Key Features of the Congress:
- “Disrupture: Perspectives from the Arabian Peninsula” symposium
- “Museums in the Making” panel discussion
- Keynote address by artist Oraib Toukan
The symposium examined regional perspectives on contemporary art and curatorial practices, shedding light on the innovative approaches and ideas shaping the region’s cultural landscape. Keynote Address by Oraib Toukan
“Hosting the 53rd IKT Congress at Northwestern Qatar is an exciting moment for us that reflects our dedication to creating a space where creativity, community, and collaboration thrive,” said Marwan M. Kraidy, Dean and CEO of Northwestern Qatar. “This congress gives curators, museum directors, and artists the opportunity to connect and exchange ideas on curation, digital innovation, and artistic practice. It’s not just about sharing knowledge—it’s about building relationships and contributing to a global conversation. We’re proud to play a part in that, bringing together such inspiring minds and strengthening our role in advancing a more collaborative and dynamic cultural exchange.”
The panel discussion “Museums in the Making” featured a diverse group of experts from around the world, including Zeina Arida, director of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Alanood Al Thani, director of Rubaiya Qatar, curator Lina Ramadan, Meriam Berrada, artistic director at Museum of African Contemporary Art, and Caroline Hancock, deputy director of curatorial affairs and senior curator of modern and contemporary art at Art Mill Museum.
| Alanood Al Thani | Director of Rubaiya Qatar |
| Lina Ramadan | Curator |
| Meriam Berrada | Artistic Director at Museum of African Contemporary Art |
| Caroline Hancock | Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs and Senior Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Art Mill Museum |
These experts discussed the development of cultural spaces in the Global South, highlighting how new institutions are reshaping curatorial practices and community engagement to encourage innovation and inclusivity. Key Takeaways
- Co-curation with communities is essential to building a more inclusive and dynamic cultural exchange.
- Collaboration across institutions and public spaces is key to innovation and success.
The 53rd IKT Congress will continue across the UAE, with sessions in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, exploring the region’s evolving cultural landscape through curated exhibitions, symposiums, and site visits. Media Majlis Museum at Northwestern University in Qatar
The Media Majlis Museum reflects Northwestern Qatar’s commitment to holistic education by advancing cultural exchange through exhibitions that blend scholarship, art, and media. Through its partnership with the IKT Congress, it advances the university’s academic mission by connecting contemporary art with local and global communities, amplifying the museum’s impact, and promoting engagement and critical discussions on pressing global and regional issues. Conclusion
The partnership between the Media Majlis Museum and the 53rd IKT Congress has brought together a unique and dynamic discussion on contemporary art and curatorial practices, shedding light on the innovative approaches and ideas shaping the region’s cultural landscape. This collaboration highlights the importance of collaboration, inclusivity, and community engagement in advancing a more collaborative and dynamic cultural exchange.