By Victoria Scott
The Qatar-Germany Year of Culture officially kicked off this month, and organizers have released more details about what’s in store.
More than a dozen events will be held in Doha this year, in collaboration with the Germany embassy and the Goethe Institute, among others.
The diverse program includes art and design exhibitions, a football match, poetry slams and a German film fest.
This is the sixth annual year of culture in Qatar, following in the footsteps of other tie-ups with Japan, the UK, Brazil, Turkey and most recently, China.
Here’s what to expect from Qatar-Germany 2017.
Free film screenings
When: Feb. 2–10
Where: The Museum of Islamic Art
What: The Doha Film Institute (DFI) will screen what it called a “compelling showcase” of German films by master filmmakers over the next week.
These include Run Lola Run (1998) by Tom Tykwer, Wings of Desire (1987) by Wim Wenders, Sophie Scholl (2005) by Marc Rothemund, The Murderers Are Among Us (1946) by Wolfgang Staudte, and My Friend Raffi (2015) by Arend Agthe.
All screenings are free and tickets can be reserved online, or in person at the DFI Box Office located at the Museum of Islamic Art.
For dates and times, check the DFI website.
Play football
When: Feb. 14
Where: Al Sadd Sports Club
What: On National Sport Day, the German Industry and Commerce Office Qatar (AHK) is inviting German and local companies to compete in a football tournament for the fourth consecutive year.
More details will be available soon on the AHK website.
Poetry slam
When: March 18–23
Where: The Student Center, Education City
What: The Qatar National Library and the Goethe-Institut are bringing two German poetry slammers and workshop instructors to Doha.
In a three-day workshop, participants will be given the opportunity to work on their ideas together with instructors Julian Heun and Dominique Macri and prepare for a public poetry slam performance.
If you are interested in taking part, you should send an e-mail with information about yourself as well as a short covering letter before Feb. 15 to [email protected].
Choral concert
When: April 8
Where: Venue to be announced
What: The well-known Magdeburger Knabenchor (the Magdeburg Boys’ Choir) will perform in Doha, alongside the Doha Youth and Junior Choirs.
The program and venue have yet to be announced, but ticket prices start from QR50. For tickets and information, contact [email protected].
The Magdeburger Knabenchor will also take part in workshops in some of Doha’s schools.
German chamber music
When: April 13, 6pm
Where: Museum of Islamic Art Atrium
What: Musicians from the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra will play a program of Qatari and German chamber music. The program includes pieces by Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann, A. Matar and Nasser Nasseb.
No tickets or reservations are required. More details can be found here.
Art and design
When: This fall, dates to be confirmed
Where: Qatar Museums’ Al Riwaq and Fire Station galleries.
What: Two special exhibitions are being hosted by Qatar Museums as part of the Year of Culture.
The first, an exhibition in collaboration with the Vitra Design Museum, will showcase German design from 1950 to the present day. Objects on show will include Porsche automobile icons, as well as classic furniture and objects.
The second exhibition will feature masterpieces from the Deutsche Bank collection of German art from the 1960s up to the present day.
Works on show will be by Joseph Beuys, Gerhard Richter and Sigmar Polke, as well as contemporary artists Neo Rauch, Katharina Grosse and Annette Kelm.
‘Mutual exchange’
According to Qatar Museums, which play a key role in organizing the years’ events, the years of culture program is designed to “deepen understanding between nations and their people” through “mutual exchanges of arts, culture, heritage and sport.”
You can follow the Qatar-Germany Year of Culture on Facebook and Instagram.
Are you looking forward to the events? Thoughts?
