Qatar- Initiative to nurture emerging talents

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Raynald C Rivera | The Peninsula

A landmark initiative that will provide funding, expertise and support to nurture emerging creative talents in Qatar was announced yesterday at the 28th Doha International book Fair at the Doha exhibition and convention Center.

Fifty One East has collaborated with the Ministry of Culture and Sports, FNAC International and the Yamaha music Foundation for the initiative announced at a press conference in the presence of Minister of Culture and Sports H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, Japanese Ambassador Seiichi Otsuka, Fifty One East Chairman and Managing Director Bader Al Darwish, and Olivier Deseez, Counselor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs at the French Embassy.

Al Ali, said: 'I am pleased to announce the collaboration with FNAC International and the Yamaha Music Foundation, which aims to support Qatari talents on national and international levels. This collaboration is also in accordance with the vision of the Ministry of Culture and Sports towards the development of society and the empowerment of youth.

'As a leading force for creating meaningful partnerships for the nation's greater good, we are proud to announce this new milestone with the Ministry of Culture and Sport, between our two leading partners, FNAC International and the Yamaha Music Foundation. Such initiatives that support emerging Qatari talents are part of our business's DNA. It is an ethos instilled into the heart of our company's legacy and history, to contribute to society and engage with the local community, said Al Darwish.

The initiative will offer part-funded scholarships to help nurture local talents who wish to enroll at the Yamaha Music School, part of the international Yamaha Music Foundation.

Yamaha Music School will also offer recitals and concerts on a monthly basis at the Music Square at Fifty One East, Lagoona Mall, and once a year a major concert sponsored by H E the Minister of Culture and Sports with internationally acclaimed artists who are affiliated with Yamaha. Renowned artists will join young Qataris from Yamaha Music School in a live performance at the Qatar National Theatre. Moreover, selected talents will be given the opportunity to participate in international events organized by Yamaha in coordination with the Ministry of Culture and Sports.

'I was so glad to know that the Ministry of Culture and Sports decided to choose Yamaha in order to promote music education in Qatar. Yamaha is an established brand and many foreigners in the Gulf make full use of Yamaha musical instruments as part of music education so I'm confident on this established company can provide better opportunity for students here, Ambassador Otsuka told local media.

'We have many cultural activities aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between Qatar and Japan. As a part of this bilateral relationship, I think this signing ceremony is one of the benchmarks for promoting cultural ties between the two countries, added the envoy.

Under the agreement, FNAC will dedicate a space in its stores at Lagoona Mall and Doha Festival City to showcase and sell the work of local Qatari artists under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and Sports. The agreement will support all local talents in organizing book signings and album signing ceremonies, art fairs and performances.

'FNAC plays a very important role in the French society culturally by organizing concerts and literary and theatre events, among others. They are a trustworthy cultural partner for any venture. We were very happy when we heard about this agreement that its role which is very well known in France is also being recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Sports here because FNAC has been very active in the field of culture promotion, said Deseez.

The French Embassy and the French Cultural Institute have been partnering with FNAC for many events such as the Francophonie Week, the Jazz Festival, and shows of French artistes, added Deseez.

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