On Thursday, July 2, 2020, the Committee for Artworks signed new contracts with Qatari artists to submit artworks and sculptures proposals in various locations within the Development and Beautification Projects of Doha Central and Corniche, which are implemented by the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar at the Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’. The Committee of Artwork includes members from the main committee at Ashghal, Qatar Museums, the Ministry of Culture and Sports, and the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME).
The signing of contracts was attended by Engineer Yousef Al Emadi, Projects Affairs Director at Ashghal, Engineer Mohammed Arqoub Al Khaldi, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar at Ashghal, and Engineer Sara Kafood, a member of the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar, in addition to Qatari artists, including artist Hassan Al Mulla, artist Salman Al Malik, artist Ali Hassan, artist Wafika Al Eissa, artist Mohammed Al Ateeq and artist Jameela Al Shuraim . During the signing of the contracts, social distancing was observed, and all precautions were taken to ensure the safety of all in light of the Corona pandemic crisis.
On this occasion, Engineer Yousef Al Emadi, Projects Affairs Director at Ashghal, said that contracts signed today as part of the development and beautification projects of Central Doha area, which aims to develop public spaces, sites and streets, raise their aesthetic value and transform the entire area into a tourist attraction. He added that the works and artistic designs resulting from the new contracts would create a distinctive spirit for the area with a special look matching its nature and special design.
Engineer Mohammed Arqoub Al Khaldi, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar said that the Committee for Artwork aims to enhance the artistic culture of the people in the State of Qatar, and to highlight the Qatari identity in the field of art and sculpture, by employing artistic creativity and innovative production for Qatari talents and residents talents in Qatar. He added that the committee formed through cooperation between four government entities with the aim of working to implement artworks, murals and art sculptures to enrich cities and roads with distinctive aesthetic manifestations.
Engineer Abdulrahman Al Ishaq, Head of Public Arts Section at Qatar Museums and Head of Technical Committee at the Committee of Artwork pointed out the importance of cooperation between different government entities to achieve common goals, where work was done to attract and involve the largest possible number of artists and creators to participate in the Development and Beautification Projects of Doha Central and create a special outlook that makes it an open museum rich in artist’s artwork.
Engineer Sara Kafood, Designs Manager at Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar, said that the contracts were signed with Qatari Artists to submit preliminary artwork proposals for sculptures and murals that reflect the identity of Qatar in the eyes of its citizens and top add the imprint of Qatari artists in the area. She added that there would be different locations in many several areas in Qatar, which will be announced later in conjunction with the project schedule, in coordination with Qatar Museums, MME and the Ministry of Culture.
Artist Hassan Al Mulla declared that he would work hard to present an artwork that matches the nature of the project, and added that the artworks implemented in those areas should be designed to integrate with the surrounding environment and attract visitors to it.
Artist Salman Al Malik expressed his happiness with the support of the committee for the Qatari artists and their involvement in the implementation of murals and artwork in important areas in the country. He expressed his pride to be invited to sign this contract to provide artistic, cultural and intellectual services related to arts and sculptures that are in line with the nature of the place.
Artist Ali Hassan said that he would like to thank the committee for inviting me to submit artwork proposal for one of the projects in Qatar. The proposed sites should be studied well to provide artwork that are integrated with them and we will all work together to make our country beautiful.
Artist Wafika Al Eissa said that she was pleased to sign the contract and to be chosen to participate in submitting proposals for murals and artwork for areas in Qatar, adding that it is important to educate the public about the importance of having artworks that give a distinctive aesthetic spirit to roads and sites, it also contributes to linking the artwork to the area mentally.
Artist Mohammed al Ateeq pointed out that Qatar has its unique character and cultural heritage, so the implementation of sculptures and works of art related to this character will certainly enhance the overall aesthetic appearance. He added that he had always aspired to make his mark on the land of his beloved country Qatar.
Artist Jameela Al Shuraim said that she is delighted to be invited to participate in the submitting artworks proposals for important projects in Qatar. She added that she is proud that Qatar includes many cultural and artistic places such as National Museum of Qatar, Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif.
It is worth mentioning that the Committee for Artwork organized a conference in October last year to present its plan for artists entitled ‘Artwork for Beautification of Doha’, during which it announced the opening of registration for all artists to participate in proposals for artwork in several sites within Development and Beautification Projects of Doha Central and Corniche. The project covers large areas of Doha, including the Doha Corniche; its main purpose is to create a distinctive spirit for the area with a special architectural outlook matching its nature and history, linking its roads and streets with pedestrian and cycle paths, and to make the area livelier with ease of access. Due to the importance of the site and its special character, it was a priority in the Committee to select many sites to carry out artwork with the help of Qatari artists.
The Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public places in Qatar
The committee works in coordination with several ministries and other entities at Qatar including the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Ministry of Culture and Sports, Qatar Museums, Qatar Railway Company, Private Engineering Bureau among others. This Committee is responsible for five major tasks including construction of central public parks, provision of dedicated lanes for pedestrians and bicycles, development of the Doha Corniche, development of Central Doha, and increasing afforestation and greenery areas.
The Committee's projects aim to revive and maintain local elements from the Qatari urban settings, which in turn contribute and increase the Qatari cultural identity and its public realm. The committee is also working to encourage partnership with local artists to add an artistic and cultural footprint in different spaces.
The Committee for Artworks includes members of the main committee at Ashghal, Qatar Museums, the Ministry of Culture and Sports, and the Ministry of Municipality and Environment.