HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, and Anne-Claire Legendre, president of the Institut du monde arabe in Paris, will participate in a public discussion titled “Culture as Diplomat: How Cultural Institutions Shape International Relationships” on September 24 at 11 a.m. The event will be held at the Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium in Doha and is part of Qatar Creates’ Fall/Winter 2026/2027 season.
The conversation aims to examine the role of museums, exhibitions, and artistic collaborations in fostering deeper understanding and long-term relationships between diverse communities. Moderated by Dr. Safwan Masri, a recognized academic, scholar, and author, the talk will explore how cultural institutions complement traditional diplomacy by creating spaces for dialogue, trust, and mutual exchange.
Sheikha Al Mayassa brings experience in cultural leadership and international exchange, while Legendre combines her diplomatic career with her current role leading the Institut du monde arabe, a position she has held since February 2026, marking the first time a woman has presided over the institution. Legendre’s former roles include serving as Ambassador of France to Kuwait, adviser on North Africa and the Middle East to the French President, spokesperson for the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Consul General of France in New York.
Ahead of the event, Sheikha Al Mayassa emphasized the unifying power of culture, stating that it reconnects people with shared humanity and enriches daily life by fostering reflection, belonging, and connection. She underlined the importance of making cultural experiences accessible to broader audiences and building enduring relationships through exchange and understanding.
Legendre highlighted the shared goal of culture and diplomacy in facilitating dialogue and mutual understanding. She noted the capacity of institutions like the Institut du monde arabe to introduce societies to one another through artists, ideas, and histories, thereby creating lasting bonds that extend beyond singular cultural events. Legendre expressed enthusiasm about discussing how cultural organizations in Qatar, France, and across the Arab world can continue to open new channels for cooperation.
The event is organized collaboratively by Qatar Creates, the Institut du monde arabe, and the Embassy of France in Qatar. It is open to the public and aims to engage cultural leaders, artists, thinkers, and audiences in conversations about the societal role of culture, promoting the exchange of ideas across disciplines and generations. Further details and registration information are available through Qatar Creates’ official channels.