Katara Holds Event Addressing Role Of Culture, Art In Aiding Freedom

Doha: The Cultural Village Foundation - Katara organized a feast of reason on the role of culture and art in supporting freedom and achieving justice, in cooperation with the Al Jazeera Centre for Studies, and with the participation of a select group of intellectuals, researchers, and media professionals.

The feast of reason discussed the role of culture and art as an effective force in supporting freedom and justice and in shedding light on humanitarian and social issues.

Participants emphasized that art is not limited to being an aesthetic expression; rather, it represents a vital tool for free expression, preserving collective memory, documenting historical events, and conveying the experiences, suffering, and resilience of peoples, thus, helping confront attempts at marginalization and erasure.

Discussions also focused on the important role of cultural institutions and civil society in transforming individual initiatives into influential mass movements, via research centers, museums, publishing houses, and cultural festivals, as these platforms enable audiences to engage with works of art, shape cultural and social discourses, reinforce human values, and create more aware and responsible societies.

A significant portion of the event was devoted to the Palestinian cause, with participants discussing ways to employ culture and art to promote the cause before the international community as one for freedom and justice.

It did so by looking into artistic and literary experiences that embody the Palestinian people's resilience and struggle, helping convey their voice and human rights to the global public opinion.

Participants stressed that art can serve as a powerful strategic tool in shaping international awareness.

The event concluded by affirming that culture and art constitute a fundamental pillar in supporting human rights, promoting freedom and justice, and opening horizons for constructive societal dialogue. This, in turn, contributes to achieving sustainable intellectual and cultural development and enhances societies' ability to confront contemporary challenges.

The event was moderated by consultant at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Mona Al Kuwari.

Commenting on the feast of reason, director of research and studies at Katara Dr. Nadia Al Madahka said that the event comes within the framework of a knowledge partnership between Katara and the Al Jazeera Center for Studies, with the aim of enhancing cultural and intellectual development and strengthening social awareness.

Dr. Al Madahka noted that this choice of topic reflects both institutions' belief in the pivotal role played by culture, the arts, and various forms of expression in shaping awareness, building meaning, and promoting the values of freedom and human dignity, emphasizing that culture and art are a fundamental driving force in addressing humanitarian issues and consolidating justice.

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