'Home Grown' initiative launched to establish culture of sustainability, production

Qatar Museums (QM) Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and HE the Minister of Social Development and Family Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad launched the "Home Grown" initiative yesterday with an exhibition at the Wadi Msheireb Station and M7 building in Msheireb Downtown Doha.
The initiative, previously known as “home for diversified production”, is aimed at establishing a culture of sustainability, shift individuals from consumption to production, and develop the “productive families” system within Qatar to enhance the efficiency of families, raise their productivity level, and develop their skills.
These are to be accomplished through the provision of integrated services, starting from the process of inception of ideas to facilitating access to markets, in addition to changing the negative stereotype associated with “productive” families, by launching this initiative under a new name and an attractive visual identity.
Production is divided into food, textile and craft.
The “Home Grown” initiative was launched at the first point of sale, in conjunction with the kick-off of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, through the exhibition that highlights the aesthetics of Qatari products with a contemporary character, contributing to enhancing the Qatari identity, and introducing the current generation to the heritage of handicraft and their development.
Traditional handicraft designs are presented in a modern and contemporary way by Qatari artists and designers in a number of artistic fields, including fashion, jewellery, antiques and accessories, and Sadu textiles, besides the review of valuable art.
More than 53 projects and Qatari designers are participating.
The exhibition covers introductory workshops on Sadu crafts, Arabic calligraphy, making the Misbaha collection, paper money, and pottery.
HE al-Misnad said that her ministry, represented by the Department of Family Affairs, encourages and supports innovative and creative Qatari youth in all fields.
She said this event is held in the framework of the ministry's vision to direct the efforts of institutions concerned with women and the family economically, to encourage them to become self-reliant, to develop and implement projects that support and develop “productive” families through training and support services, and to provide avenues for marketing their products.
HE al-Misnad said this initiative is one of the ministry’s strategies to support families that produce handicraft and products, adding that the success of these projects encourages entrepreneurship.
The minister said that the various activities during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 are a great opportunity for families to showcase their home projects and introduce guests to the most important products under the "Home Grown" label.
The launch of the initiative coincides with the Global Entrepreneurship Week, which is marked from November 13-19 every year.
The Social Development Centre (Nama), a Qatar Foundation (QF) partner, participated in the "Home Grown" initiative by organising the "Home Grown" exhibition in co-operation with M7, Qatar's New Creative Hub, established by the QM under the leadership of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa.
M7 is committed to accelerating the growth of Qatar's creative economy by providing guidance and opportunities for designers to build successful local and international businesses.
It also helps the fashion and design industry play its role in the growth of Qatar's creative circular economy system.
Its platforms include comprehensive development and mentoring programmes, world-class exhibitions and events, and public seminars.
Located in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha, M7 creates a space for creative people by working closely with Nama’s resident partners, including Cutting Studio, Studio 7, Scale 7, Fromm, Workinton, and Profiles restaurant.
The "Seashore" group, a leading business group in Qatar, is the main sponsor of this initiative and seeks to support young talent through community partnership.