We are the Daughters of Qatar expo opens at Msheireb Museums

DOHA: We are the Daughters of Qatar, an exhibition which tells the stories of Qatari women whose lives were transformed as a result of the discovery of oil, recently opened at Msheireb Museums.
UCL Qatar Masters students on the Museum and Gallery Programme partnered with Msheireb Museums to curate the exhibition that explores the topic of Qatari womanhood.

Through the perspectives of grandmothers, mothers and daughters of Qatar this exhibition explores what has changed and what has remained the same in women’s lives. At the heart of this exhibition are the personal encounters of three generations of Qatari women-examining their memories and ideas concerning education, career, fashion, crafts and art and celebrating these resilient and inspiring Qatari women.

The MA in Museum and Gallery Practice is designed to help shape future generations of museum professionals and cultural leaders in Qatar and beyond. The exhibition project is one of the core modules the MA students undertake each year in a museum where they have conceived, curated, designed and installed the exhibition.

The exhibition forms part of UCL Qatar’s aim to bring light to Qatari history, creating a sense of national relevance through its programmes.

Lejla Niksic, MA student, said: “Our aim is to understand what kind of lives Qatari women have lived in the personal, familial, and professional sphere. We hope it will strengthen the female narrative in the storytelling of Qatar’s development.”

She continued: “Being a part of UCLQurates, a yearly student-led project, helps me to not only grow professionally but also to actively contribute to the development and innovation of the sector. Students at UCL Qatar play an active role in engaging all elements of the community to build appreciation, awareness and understanding of Qatar’s cultural heritage and traditions.”

Hafiz Ali, Director of Msheireb Museums, said: “Msheireb Museums is committed to developing exhibition content to tell our nation’s stories’ and build bridges between new generations and the heritage and history of our ancestors.

‘We are the Daughters of Qatar’ exhibition is a truly unique and special tribute to Qatari women who have played a major role in the transformation process of our country. I’d like to thank the UCL Qatar for helping deliver this premier exhibition”.

As well as displaying objects such as dresses, artefacts, and oral history, students facilitate multisensory engagement to activate the visitors’ sense of smell using traditional Bokhoor. Community engagement activities are held to create a memorable and participatory exhibition where the community are engaged in content creation.

In line with the exhibition, a Treasure Hunt and a Family Mood Board event were organised  yesterday to encourage conversations amongst family. An interactive and fun craft workshop will be organised on April 21.

The exhibition is open until May 9 at the temporary galleries at Company House of Msheireb Museums.