Doha: The Committee for Artworks signed new contracts with Qatari artists on Thursday, July 2, 2020 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 Authority, the Ministry of Culture and Sports, and the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME).
The signing of contracts was attended by Yousef Al Emadi, Projects Affairs Director at Ashghal, Mohammed Arqoub Al Khaldi, Chairman of the Supervising Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places at Ashghal, and Sara Kafood, a member of the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places, in addition to Qatari artists, Hassan Al Mulla, Salman Al Malik, Ali Hassan, Wafika Al Essa, Mohammed Al Ateeq and 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 Al Emadi 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.
The Committee for Artwork aims to enhance the artistic culture of the people in 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.
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.
The Committee for Artwork had 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 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 Authority, 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.
