This
time I want to talk about Katara - The Cultural Village, because is doing an remarkable
job, providing a platform for
aspirant artists and musicians and trying to help the Qatari community to
understand the important role that culture can play in peace, dialogue and
tolerance between different cultures.
Katara’s
mission is to help Doha to become the capital of
Arab culture in
line with the guidelines of the Qatar National Vision 2030; to make this happen Katara is working so hard producing the significant
events to promote understanding of cultural diversity; according to Marcio Barbosa (Katara
General Manager) this will help us to naturally became more patient, tolerant,
ready include, talk, cooperate, negotiate and do not to fight. The changes have
started, taking place in the mentality of the people, especially the youth, who
has shown a lot of enthusiasm and interest to learn about the history,
culture, traditions, heritage and music.
Katara's dream is to demonstrate that art is an endorsing career and can be treat it as
a profession; Qatar has a huge talent and the artists don’t believe in
themselves, the artists should be proud of their talent, and here is where Katara
will play the master role creating a platform for all of them and also for
those who are interested in learning (painting, pottery, ceramics, etc.)
Interesting!!!!
Katara
is doing its job very well, and we have seen the results, 2011 was
a year full of developments and accomplishments:
We have
had the opportunity to see very special artists with a mission, with a heart
that are committed to help Mario Barbosa to achieve Qatar’s goals; like acclaimed photographers like Bryan Peterson, presenting photography exhibition and lectures to inspire local amateurs.
* The
second year of the Doha Tribeca Film Festival was a great success and completed
with the premier of Black gold a film produced by Tarak Ben
Ammar Chairman of Quinta Communications and co-produced by Doha Film Institute.
* The Opera
house, has a concert every 2 weeks and soon every week.
* The music
academy is done! More than 100 kids are learning how to play different
instruments. The academy is for all the kids living in Qatar (All
nationalities). There are also plans to create and Ballet academy in the
future.
* Katara
started the music information process with Spain, organizing a Flamenco show; but it wasn’t just an entertaining show, was shown how Flamenco
changed over the time and how Arabs influenced the Flamenco when they went and
stayed in Andalucía (Andalusian Arabic)
1st
day, pure flamenco 15 century dancing by the Christian
2nd
day, Flamenco influenced by the Gypsies.
3rd
day, Flamenco influenced by the Arabs.
The Spanish
invaded South America, That’s why Katara brought....
* The Latino American festival
and showed the roots, similarities and differences between each Latino american nations and
the influence of others cultures from Europe, Africa and Middle east.
* The grand opening of the open-air Katara
Amphitheatre on the 10th Oct, Glorious composer Vangelis delighted
the audience with exquisite symphonies. The concert brought together the Qatar
Philharmonic Orchestra, Moscow's Yurlov State Academic Choir, and the majestic
presence of the most glamorous and gifted opera singer Angela Gheorghiu and
her husband, "tenorissimo" Roberto Alagna.
Katara promises to have many others festivals to show what exist; to bring this knowledge to Qatar, having more of this kind of festivals like Asian, Africans, etc. Currently is planning to organize a Ballet festival in the future, including workshops with the dancers, and so many others events, stay tune for more, Katara just started!
Check out Katara's upcoming events here
So, talking about ... Cheap and Chic ... Chic? Outstanding! ... and cheap? Definitely priceless!
Do not miss it!
Dalia
Piñeiro
