Qatar Foundation’s (QF) D’reesha Performing Arts Festival, which concludes Saturday is inspiring young people to unlock their creativity and unleash their inner artist.
The festival, held under the theme of “Travel and Adventure” and taking place in Education City’s Oxygen Park, features a section dedicated to art and music.
Visitors can learn to play the Oud, the Qanon, and the piano, as well as experiment with an interactive music wall and record themselves playing songs using everyday household items, such as pots, pans, and kitchen utensils.
While daily workshops include clay sculpting, watercolour painting, and tote bag designing, as well as acting classes. Additionally, QF’s Qatar Reads initiative offers a variety of activities for children to inspire a passion for literature, such as drawing and colouring. And children can learn about the book Kalila and Dimna, as well as borrow reading materials. Six-year-old Fatima al-Hajri, who visited the festival for the first time with her mother and brothers, said: “This place is beautiful, there are a lot of things that we can enjoy. I love musical instruments, especially the piano, and I loved learning how to play better.”
While 11-year-old Jassim al-Omari said: “There are many skills that we can learn here, such as drawing, sculpting, and playing musical instruments. I recorded my own playing, and it was a fun experience. I also met some friends during the workshops I attended. I hope to be able to come back to the festival before it ends to explore other areas and activities.”
Um Hamad, a mother who visited the Oxygen Park with her three children, said: “This is the second time that we have attended D’reesha Performing Arts Festival.
Last year, we participated in several activities, and this year again the kids are having a good time.”
This year, Torba Farmers Market is also being held as part of the festival, where visitors can purchase a range of local produce. “Torba Farmers Market has a long-standing relationship with QF and the D’reesha Performing Arts Festival, and we are excited to once again be a partner for this year’s event,” said Fatma al-Khater, founder of Torba Farmers Market. “Torba Farmers Market will be open throughout the festival in our new location behind Multaqa and right next to Oxygen Park where all the performing arts action and activities will be taking place.
“Get inspired by the travel and adventure theme as you browse the wide range of beautiful creations from the local artisans and makers at Torba Farmers Market, while enjoying the festival atmosphere of D’reesha,” al-Khater concluded.
Children engaged in D’reesha activities.
