region and the UK at a time of rapid change and social mobility.
Another highlight of the Festival will be award-winning concert violinist, Savitri Grier perform two famous pieces by Edward Elgar, Enigma Variations and Violin Concerto, with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.
“We would like to strengthen the strong relations between Qatar and the UK through culture which we think is the best bridge between countries,” said Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim AI Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara Cultural Village.
The ‘Qatar British Festival 2019’ will conclude with the Qatar-UK Alumni Awards; a celebration of the enduring success cultural exchange can bring to societies, through education.
“Our birthplace, where and how we are schooled and the places we live, all make a lasting imprint on the people we are today. The theme of this year’s festival seeks to explore the intricate relationship between people and place and the enduring legacy that comes from cultural exchange,” said Sam Ayton, Director British Council Qatar.
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