QMA celebrates the 35th anniversary of the International Museum Day

On the occasion of the International Museum Day, Qatar Museums Authority held today at the auditorium of the Museum of Islamic Art a conference highlighting the theme of the celebration for this year: “Museums in Changing World. New Challenges, New Inspiration”.

QMA also celebrated its new membership in the International Council of Museums, ICOM. Four international speakers participated in this event including ICOM President Dr Hans-Martin Hinz (pictured), Damodar Frlan, President of ICOM Europe, Ossama Abdel Meguid, director of Nubian Museum in Aswan, and Chedlia Annabi, Curator at the Museum of Carthage in Tunisia.

The speakers discussed this year’s theme which is recognition that institutions and museums today exist in a field that is becoming increasingly fluid. They tackled as well the role of museums in our society, in an era of numerous changes since IMD 2012 is as much about museums growing and shaping their future, as it is about displaying and interpreting new issues like climate change, new media or social responsibility.

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Commenting on the event, Mr. Nasser Al-Hammadi, Vice Chairman of ICOM Qatar National Committee, stated: “QMA is proud to be a member of the International Council of Museums and the ICOM Qatar National Committee and to host this conference.” He added saying: “QMA and ICOM share the commitment to the conservation, continuation and communication to society of the world’s historical and cultural heritage, including Qatari art and heritage.”

The ICOM established the International Museum Day in 1977 to encourage public awareness of the role of museums in the development of society.  International Museum Day activities focus on the importance of museums as a platform to spread and underscore knowledge, science and human heritage. It’s also a platform for cultural exchange and a means to preserve world heritage that will enhance cooperation between people and spread peace in the world.