Evolution Nation / Voices Podcast - Qatar Creates x afikra

Artistic creation thrives in the space between historical research and the deliberate pursuit of ignorance. Artist Wael Shawky and the Artistic Director of Fire Station, explores how systemic education and institutional structures shape contemporary practice within the Arab world. This discussion highlights the transition of the Fire Station from a residency into a non-profit educational platform for regional talent. True professional growth for emerging artists requires a delicate balance of individual talent, critical mentorship, and accessible career channels.

00:00 Introduction
02:08 The Intersection of Personal Practice and Leadership
04:52 Alternative Educational Platforms
08:48 Pedagogical Challenges in Contemporary Art Education
11:39 Historical Research and Creative Exploration
16:48 Support Systems for Artists
21:40 The Journey of Professional Development
24:36 Balancing Creative Autonomy
29:00 Regional Engagement and Institutional Networks
33:57 Geographic Inclusivity and Emerging Talent Selection
38:09 Historical Context
43:35 Market Dynamics, Career Sustainability, and Talent Retention
48:58 Historical Inspirations, Evolution, and Creative Risk-Taking
01:03:16 Structural Development and Global Visibility

Wael Shawky is an Egyptian artist and cultural leader whose multidisciplinary work spans film, performance, and research-driven storytelling, often reinterpreting history through a contemporary lens. He gained international recognition with his Cabaret Crusades trilogy (2010–2015) and represented Egypt at the 60th Venice Biennale in 2024 with Drama 1882. His work has been exhibited at major institutions including MoMA, Tate Modern, the Louvre, MMCA, and LUMA Arles. He is the founder of MASS Alexandria, an independent studio program for young artists. Since 2024, he has served as Artistic Director of the Fire Station in Doha, where he launched the Arts Intensive Study Program for emerging artists, and he was named Artistic Director of Art Basel Qatar in 2026, shaping the fair’s curatorial vision. His practice is known for blending rigorous research with poetic storytelling, connecting historical narratives with contemporary cultural dialogue.

Connect with Wael Shawky 👉 https://instagram.com/wael_shawky

Hosted by Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu

FOLLOW & RATE THE EVOLUTION NATION / VOICES PODCAST - QATAR CREATES X AFIKRA:
» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evolution-nation-voices-podcast-qatar-creates-x-afikra/id1896901593
» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033vkyVIsiPhCehnMGimlO
» Anghami: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evolution-nation-voices-podcast-qatar-creates-x-afikra/id1896901593

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl567JlbbYp2DXVlABxmRVqU

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The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha serves as a vital bridge between historical intellectual excellence and modern cultural dialogue. This discussion with Shaika Al-Nassr & Dr. Mounia Chekhab Abudaya explores the institution's multifaceted role in re-owning regional narratives and challenging global stereotypes through immersive storytelling and collaborative curation. By transforming from a traditional museum into a dynamic cultural space, MIA fosters global connections while deepening the local understanding of Islamic heritage.

00:00 Introduction

03:50 Architecture and the Core Mission

05:47 Mapping the Growing Collection

07:15 Beyond Chronology: Connecting Contexts

09:34 Travelling Exhibitions and Target Audiences

12:22 Shifting the Curatorial Perspective

16:03 Interactive Student Dialogues

21:46 Formulating a Dynamic Space

26:00 Telling Stories Over Headlines

34:13 Developing the Multi-Faceted Managerial Role

42:24 Challenging the Terminology of the Field

01:00:32 Closing Remarks

Dr Mounia Chekhab-Abudaya is Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, where she leads curatorial strategy and exhibition development. She holds a PhD in Islamic art history from Pantheon-Sorbonne University and specialises in the western Mediterranean, manuscripts, and pilgrimage-related materials. She has curated several major exhibitions at MIA, including Hajj — The Journey through Art and Building Our Collection: Ceramics of Al Andalus, and previously contributed to the Islamic Art galleries at the Louvre.

