Evolution Nation / Voices Podcast - Qatar Creates x afikra

Artistic creation thrives in the space between historical research and the deliberate pursuit of ignorance. Artist Wael Shawky and the Artistic Director of Fire Station, explores how systemic education and institutional structures shape contemporary practice within the Arab world. This discussion highlights the transition of the Fire Station from a residency into a non-profit educational platform...

The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha serves as a vital bridge between historical intellectual excellence and modern cultural dialogue. This discussion with Shaika Al-Nassr & Dr. Mounia Chekhab Abudaya explores the institution's multifaceted role in re-owning regional narratives and challenging global stereotypes through immersive storytelling and collaborative curation. By transforming from a traditi...

Preserving the past is less about shielding static artifacts and more about negotiating what remains meaningful for a collective future. This dialogue, featuring Abdullatif Mohammed Al Jasmi, the director of Cultural Heritage Protection at Qatar Museums,  explores how Qatar manages heritage as an unfolding narrative that intersects regional experiences with global memory. Every curated trail and r...

We explore Mathaf’s role in shaping the narrative of modern and contemporary Arab art over the past 15 years with Zeina Arida, the director of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art at Qatar Museums. Zeina reflects on the evolution of the museum’s collection, the thinking behind acquisitions and exhibitions, and how archival practices inform the way complex art histories are presented today. She also d...

We explore how Qatar operates on the international art stage through exhibitions, public art, and global cultural platforms in the inaugural episode of Qatar Creates’ new podcast series Evolution Nation, powered by afikra. Our first guest, Sheikha Reem Al Thani, who is Deputy CEO of Al Riwaq, public art and Rubaiya Qatar at Qatar museums, reflects on the strategic thinking behind major internation...