The Years of Culture today announced the arrival of its "Travel Book of Culture" book, created by celebrated French artist Lapin as part of the Qatar-France 2020 Year of Culture. The book is available to purchase now at all IN-Q locations and on the IN-Q online store.
"Travel Book of Culture" is an illustrated travel sketchbook created over the course of three weeks as Lapin explored the peninsula and sketched people and places along his journey. He ate traditional dishes, such as madrouba; tasted Arabic coffee in majlis; visited the outstanding architecture of the National Museum of Qatar; and visited the souq, West Bay, and Katara... Throughout his journey, Lapin captured landmarks in the desert, including the heritage site of Al Zubarah and Richard Serra’s monumental sculptures in Zekreet. This travel book features all the wonders of Qatar.
Director of Cultural Diplomacy Aisha Al Attiyah said, “I take great pleasure in sharing this beautiful book and the many stories it tells with readers in Qatar and from around the world. We have seen, especially during this FIFA World Cup, how powerful cultural connections can be in breaking down tropes and stereotypes to let our human instinct for connection shine through. We are thankful to Lapin for this wonderful testament to the joy of exploring other cultures.”
Lapin is a French artist living in Barcelona. He draws from direct observation, quickly and precisely, depicting his surroundings and the places he has traveled. Lapin has participated in the Urban Sketchers community since its founding and was nominated official air and space painter for the French army in 2019.
About Years of Culture
Culture is one of the most effective tools to bring people closer together, encourage dialogue, and deepen understanding between nations.
Under the leadership of its Chairperson Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar Museums (QM) developed the annual “Years of Culture” initiative — an international cultural exchange that deepens understanding between nations and their people. Though formal programming lasts only one year, the ties of friendship that are strengthened and formed are long-lasting.
In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the 2022 Year of Culture has offered programming from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA).
The Qatar-MENASA Year of Culture 2022 includes countries and communities from: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Bhutan, Egypt, India, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
Qatar-MENASA Year of Culture 2022 has been developed in collaboration with leading organisations in Qatar, including Doha Film Institute, Education Above All, Katara Cultural Village, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar Charity, Qatar Football Association, Qatar Foundation, Qatar Museums, Qatar National Library, Qatar National Tourism Council, Qatar Olympic Committee, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, with assistance from Doha-based embassies of participating countries.
Previous Years of Culture have included: Qatar-Japan 2012, Qatar-UK 2013, Qatar-Brazil 2014, Qatar-Turkey 2015, Qatar-China 2016, Qatar-Germany 2017, Qatar-Russia 2018, Qatar-India 2019, Qatar-France 2020, and Qatar-USA 2021. Past sponsors include Qatar Airways, Vodafone, Qatar Gas, Shell, Ooredoo, Shangri-La Hotel and Resorts, Lulu Group International, Qatar Financial Centre, Qatar Petroleum, and ExxonMobil.
About Qatar Museums
Qatar Museums (QM), the nation's preeminent institution for art and culture, provides authentic and inspiring cultural experiences through a growing network of museums, heritage sites, festivals, public art installations, and programmes. QM preserves, restores, and expands the nation's cultural offerings and historical sites, sharing art and culture from Qatar, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region with the world and enriching the lives of citizens, residents, and visitors.
Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and led by its Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, QM has made Qatar a vibrant centre for the arts, culture, and education in the Middle East and beyond. QM is integral to the goal of developing an innovative, diverse, and progressive nation, bringing people together to ignite new thinking, spark critical cultural conversations, educate and encourage environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, and amplify the voices of Qatar's people. Since its founding in 2005, QM has overseen the Museum of Islamic Art and MIA Park, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of Qatar, QM Gallery Al Riwaq, QM Gallery Katara, 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, and Dadu, Children's Museum of Qatar.
Through its newly created Creative Hub, QM also initiates and supports projects—such as the Fire Station Artist in Residence, the Tasweer Qatar Photo Festival and the creative hub for innovation, fashion and design M7—that nurture artistic talent and create opportunities to build a strong and sustainable cultural infrastructure.
Animating everything that Qatar Museums does is an authentic connection to Qatar and its heritage, a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, and a belief in creating value through invention.
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Press Contacts
International
Julia Esposito, julia.esposito@finnpartners.com
MENASA Region & Qatar
Anya Kotova, akotova@qm.org.qa