Doha: Qatar Museums and the French Republic's Ministry of Culture have signed several framework agreements designed to strengthen the cultural ties between the institutions of both nations.
According to Qatar News Agency, the agreements were signed by HE Chairperson of Qatar Museums, Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, and HE Minister of Culture of the French Republic, Rachida Dati. A key agreement establishes a collaborative partnership for professional training in the cultural sector, potentially involving institutions such as Femis, Manufactures nationales, the Institut national du Patrimoine, and the new Qatar Preparatory School.
Another significant agreement was made between Qatar Museums and the Etablissement public des musees d'Orsay et de l'Orangerie - Valerie Giscard d'Estaing. This partnership will focus on collaboration in research projects, joint exhibition projects, and academic and educational projects. It may also include the mutual loan of artworks and reciprocal training programs, as well as collaboration at the level of the institutions' scientific boards.
In addition, Qatar Museums signed a framework agreement with the Musee Guimet to facilitate collaboration on research, conservation, and educational projects dedicated to Asian arts. This partnership could lead to mutual loans of artworks, joint exhibition projects, educational activities, and residency programs.
For the design and crafts sectors, a framework agreement was signed with Manufactures nationales - Sevres and Mobilier national, aiming to strengthen connections between French and Qatari designers and craftsmen. This will allow for the implementation of research projects and joint exhibitions in both Qatar and France.
Furthermore, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Doha Film Institute and the Centre national du cinema et de l'image animee, with the goal of fostering co-production projects between France and Qatar. This agreement will also enable the implementation of training programs for film professionals and image education programs for young audiences.
Additionally, Qatar National Library and the Bibliotheque Nationale de France have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop research programs on the collections of both institutions. This collaboration will involve training for library professionals and the digitization of Islamic manuscripts held by the Bibliotheque nationale de France to complement the digital collections of the Qatar National Library.
The joint statement issued by Qatar Museums and the French Republic's Ministry of Culture emphasized the unprecedented ambition of these partnerships, highlighting the shared determination of France and Qatar to enhance their cultural relationship and establish it as a fundamental pillar of their bilateral relationship. Both sides have agreed that French and Qatari teams will work together in the coming months to implement these partnerships through the launch of initial projects.