Doha: The State of Qatar and Canada have close relations based on understanding and upholding values from humanitarian perspectives in various fields, especially cultural ones.
The wise leadership of the two countries has been keen to enhance cultural cooperation since the beginning of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which expanded with the opening of the Embassy of Canada in Doha in 2012.
The State of Qatar and Canada attach great importance to cultural affairs, which pushes them to constantly enhance cultural cooperation and openness towards each other, especially since the two countries share a common denominator, which is human cultural diversity, paving the way for rapprochement at various levels, especially in cultural affairs.
Although only 12 years have passed since the opening of the Canadian Embassy in Doha, the process of joint cultural cooperation continues significantly in Qatar and Canada. The most recent of which was in August through Canadas participation in the activities o
f the third edition of the Katara Space Science Program, which hosted Dr. Rene Doyon, a scientist at the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and a professor at the University of Montreal in Canada.
The Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) also hosted many cultural and artistic events that highlighted the richness and diversity of Canadian culture, including the participation of Canada in the work of the Sixth General Assembly of the Global Public Diplomacy Network, a concert by the Canadian band Les Portageux in March 2017, and the participation of the Embassy of Canada in multiple editions of the Qatar International Art Festival.
Since 2014, the Ministry of Culture and the Embassy of Canada in Doha cooperated in the cultural days of La Francophonie, as the two countries meet under the umbrella of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). Through this cooperation, the Embassy of Canada presented various aspects of Canada’s arts and literature, which contributed to introducing the public in Qatar to
Canadian culture. Doha also hosted Canadian art and cultural festivals and exhibitions that highlight the works of Canadian artists, displaying paintings and contemporary arts that reflect Canadian heritage, culture, and food.
There is also a partnership in academic programs, as the University of Calgary (UCQ) has been in Doha since 2006, along with the College of the North Atlantic (CNA), which transformed into the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST). Furthermore, the Qatar Canadian School was established with permission and a grant from the State of Qatar in 2006, opening in 2007.
On the other hand, the Embassy of the State of Qatar was interested in strengthening the Qatari cultural presence in Canada by organizing many cultural events that conveyed the richness and diversity of Qatari culture to the public in Canada and screened documentary films about the founding of the State of Qatar, music and songs that showed the heritage and folklore in Qatar throughout history.
By reviewing the
ongoing cultural relations between Qatar and Canada, while highlighting the support of the political leadership in both countries, it is clear that there are promising prospects for strengthening this cultural cooperation.
The cultural cooperation between the two countries can be developed through several ways such as organizing joint events, holding cultural festivals that combine Qatari and Canadian cultures, including musical performances, art exhibitions, film screenings, and participation in book fairs to introduce the writers and thinkers of each country. Additionally, promoting the exchange of educational programs to enhance mutual understanding, building strategic partnerships with cultural institutions in both countries to implement joint programs and workshops, promoting cultural tourism through exchange programs that review cultural and historical monuments, and working to invest in cultural projects and coordinating positions in various cultural forums, all contribute to creating a rich cultural
environment and strengthening bilateral relations between Qatar and Canada.
Canadian culture is a unique blend of traditions and practices shaped through the ages as Canada combines the Indigenous influences of early societies with European heritage and the multiculturalism resulting from global immigration.
This cultural diversity is reflected in the arts, music, literature, and national celebrations, creating a rich and vibrant environment.
In the 1970s, Canada adopted an official policy of multiculturalism that recognizes and celebrates cultural diversity as an essential component of Canadian identity, which reflects acceptance and respect for different cultures and promotes democratic values and human rights, enabling Canada to become a home to many writers and artists who reflect the country’s cultural and historical diversity in their works.
Canada’s visual arts are distinguished by the works of the Group of Seven painters, famous for their stunning depictions of the Canadian landscape in the early
20th century.
The Indigenous arts of Canada’s Indigenous peoples are highly regarded, expressing stories, legends, and history of Indigenous peoples across generations, and home to many world-class artists in a variety of musical genres. Additionally, Canadian theatre thrives on a variety of theatrical productions that reflect social, cultural, and political issues.
Canadian literature reflects the country’s cultural and linguistic diversity and explores themes of identity, immigration, and history. Its architecture displays diversity and influences that combine tradition and modernity, ranging from classical historical buildings to innovative modern architecture.
Canada has 22 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, comprising 11 cultural sites, 10 natural ones, and one site that combines natural and cultural attributes. Three of these sites are on the shared border with US states. Furthermore, Canda has a large variety of museums that preserve Canadian heritage.
Source: Qatar News Agency