Third edition of Art for Tomorrow opens

The third edition of The New York Times “Art for Tomorrow” Conference opened yesterday at W Doha Hotel & Residences, with more than 300 art and cultural luminaries from more than 35 countries in attendance.
The conference, which runs until tomorrow, is convened by the New York Times and Qatar Museums under the patronage of H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
H E Sheikha Al Mayassa commented: “It is a real pleasure to welcome so many renowned commentators, experts and influencers to Doha for our third Art for Tomorrow conference. The growing success and influence of this event is further evidence of Qatar’s continued commitment to and investment in arts and culture.
“Already this morning we have heard some fascinating perspectives and insights from museum experts, artists and other experts on the contribution of artistic and cultural activities to civic development, economic growth and national identity. The rich and diverse programme promises much more over the coming days. I’m very much looking forward to further inspiring and productive conversations.”
Khalid Yousef Al Ibrahim, Chief Strategic Planning Officer at Qatar Museums said: “We are honoured to welcome such a celebrated group of art and cultural influencers from around the world to Doha for the third edition of this renowned conference. Art for Tomorrow is the perfect platform to support our goals and highlight our progress at Qatar Museums of establishing Qatar as a cultural destination, connecting cultures and supporting and encouraging cultural exchange. We look forward to an informative, engaging and inspiring few days.”
Speaking at the opening of the conference, Arthur O. Sulzberger, Jr., Chairman of The New York Times Company and Publisher of The New York Times, underlined The New York Times’ long and distinguished tradition of art and culture coverage and its resolve to improve and tailor its offerings amid digital and global era to make readers understand crucial issues and trends which could influence political and economic decisions amid dramatic political change around the world.
Under the theme “Boundaries, Identity and the Public Realm,” the conference began with a panel discussion featuring Tariq Al Jaidah, Founder of Katara Art Center, Vilma Jurkute, Director of Alserkal Avenue and Farah Nayeri, Culture Writer at The New York Times, who discussed the rise in the development of museums and galleries in the Gulf, and whether Gulf Cooperation Council states should collaborate or compete in this new cultural landscape.
“The opening of new museums and galleries in the GCC will definitely enhance the art scene and create momentum. Museums from a curatorial perspective will raise the bar because their platform and audience are much bigger and they will also challenge artists to create better works,” said Al Jaidah.
In addition to panel sessions, several affiliated events are being organised for delegates including a visit to ‘Masterpieces of Islamic Coinage’ which shows six of the most important Islamic gold coins in the world, at the Museum of Islamic Art.
The inaugural START Doha contemporary art fair also opened to the public yesterday on the 29th floor of the conference venue W Doha Hotel & Residences.