Shaikha Al-Nassr is Director of the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha, with over 17 years of experience at the museum across curatorial and leadership roles. She previously served as Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs, overseeing MIA's 2022 relaunch, and earlier as Head of Exhibitions, managing numerous major projects and publications. She holds degrees in English Literature, Islamic Art (SOAS), and Museum Studies (UCL), and has presented widely on Islamic art and museology internationally. Her experience also includes training at leading institutions and internships at Tate Britain and the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Hosted by Mikey Muhanna

Connect directly with Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu

FOLLOW & RATE THE EVOLUTION NATION / VOICES PODCAST - QATAR CREATES X AFIKRA:

» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evolution-nation-voices-podcast-qatar-creates-x-afikra/id1896901593

» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033vkyVIsiPhCehnMGimlO

» Anghami: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evolution-nation-voices-podcast-qatar-creates-x-afikra/id1896901593

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK

Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl567JlbbYp2DXVlABxmRVqU

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Preserving the past is less about shielding static artifacts and more about negotiating what remains meaningful for a collective future. This dialogue, featuring Abdullatif Mohammed Al Jasmi, the director of Cultural Heritage Protection at Qatar Museums,  explores how Qatar manages heritage as an unfolding narrative that intersects regional experiences with global memory. Every curated trail and repurposed building serves as a vital link, ensuring that significance is not lost to time but integrated into the fabric of a flourishing nation. By moving beyond mere protection toward the adaptive reuse of spaces, authentic stories are permitted to evolve alongside the communities that inhabit them.

00:00 Introduction

04:36 The Human Analogy of Preservation

07:30 Active Strategies for Modern Spaces

10:08 Shifting Financial Landscapes

16:13 Uncovering Resilient Foundations

27:31 A Fluid Continuum of Identity

34:39 Rethinking Legal Safeguards

44:02 Cultivating Shared Memories

53:48 Continuous Dialogue and Shifting Voices

Engineer Abdullatif Mohamed Al Jasmi is the Director of the Cultural Heritage Protection Department at Qatar Museums, an ICCROM Council Member, and the manager of the Qatar Cultural Heritage Law Project. Since joining QM in 2019, Abdullatif oversees heritage activation projects and the rubric for adaptive reuse of the cultural landscape in Qatar. He also oversees the administration of legal tools for the protection of heritage and emergency response planning. Mr. Abdullatif has over 20 years of experience in project management, drafting legislation and regulations, and strategic management. Abdullatif is well versed on international heritage laws, conventions and treaties, and is an active participant in seminars both locally and internationally in the field of cultural heritage protection, development, management and promotion.

Connect with Abdullatif Mohammed Al Jasmi 👉 https://instagram.com/abdullatif.aljasmi

Hosted by Mikey Muhanna

Connect directly with Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu

FOLLOW & RATE THE EVOLUTION NATION / VOICES PODCAST - QATAR CREATES X AFIKRA:

» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evolution-nation-voices-podcast-qatar-creates-x-afikra/id1896901593

» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033vkyVIsiPhCehnMGimlO

» Anghami: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evolution-nation-voices-podcast-qatar-creates-x-afikra/id1896901593

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK

Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl567JlbbYp2DXVlABxmRVqU

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We explore Mathaf’s role in shaping the narrative of modern and contemporary Arab art over the past 15 years with Zeina Arida, the director of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art at Qatar Museums. Zeina reflects on the evolution of the museum’s collection, the thinking behind acquisitions and exhibitions, and how archival practices inform the way complex art histories are presented today. She also discusses Mathaf’s upcoming expansion, its support of artists across generations, and its position within both Qatar’s cultural ecosystem and the international museum landscape. Join us in this episode of Qatar Create’s Evolution Nation podcast to get a closer look at how Mathaf continues to steward Arab modern art while shaping its future.

00:00 Introduction

02:05 Defining Mathaf’s Legacy and Ambitions

04:02 A Platform for Regional Artistic Production

05:47 Navigating the Complexities of Running a Museum

07:35 Creating a Unique Museum Model

09:57 Sheikh Hassan’s Support System for Artists

11:23 The Resolutions Exhibition: Archiving the Past

15:20 Groundbreaking Early Programming

18:10 The Curatorial Ecosystem and Encyclopedia

20:57 The "We Refused" Exhibition and Resistance

24:28 Spotlight on Featured Artists in "We Refused"

27:51 Global Solidarity and Political Narratives

31:37 Audience Q&A: Qatar’s Cultural Ecosystem

33:57 Defining the Target Audience

36:06 Staying Relevant in a Changing World

38:40 Cultural Risk and Artistic Freedom

39:26 Conclusion

Zeina Arida's career in the Lebanese cultural sector spans over twenty years. From 1997 to 2014, she was the director of the Arab Image Foundation (AIF), where she set up and managed various artistic and photographic preservation projects. She also served as a board member of the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) from 2006 to 2012, and was a member of the Prince Claus Fund Network Partner Committee from 2007 to 2013. She is currently a member of the Board of the Directors of MUCEM, Marseille; a member of the Advisory Board of Darat Al Funun, Amman; and a member of the Scientific Committee of Beit Beirut.

