A fourth Qatari artist will be joining Qatar Museums’ (QM) Paris Residency Programme in France at the Studio Qatar at Cite Internationale des Art from today until April 15, it was announced.
A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar with a BFA in Graphic Design, Political Artoonist Ghada al-Khater tackles subjects of freedom of speech and fake news, both topics which have come to prominence since the diplomatic and economic blockade on 
Qatar. 
“Artooning, to me, was not only a creative outlet but a way to express my thoughts on the blockade imposed on Qatar and how that reflected on the larger GCC region,” she said. 
Two of her Artoons “Tamim Kg” and “Aljazeera” have gained recognition and resonance throughout social media in Qatar last year. Al-Khater also tackles Middle Eastern issues more broadly, including the 
Palestinian cause.
Held under the patronage of QM’s chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the Paris Art Residency Programme is an extension of QM’s Fire Station: Artist in Residence programme in Doha. It is designed to grow the next generation of artistic talent in Qatar.
As part of the programme, Fire Station supports one talented artist with studio and accommodation at the Cité internationale des Arts in Paris for three months, as well as a monthly stipend for their stay and art 
materials purchases. 
The programme offers participants the chance to expand their creativity and immerse themselves in the Parisian art scene. It is open to all Qatari artists aged 18 and older, covering all art forms. 
Three Qatari artists have already completed the programme: Ebtisam al-Saffar, Nasser al-Attiya and Abdullah al-Kuwari who hosted open studios at the Cité internationale des Arts in 2017, allowing members of the public to meet them and exchange their thoughts about art and culture.
“Art has always been a way of unleashing new ideas and viewpoints, allowing people to connect with each other regardless of their race, culture and background,” Fire Station director Khalifa al-Obaidli said. 
“Participants in the Fire Station Paris Residency programme will grow both as individuals and as artists as they interact with their peers in a creative and 
international hub,” he added.


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