São Paulo – From Brazil’s capoeira (a typical martial art) to the Qatari pearls, the interchange of cultural values between Brazil and Qatar are the goal of the Year of Culture that brings the two countries together in 2014. With a series of ongoing events and others in the pipeline, the project aims to build closer ties between the two peoples through art shows, fairs, and typical exhibits in both countries.
“There are a lot of interesting, beautiful things about Qatar; the country has a very ancient culture. We have a lot to show to Brazilians when it comes to our culture, and we have a year to do it. There is a lot to show Brazilians about Qatar’s true Arab-Islamic culture,” said Rafah Barakat, head of the 2014 Qatar-Brazil Year of Culture project of the Qatar Museums Authority, in charge of the initiative in both countries, this Monday (10th) in São Paulo.
Barakat is visiting the Brazilian cities of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Belém. Her schedule includes visits to museums with potential to host some of the project’s art shows, as well as meetings with officials from local governments which are supporting the events. Mohammed Al-Hayki, the Qatari ambassador to Brasília, is accompanying Barakat to her meetings in the country.
The cultural activities have already begun in both countries. “The Qatari people are really enjoying getting to know Brazilian culture, ever since we showcased capoeira on the Qatari National Sports Day, February 11th. It was wonderful; we had 3,000 people watching a capoeira presentation, and then we held workshops,” said Barakat.
On February 15th, it was time for a show by the Brazilian fine artists Pedro Varela and Carolina Ponte in Doha. “We had 500 visitors on the first day. The minister of Culture was there, and so was the Brazilian ambassador. It was perfect!,” she said.
Conversely, Barakat is pleased to be able to display more of her country’s culture and history in Brazil. She stresses the support she has been getting from Brazilian government officials.
“The Brazilian government has been really helpful. They have opened their doors to our project, and were very glad to host the events, especially the Federal District governor Agnelo Queiroz. Ever since we signed the agreement that made Doha and Brasília into sister cities [in late January], he has been giving our project a lot of assistance. We are delighted to be able to learn about Brazilian culture and showcase our own,” she said.
The Brazilian Federal District has hosted a Qatari film festival. Upcoming attractions in Brazil include a book fair in Brasília and in Belém, in the state of Pará, plus an exhibit in São Paulo featuring 200 pearls from Qatar.
The Qatar-Brazil Year of Culture program is updated as new events are scheduled in different Brazilian cities and in Doha. To learn about upcoming events, go to www.qatarbrazil2014.com.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
