Ankaboot launched in Qatar - online platform for art and creativity
In fulfilling its mission to nurture and support creative networks and invest in emerging local talent, Qatar Museums has launched Ankaboot, a unique online platform and interactive space for all things related to art and creativity in Qatar.
The platform will connect artists with one another and with new audiences, and provide members of the local community with access to memorable artistic and cultural experiences.
Ankaboot, meaning ‘Spider’ in Arabic, relates to the web of connections that the new platform will provide to creatives across a range of disciplines, enabling them to promote their work, gain new audiences and build their profile within Qatar’s cultural community.
Ankaboot will also support collaboration by connecting like-minded individuals to develop concepts and ideas together.
The platform is designed to pull together the varied elements of the arts and cultural community in Qatar at a time when local artistic talent is building critical mass, the nation’s cultural institutions are flourishing and the arts and culture scene has developed considerably.
In the ten years since Qatar Museums was established, Qatar has achieved real progress in bridging cultures, encouraging cultural exchange and nurturing creative talent.
Commenting on the launch, Sheikha Maryam Al Thani, who first conceived Ankaboot said:
"Qatar’s progress in nurturing local artistic talent is considerable.
"We see this from the breadth and depth of applications to the Fire Station Artists in Residence programme to the quality of the artwork on display at exhibitions such as Here There.
"Ankaboot is the ideal platform for building on this success and developing the next generation of cultural audiences and artistic producers.
"In this way it perfectly supports the mission of Qatar Museums and helps to fulfill the goals of the 2030 Qatar National Vision."
Under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar Museums has been the driving force behind Ankaboot.
The platform helps to fulfill the mission of Qatar Museums in enriching the lives of residents and visitors to the country as well as inspiring and fostering an indigenous culture of creativity and innovation.
Ankaboot was launched in the cinema theatre at the recently opened Fire Station building, which hosts the new “Artist in Residence” programme.
At launch, work from more than 50 artists is supported by the platform, enabling them to reach large audiences of buyers, collectors, enthusiasts, influencers and others connected with arts and culture in Qatar.
From established figures, to budding creatives, Ankaboot will enable artists to showcase and share their collections, inspire one another, exchange ideas, collaborate on projects or request feedback and guidance.
Over time, it will enable all kinds of artists to organise exhibitions, promote themselves and help find buyers for their art as well as introduce them to galleries and exhibition organisers.
By enabling artists across disciplines to share their work in this way, it will give a further boost to the flourishing and thriving arts scene in Qatar, helping take it further and faster.
For the local community, Ankaboot provides an online meeting place for everyone with an interest in culture as well as a space to browse and enjoy the range of art and creativity on offer in Qatar and participate in cultural dialogue.
This includes access to a wide range of arts and cultural events, exhibitions and openings staged by videographers, photographers, fashion designers and the range of disciplines represented on the platform.
"After the Fire Station this development is further proof of our efforts to nurture and develop a vibrant local art scene. It will help artists reach new audiences as well as learn from each other and develop projects together. It creates a common and accessible space for creatives to promote their work and collaborate as well as share fresh thinking and ideas. Whether you are an active contributor or occasional visitor, Ankaboot is open to all," commented Jean-Paul Engelen, QM Director of Public Arts.
For more information visit: www.ankaboot.qa
