UCL Qatar Masters students on the Museum and Gallery Programme have partnered with Msheireb Museums to curate the ‘We are the daughters of Qatar’ exhibition that explores the topic of Qatari womanhood.

Starting from 11 April until 9 May 2018, this exhibition tells the stories of Qatari women whose lives were transformed as a result of the discovery of oil. ‘We are the daughters of Qatar’ takes place at Musheireb Museums, the new cultural destination that reflects the history of four heritage houses, which are located in the heritage district of Msheireb Downtown Doha. With its unique location in Msheireb, these houses reflect a historical background of Qatar and provide a cultural space for exchanging ideas and enriching dialogue about the past and the future.

Through the perspectives of grandmothers, mothers and daughters of Qatar this exhibition explores what has changed and what has remained the same in women’s lives. At the heart of this exhibition are the personal encounters of three generations of Qatari women as we examine their memories and ideas concerning education, career, fashion, crafts and art and celebrate these resilient and inspiring Qatari women.

The MA in Museum and Gallery Practice is designed to help shape future generations of museum professionals and cultural leaders in Qatar and beyond. The exhibition project is one of the core modules the MA students undertake each year in a museum where they have conceived, curated, designed and installed the exhibition. Furthermore, the students bring to life their new knowledge and skills by delivering museum outputs to a high professional standard. UCL students on the MA in Museum and Gallery PracticeThe exhibition forms part of UCL Qatar’s aim to bring light to Qatari history, creating a sense of national relevance through its programmes.

Talking ahead of the exhibition, Lejla Niksic, MA student, said: “Our aim is to understand what kind of lives Qatari women have lived in the personal, familial, and professional sphere. We hope it will strengthen the female narrative in the storytelling of Qatar’s development.”

She continued: “Being a part of UCLQurates, a yearly student-led project, helps me to not only grow professionally but also to actively contribute to the development and innovation of the sector. Students at UCL Qatar play an active role in engaging all elements of the community to build appreciation, awareness and understanding of Qatar’s cultural heritage and traditions”.

There will be a series of events organised for the public. Family activities include a Treasure Hunt, a Family Mood Board event encouraging conversations amongst family on 14 April and an interactive and fun craft workshop on 21 April. All welcome.

Mr. Hafiz Ali, Director of Msheireb Museums, said: “Msheireb Museums is committed to developing exhibition content to tell our nation’s stories’ and build bridges between new generations and the heritage and history of our ancestors. ‘We Are Daughters of Qatar’ exhibition is a truly unique and special tribute to Qatari women who have played a major role in the transformation process of our country. I’d like to thank the UCL Qatar for helping deliver this premier exhibition”.

As well as displaying objects such as dresses, artefacts, and oral history, students will facilitate multisensory engagement that will activate the visitors’ sense of smell using traditional Bokhoor. Community engagement activities will be held to create a memorable and participatory exhibition where the community will be engaged in content creation.

The exhibition will be open from the 11th of April until 9th of May to the public at the temporary galleries at Company House, Msheireb Museums. For more information about this exhibition please visit http://uclqurates.squarespace.com/