Connect with Zeina Arida 👉 https://instagram.com/zeinaarida

Hosted by Mikey Muhanna

Connect directly with Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu

FOLLOW & RATE THE EVOLUTION NATION / VOICES PODCAST - QATAR CREATES X AFIKRA:

» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evolution-nation-voices-podcast-qatar-creates-x-afikra/id1896901593

» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033vkyVIsiPhCehnMGimlO

» Anghami: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evolution-nation-voices-podcast-qatar-creates-x-afikra/id1896901593

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK

Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl567JlbbYp2DXVlABxmRVqU

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We explore how Qatar operates on the international art stage through exhibitions, public art, and global cultural platforms in the inaugural episode of Qatar Creates’ new podcast series Evolution Nation, powered by afikra. Our first guest, Sheikha Reem Al Thani, who is Deputy CEO of Al Riwaq, public art and Rubaiya Qatar at Qatar museums, reflects on the strategic thinking behind major international exhibitions, the role of flexible spaces like Al Riwaq, and how public art shapes everyday cultural engagement. She also discusses long-term models such as the Rubaiya Qatar quadrennial, global collaborations, and the balance between spectacle, research, and meaningful cultural exchange. Join us as we take a closer look at how Qatar’s cultural institutions translate vision into action on the global stage.

00:00 Introduction

01:32 Qatar on the International Art Stage

04:03 Professional Journey and the Founding of Mathaf

07:30 Qatar Museums’ Evolution and Mission

13:14 Al Riwaq: From Temporary Space to Permanent Institution

16:06 Defining Local in a Global Context

18:43 The Rubaiyat Qatar Architecture Quadrennial

22:42 Legacy and the 2026 World Cup Celebration

24:12 The Role of Biennials and Quadrennials

27:04 Defining Success and Future Impact

28:38 A Four-Day Cultural Itinerary for Qatar

31:36 Msheireb Downtown Doha: The Architectural Brief

34:52 Navigating Challenges and Avoiding Off the Rails Growth

36:57 The Stakes of Cultural Development

39:37 National Strategy and Cultural Diplomacy

43:36 Engaging the Next Generation

46:00 An Open Door for International Artists

Sheikha Reem Al Thani is a cultural leader and multidisciplinary designer with over fifteen years of experience at Qatar Museums. She currently serves asDeputy CEO of ALRIWAQ, public art and Rubaiya qatar at Qatar museums, overseeing major exhibition platforms, public art initiatives, and the Rubaiya Qatar quadrennial. She has led the development of more than 100 exhibitions, including Forever Valentino, Dior Designer of Dreams, Jeff Koons: Lost in America, KAWS: He Eats Alone, and I.M. Pei: Life is Architecture. She also teaches exhibition design at VCUarts Qatar and serves on advisory boards including IE School of Architecture and Design, Qatar University, IN-Q Enterprises, and The World Around’s Young Climate Prize. Sheikha Reem is the first Qatari to earn a Master’s degree in Adaptive Reuse Interior Architecture from RISD, after completing dual undergraduate degrees in Interior and Fashion Design at VCUarts Qatar, and her work focuses on human-centered design and strengthening Qatar’s global cultural presence.

Connect with Shaikha Reem Al Thani 👉 https://instagram.com/reem_althani7

Hosted by Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu

FOLLOW & RATE THE EVOLUTION NATION / VOICES PODCAST - QATAR CREATES X AFIKRA:

» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evolution-nation-voices-podcast-qatar-creates-x-afikra/id1896901593

» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033vkyVIsiPhCehnMGimlO

» Anghami: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evolution-nation-voices-podcast-qatar-creates-x-afikra/id1896901593

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK

Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl567JlbbYp2DXVlABxmRVqU

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.