Qatar National Library Hosts Children’s Art Exhibition Reesha. The Children’s Art Exhibition 2024 (Reesha), hosted by Qatar National Library (QNL) in collaboration with Hamad Bin Khalifa University and the Children’s Literature Center, is a powerful cultural initiative aimed at raising awareness about the Palestinian cause through art.
Open from October 9 to December 31, 2024, this exhibition is designed to engage children in creative expression while educating them about the region’s historical and cultural struggles, particularly Palestine. This year’s exhibition takes inspiration from the famous novel Men in the Sun by Palestinian writer Ghassan Kanafani, and features a wide range of artistic interpretations by young students across Qatar.
Engaging Youth Through Art and Cultural Development
The theme of the Reesha exhibition, “Artworks Inspired by the Novel Men in the Sun,” encourages children to use art as a medium for understanding the complex issues surrounding Palestine. Through this theme, young artists are guided to explore the stories and experiences portrayed in Kanafani’s work, giving them the opportunity to express their interpretations of Palestinian history and struggles.
A total of 12 artworks, created by children from 11 schools across Qatar, are showcased in the exhibition. Under the mentorship of Qatari artist Ahmed Nouh, a prominent figure in the Souq Waqif Art Center and Katara Fine Arts Society, these young students translated their emotional responses to the novel into striking visual forms. In collaboration with Qatari writer Asmaa Al Kuwari, this year’s edition of Reesha combines visual arts and storytelling in a dynamic format that connects children with the cultural narratives of the Arab world.
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The combination of art and storytelling is a distinctive feature of Reesha, making it more than just an art display. It promotes cultural development and critical thinking, encouraging children to reflect on the impact of social and political issues within the region. By involving young participants, Reesha ensures that future generations are educated about the Palestinian cause, while also nurturing their creative talents.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: Art for All
A standout feature of the Children’s Art Exhibition 2024 is its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. Qatar National Library has gone to great lengths to ensure that the exhibition is accessible to all members of the community, regardless of their abilities. In line with its mission to promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, the Library has integrated a range of accessibility tools within the exhibition.
For visitors with visual impairments, the Library has provided audio descriptions of the artworks, which can be accessed on smartphones, as well as high-contrast embossed images and braille descriptions of each piece. This initiative ensures that the exhibition is accessible to a wider audience, allowing individuals with disabilities to engage fully with the artwork. Such efforts highlight the Library’s dedication to making cultural experiences inclusive and enriching for everyone.
This focus on inclusivity is not only about providing access to art but also about fostering a community spirit where every individual can participate in cultural dialogues, regardless of their background or abilities. By making the exhibition accessible to all, Qatar National Library reinforces the importance of cultural heritage and shared experiences in fostering understanding and solidarity.
Reesha and Qalami
One of the unique aspects of this year’s Reesha exhibition is its collaboration with Qalami, an annual cultural initiative for children launched by Qatar National Library. Qalami focuses on developing creative writing skills in Arabic among students in grades five and six. This year, the stories developed in the Qalami workshops were brought to life through artistic expressions in Reesha, combining drawing and collage to create a multi-dimensional educational experience.
By incorporating writing and art, Qalami and Reesha work together to offer a holistic learning environment for children. Through the Qalami workshops, students explore the power of narrative and storytelling, while Reesha provides a platform to visually represent those stories. This interdisciplinary approach to education nurtures creativity and cultural awareness in a way that is engaging and meaningful for young participants.
The exhibition, inspired by the themes of Men in the Sun, uses these artistic interpretations to delve into the experiences of Palestinian refugees and their struggles for survival. By bridging literature and visual art, children are encouraged to develop a deeper understanding of both the Palestinian narrative and the broader cultural heritage of the Arab world. This initiative fosters not only personal growth and creativity but also a sense of empathy and solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Qatar National Library’s Role in Cultural Development
Qatar National Library, through initiatives like Reesha, continues to play a vital role in the cultural development of Qatar’s youth. The Library’s commitment to promoting art, literature, and education is central to its mission of fostering a deeper understanding of regional and global issues. By collaborating with institutions like Hamad Bin Khalifa University and the Children’s Literature Center, the Library ensures that its programs are aligned with Qatar’s goals of creating an engaged and informed youth.
Fatema Al Malki, Project Manager of Qatar Reads and Acting Manager of the Children’s and Young Adults’ Library at QNL, emphasized the importance of Reesha in fostering creativity while introducing children to significant contemporary issues. “The Reesha exhibition leverages storytelling and visual arts to engage children in an interactive and inclusive setting that not only fosters personal growth and cultural development but also familiarizes Qatari youth with the region’s heritage, particularly the Palestinian cause,” said Al Malki.
Through projects like Reesha, Qatar National Library is providing a platform for youth to engage with contemporary issues such as displacement, identity, and resilience, all while enhancing their creative and intellectual skills. The exhibition aligns with Qatar’s broader vision of supporting artistic expression and cultural dialogue as tools for education and social change.
A Show of Solidarity with Palestine
The Children’s Art Exhibition 2024 is not just an art showcase; it stands as a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian people. The theme of the exhibition, rooted in Men in the Sun, invites young artists and visitors alike to reflect on the Palestinian struggle for survival and dignity. By engaging children in the process of artistic creation and storytelling, the exhibition empowers them to become part of the broader conversation around justice and human rights.
Through the lens of art and culture, Reesha emphasizes the importance of keeping the Palestinian cause alive in the hearts and minds of future generations. The exhibition’s ability to intertwine cultural heritage with contemporary issues ensures that the Palestinian narrative remains relevant and visible, particularly among youth who are the future bearers of this legacy.
Conclusion
The Children’s Art Exhibition 2024 (Reesha) is a testament to the power of art, storytelling, and cultural engagement in raising awareness about pressing regional issues such as the Palestinian cause. By fostering creativity and cultural understanding among young people, the exhibition not only celebrates artistic expression but also creates a space for solidarity, empathy, and learning.
With its emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility, Reesha sets a standard for future cultural initiatives, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can participate in and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the region. As the exhibition continues to inspire and educate, it serves as a reminder of the role that art can play in shaping the perspectives of future generations and building a more informed and compassionate society.