The internationally acclaimed Skate Girls of Kabul photo series, captured by award-winning photographer Jessica Fulford-Dobson, comes to an end next Saturday, 21 October 2017. This is the last chance for visitors and residents to experience this incredible show, at QM Gallery Katara, ahead of its international tour.

Copyright © Jessica Fulford-Dobson.

Presented by Qatar Museums (QM) under the leadership of its Chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the exhibition showcases stunning portraits that tell the extraordinary story of Afghani girls between the ages of five and 17. The heroes of this show use skateboarding as a motivation to attend school, thanks to Skateistan, an international nonprofit organisation empowering youth and children through skateboarding and education.

Copyright © Jessica Fulford-Dobson.

Khalid Yousef Al Ibrahim, Chief Strategic Planning Officer at Qatar Museums, said:

“We’re proud to have brought this inspiring and heartwarming exhibition by internationally acclaimed photographer Jessica Fulford-Dobson to the Middle East for the first time. This is a perfect example of the rich variety of exhibitions and events that we produce, and highlights our commitment to appeal to diverse communities, inspire creativity and enrich the lives of all those who live in and visit Qatar. We’re delighted by the incredible response that we have had to date, and with the success of the children’s summer camps and workshops that have allowed participants of all ages to engage in creative activities, experiencing art in unexpected ways. I encourage as many members of the community to take this last opportunity to see this wonderful show before the next leg of its international tour.”

Copyright © Jessica Fulford-Dobson.

The Skate Girls of Kabul show in Doha added a unique experiential element to the exhibition, with Qatar Museums building a specially-designed skate ramp inside the gallery space. Inspired by the show, many young girls from Qatar could be seen trying their hand at skateboarding on the ramp as guests roved around the gallery space, taking in the emotive portraits.

Copyright © Jessica Fulford-Dobson.

The ramp created for the Doha exhibition is an imitation of the Kabul skate school, utilising the same materials and layout to give guests a true representation of Skateistan’s flagship location. With QM’s support, the addition of the skating ramp inside the gallery space is a first for the Skate Girls show, which will also set a benchmark for the rest of the Skate Girl’s world tour.

For more information on the exhibition and upcoming activities, please visit: http://www.qm.org.qa/en