Doha: Building on the legacy of the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture, Qatar Museums will launch a new Ceramic Residency Project, in collaboration with Liwan Design Studios and Labs, running from August 4 to September 7. Promoting cultural exchange and creative dialogue between Qatar and Indonesia, the Ceramic Residency will embody the spirit of friendship and artistic dialogue that the Years of Culture programme champions.

According to Qatar News Agency, the project aims to bring communities together through craft and collaboration, reinforcing the enduring legacy of the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture. It is committed to building connections that extend far beyond a single year. The programme will welcome renowned Indonesian ceramic artist Francisca, widely known as "Kika", recognized for blending contemporary forms with a strong sense of community. Kika will work alongside local artists and craftspeople to develop a series of collaborative ceramic works inspired by the craft legacies of both Qatar and Indonesia.

A core aspect of this new project is public engagement, featuring weekly Pottery Fun Classes every Friday on August 8, 15, 22, 29 and September 5. Community members will have the opportunity to learn directly from Kika, exploring hand-building and pottery wheel techniques while contributing to the creation of works celebrating the cultural connections at the heart of this residency.

The residency will culminate in a group exhibition, showcasing the artworks created and the stories shared throughout this cultural exchange. Kika previously led the popular Indonesian Workshop Month in Qatar during the 2023 Year of Culture, where she invited participants to sculpt their creations and discover new ceramic-making techniques. Her interactive, inclusive approach demystifies traditional craft and invites the public to connect with clay as a medium for storytelling and cultural exchange.