A five-year strategic partnership between Qatar Museums (QM) and the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) will bring innovative educational programmes to schools and cultural learning environments across India. The collaboration, signed in Doha by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Isha Ambani, aims to foster creativity and cultural exchange through museum-based learning experiences for children and professional development for educators. This initiative builds on the legacy of Qatar’s Year of Culture with India.
The agreement, formalized at the National Museum of Qatar, will see the implementation of “Museum-in-Residence” programs in both countries. These programs will be jointly developed and adapted to suit diverse learning contexts, with a particular focus on enriching early childhood education. Reliance Foundation will partner with NMACC to deliver the programs throughout India, reaching multiple regions and communities.
Expanding Access to Museum-Based Educational Programmes
The core of the partnership centers on expanding access to high-quality educational programmes, particularly those leveraging the unique learning opportunities offered by museums. According to Qatar Museums, the collaboration will utilize models developed at Dadu, Children’s Museum of Qatar, including the “Light Atelier” designed for children aged three to seven. This atelier focuses on immersive, hands-on learning through play.
QM specialists will provide masterclasses and mentoring to educators and volunteers in India, equipping them with new tools and methodologies. The programs will extend beyond traditional school settings, reaching anganwadis (rural childcare centers) and community centers, with a specific emphasis on serving rural and underserved populations. This commitment to inclusivity is a key component of both organizations’ missions.
A Shared Vision for Cultural Enrichment
Both Qatar Museums and NMACC share a fundamental belief in the power of culture to inspire imagination and the importance of education in realizing potential. Isha Ambani, Director of Reliance Industries, emphasized the commitment to bringing global ideas to India while simultaneously showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage to the world. This exchange is intended to broaden perspectives and foster a deeper understanding of different cultures.
The partnership also aims to support the goals of Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which prioritizes investment in human and cultural development. By fostering creativity and empathy in young learners, the programs seek to contribute to a more informed and engaged citizenry. Relatedly, the collaboration highlights growing India-Qatar ties in the cultural sector.
Maha Al Hajri, Acting Director of Dadu, Children’s Museum of Qatar, highlighted the Museum-in-Residence program’s ability to extend Dadu’s learning-through-play philosophy beyond its physical walls. She noted the significance of creating meaningful cultural exchanges with partners like NMACC. The initiative is expected to provide valuable insights into adapting museum learning models to different cultural contexts.
While the initial focus is on early childhood education, the partnership anticipates developing additional initiatives to encourage creativity and discovery across a wider age range. The long-term impact of these programs on India’s arts education landscape remains to be seen, but the commitment to teacher training suggests a sustainable approach. Furthermore, the collaboration could serve as a model for similar partnerships between cultural institutions in other countries.
The next phase will involve detailed program planning and pilot implementations in select locations across India, with a projected rollout timeline over the next six months. Success will depend on effective coordination between QM, NMACC, and Reliance Foundation, as well as ongoing evaluation of program impact. Observers will be watching to see how the “Light Atelier” and other Dadu-inspired models are adapted to the Indian educational system and the extent to which they contribute to improved learning outcomes and increased engagement with the cultural heritage of both nations.
Qatar Museums and Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre are expected to release further details on specific program locations and timelines in the coming weeks.
