Evolution Nation / Voices Podcast - Qatar Creates x afikra

The Mathaf Legacy: Celebrating Modern & Contemporary Arab Art | Zeina Arida

mikey@afikra.com (afikra LLC) — Wed, 8 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

We explore Mathaf’s role in shaping the narrative of modern and contemporary Arab art over the past 15 years with Zeina Arida, the director of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art at Qatar Museums. Zeina reflects on the evolution of the museum’s collection, the thinking behind acquisitions and exhibitions, and how archival practices inform the way complex art histories are presented today. She also discusses Mathaf’s upcoming expansion, its support of artists across generations, and its position within both Qatar’s cultural ecosystem and the international museum landscape. Join us in this episode of Qatar Create’s Evolution Nation podcast to get a closer look at how Mathaf continues to steward Arab modern art while shaping its future.

00:00 Introduction

02:05 Defining Mathaf’s Legacy and Ambitions

04:02 A Platform for Regional Artistic Production

05:47 Navigating the Complexities of Running a Museum

07:35 Creating a Unique Museum Model

09:57 Sheikh Hassan’s Support System for Artists

11:23 The Resolutions Exhibition: Archiving the Past

15:20 Groundbreaking Early Programming

18:10 The Curatorial Ecosystem and Encyclopedia

20:57 The "We Refused" Exhibition and Resistance

24:28 Spotlight on Featured Artists in "We Refused"

27:51 Global Solidarity and Political Narratives

31:37 Audience Q&A: Qatar’s Cultural Ecosystem

33:57 Defining the Target Audience

36:06 Staying Relevant in a Changing World

38:40 Cultural Risk and Artistic Freedom

39:26 Conclusion

Zeina Arida's career in the Lebanese cultural sector spans over twenty years. From 1997 to 2014, she was the director of the Arab Image Foundation (AIF), where she set up and managed various artistic and photographic preservation projects. She also served as a board member of the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) from 2006 to 2012, and was a member of the Prince Claus Fund Network Partner Committee from 2007 to 2013. She is currently a member of the Board of the Directors of MUCEM, Marseille; a member of the Advisory Board of Darat Al Funun, Amman; and a member of the Scientific Committee of Beit Beirut.

Connect with Zeina Arida 👉 https://instagram.com/zeinaarida

Hosted by Mikey Muhanna

Connect directly with Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu

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THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK

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Qatar on the Global Art Stage | Sheikha Reem Al Thani

mikey@afikra.com (afikra LLC) — Mon, 8 Jun 2026 12:01:50 +0000

We explore how Qatar operates on the international art stage through exhibitions, public art, and global cultural platforms in the inaugural episode of Qatar Creates’ new podcast series Evolution Nation, powered by afikra. Our first guest, Sheikha Reem Al Thani, who is Deputy CEO of Al Riwaq, public art and Rubaiya Qatar at Qatar museums, reflects on the strategic thinking behind major international exhibitions, the role of flexible spaces like Al Riwaq, and how public art shapes everyday cultural engagement. She also discusses long-term models such as the Rubaiya Qatar quadrennial, global collaborations, and the balance between spectacle, research, and meaningful cultural exchange. Join us as we take a closer look at how Qatar’s cultural institutions translate vision into action on the global stage.

00:00 Introduction

01:32 Qatar on the International Art Stage

04:03 Professional Journey and the Founding of Mathaf

07:30 Qatar Museums’ Evolution and Mission

13:14 Al Riwaq: From Temporary Space to Permanent Institution

16:06 Defining Local in a Global Context

18:43 The Rubaiyat Qatar Architecture Quadrennial

22:42 Legacy and the 2026 World Cup Celebration

24:12 The Role of Biennials and Quadrennials

27:04 Defining Success and Future Impact

28:38 A Four-Day Cultural Itinerary for Qatar

31:36 Msheireb Downtown Doha: The Architectural Brief

34:52 Navigating Challenges and Avoiding Off the Rails Growth

36:57 The Stakes of Cultural Development

39:37 National Strategy and Cultural Diplomacy

43:36 Engaging the Next Generation

46:00 An Open Door for International Artists

Sheikha Reem Al Thani is a cultural leader and multidisciplinary designer with over fifteen years of experience at Qatar Museums. She currently serves asDeputy CEO of ALRIWAQ, public art and Rubaiya qatar at Qatar museums, overseeing major exhibition platforms, public art initiatives, and the Rubaiya Qatar quadrennial. She has led the development of more than 100 exhibitions, including Forever Valentino, Dior Designer of Dreams, Jeff Koons: Lost in America, KAWS: He Eats Alone, and I.M. Pei: Life is Architecture. She also teaches exhibition design at VCUarts Qatar and serves on advisory boards including IE School of Architecture and Design, Qatar University, IN-Q Enterprises, and The World Around’s Young Climate Prize. Sheikha Reem is the first Qatari to earn a Master’s degree in Adaptive Reuse Interior Architecture from RISD, after completing dual undergraduate degrees in Interior and Fashion Design at VCUarts Qatar, and her work focuses on human-centered design and strengthening Qatar’s global cultural presence.

Connect with Shaikha Reem Al Thani 👉 https://instagram.com/reem_althani7