Qatar National Library, in partnership with Hamad Bin Khalifa University and the Children’s Literature Center, is hosting the Children’s Art Exhibition 2024 (Reesha) in Doha, Qatar. The exhibition, themed “Artworks Inspired by the Novel Men in the Sun”, aims to raise awareness about the Palestinian cause, particularly among youth. It opened on 9 October and will continue until 31 December, providing a platform for children to express themselves through art and cultural development tools in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
To ensure inclusivity, the Library has made the exhibition accessible to all community members, offering audio descriptions, high-contrast embossed images, and braille descriptions of the artworks for those with visual impairments. This commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion aligns with the Library’s values and mission to promote accessibility for all. The exhibition features 12 artworks created by children from 11 schools in Qatar, guided by Qatari artist Ahmed Nouh and writer Asmaa Al Kuwari, showcasing a collaboration of creativity and cultural expression.
By combining the Reesha exhibition with Qalami, an annual initiative for children focusing on creative writing skills in Arabic, the Library aims to nurture creativity and cultural development among young participants. Inspired by Ghassan Kanafani’s novel Men in the Sun, children brought their stories to life through artistic works combining drawing and collage, engaging them with important contemporary issues while celebrating the region’s cultural heritage. Through this initiative, children are encouraged to explore their creativity and connect with the rich cultural heritage of the Arab world, with a special focus on the Palestinian cause.
Fatema Al Malki, Project Manager of Qatar Reads and Acting Manager of the Children’s and Young Adults’ Library at QNL, emphasized the importance of using storytelling and visual arts to engage children in an interactive and inclusive environment. The Reesha exhibition serves as a platform for personal growth and cultural development, introducing Qatari youth to the region’s heritage and the Palestinian cause. By fostering creativity and cultural awareness among children, the initiative aims to instill a sense of empathy and understanding towards important societal issues while promoting the values of inclusivity and diversity.
Overall, the Children’s Art Exhibition 2024 (Reesha) in Doha, Qatar, is a testament to the power of art in raising awareness and fostering cultural development among youth. Through a combination of artistic expression and storytelling, children are engaged with important contemporary issues, particularly the Palestinian cause, while celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage. By providing an inclusive and accessible platform for children to express themselves creatively, the exhibition promotes values of equity, diversity, and inclusion, enriching the community and engaging youth in meaningful dialogue and expression through art.
