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A Podcast Series Chronicling Qatar's Modern Cultural Development

The Power of Culture podcast explores the modern cultural development of Qatar. Through Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa's conversations with leading figures in arts and culture, both local and international, and her personal commentaries on the nation's cultural landscape, the podcast explores Qatar's position as a vibrant hub for arts, culture, design, architecture, and other creative industries.

The podcast corresponds to Sheikha Al Mayassa’s book, The Power of Culture, that is in part a personal guide to culture in Qatar and in part a memoir, currently available in bookstores worldwide and online.

Conversations with cultural luminaries from Qatar and around the world.

Jacques Herzog image

Episode 1 Jacques Herzog

Swiss architect Jacques Herzog is one of the two founders of the Herzog & de Meuron practice. In this episode, Herzog discusses his unique approach to architecture and the inspiration he draws from local materials and the cultural context of the location.

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Episode 2 Zeina Arida

Zeina Arida is the Director of the Arab Museum of Modern Contemporary Art (MATHAF) in Doha, Qatar. In this episode, Arida explores the connection between culture and politics, and the role that museums and exhibitions play in raising awareness and addressing important issues.

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Sophia Al Maria Image

Episode 3 Sophia Al Maria

Sophia Al Maria is a Qatari-American artist, writer, and filmmaker. In this episode, Al Maria discusses her past and present exhibitions and artistic practice, which often explore themes of labour, environment, language, and community.

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Episode 4 Dr Julia Gonnella

Dr Julia Gonnella is the Director of the Museum of Islamic Art, a position she has held since April 2017. In this episode, Dr. Julia discusses the newly renovated Museum of Islamic Art and the role of the Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 in promoting cultural exchange, and breaking down stereotypes.

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Dr Julia Gonnella
Glenn Adamson

Episode 5 Glenn Adamson

Glenn Adamson is a curator, writer, and historian. He currently serves as the Artistic Director for Design Doha. This episode centres on the inaugural Design Doha Biennial, its significance in showcasing Qatar as a burgeoning design destination, and the convergence of architecture, design, and craft in the region.

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Episode 6 Massimiliano Gioni

Massimiliano Gioni is an Italian curator and contemporary art critic who is the Artistic Director of both the New Museum in New York and the Nicola Trussardi Foundation in Milan. In this episode Massimiliano touches upon the historical relationship between art and fashion, the critical role of cultural institutions in showcasing fashion exhibitions and engaging audiences with art collections.

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Massimiliano
Aesha

Episode 7 Aisha Al-Sowaidi

A native Qatari, Aisha Al Sowaidi is a multidisciplinary designer based in Doha and is currently the director of Liwan Design Studios and Labs. In this episode Aisha discusses how her design works incorporate memory, nostalgia, and traces of time. She also explores the importance of creatives acting now to be part of the burgeoning Arab design scene.

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Episode 8 Rana Beiruti

Rana Beiruti is an architect, independent curator and cultural programmer based in Amman, Jordan, and the curator of the headline exhibition of Design Doha, Arab Design Now. In this episode, Rana discusses curating the groundbreaking survey of Arab design talent, the impact of Design biennial's and the connection of history and culture in Arab design.

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Fahad Al Ob Headshot

Episode 9 Fahad Al Obaidly

Bound by no single medium, Fahad Al Obaidly is a Qatari fashion designer, artist, filmmaker and entrepreneur. Fahad currently serves as the Deputy Director of Programming and Partnerships for Design Doha. The conversation touches upon Fahad's childhood, his influences, and how they shaped his multifaceted career path. As well as his education, fashion and arts journey.

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Episode 10 Fatma Al Remaihi

Fatma Al Remaihi is the chief executive of the Doha Film Institute (DFI). In this episode Fatma discusses the journey of filmmakers with DFI, the importance of film festivals for cultural and social dialogue and the role of film for marginalised communities.

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Episode 1

with Julia Gonnella

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Episode 2

with Sophia Al Maria

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"Qatar Creates curates, celebrates, and promotes cultural activities within Qatar. Working with partners in museums, film, fashion, hospitality, cultural heritage, performing arts, and the private sector in Qatar, the Qatar Creates platform amplifies the voice of Qatar’s creative industries, directly connecting audiences to events."