Summer workshops to keep residents and visitors busy

As summer temperatures persist in Qatar, the nation is transforming the sweltering season into an opportunity for knowledge acquisition and artistic exploration through an array of workshops and other programmes.

Catering to both residents and visitors, these indoor workshops, taking place at different locations in the country, offer a haven of education and creativity amid the blazing heat.

Leading the charge in this enriching endeavour is the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), which has curated a lineup of workshops throughout August.

Catering to families with young children, as well as adults, these workshops are designed to ensure an inclusive and engaging experience for all participants.

Kicking off the series is the “Family Day” workshop scheduled for Saturday, from 2pm-4pm at the MIA's auditorium.

Marking the International Day of Youth, this activity is led by the MIA's learning and outreach team.

During this workshop, attendees will embark on a journey of discovery, unraveling the intricate geometry patterns that grace mosques.

This exploration is in celebration of the MIA's latest exhibition, "Mosques in Qatar: Then and Now”.

One unique aspect of this workshop is its accessibility – it's a drop-in session that does not require prior booking, making it an enticing prospect for those seeking an immersive cultural experience.

Simultaneously, on the Saturday, from 10am to 4pm, the MIA library will host the “Youth Day, Library Puzzles and Games” workshop.

Also to celebrate the International Day of Youth, Qatar Museums (QM) noted that this workshop offers a delightful blend of puzzles and games with a focus on Islamic art and sustainable living.

Participants can expect a day of engaging activities that entertain while fostering a deeper understanding of these themes.

Looking ahead, August 29 brings the eagerly anticipated “Planet Kids Club – The Blue Jackal” workshop.

From 4pm-5pm, the MIA invites children aged 5-7 to enroll in this captivating kids' club, where a diverse range of activities is woven together under the overarching theme of planet protection.

Storytelling sessions dedicated to nurturing a sense of environmental care, coupled with immersive arts and crafts activities, promise a truly engaging experience for young minds.

For the more mature audience, a workshop tailoured for adults is scheduled on August 31, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

Participants will have the chance to explore and learn more about the MIA's Mughal collection, an assemblage of exquisite gems and artefacts that offers insights into the rich history of the Mughal period.

At the Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Education City, the “Art Time for Kids” workshop invites children to explore their artistic potential.

In a series of sessions, scheduled every Monday for ages 6-8, every Tuesday for ages 9-11, and every Wednesday for ages 12-14, participants will immerse themselves in a world of artistic expression, covering various techniques and mediums to unlock their creativity.

Meanwhile, at the AI Digital Centre Summer Programmes, the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) started hosting workshops for participants aged 8–16 on June 25 and running until August 31.

These workshops span a wide spectrum of topics, from coding through *Minecraft to cybersecurity, design and engineering, filmmaking, and even a fascinating exploration of 3D design and virtual reality.

Artistry finds a new dimension at the "Jewellery Rendering Workshop", led by the talented artist Maryam al-Majid. Scheduled for August 13-14, from 4pm to 5.30pm.

This unique workshop imparts the skill of creating realistic jewellery designs using paint, while examining the nuances of light and shadow to achieve a stunning 3D effect.

For those with a tactile inclination, the “Hand-building Clay Workshop” at Heenat Salma Farm is a perfect fit.

Running until August 31, this workshop immerses participants in the world of pottery, guiding them through the processes of extraction, modeling, drying, burning, and surface decoration.

Beyond mastering the technical aspects, this workshop underlines the cultural and economic significance of clay production within local communities.

The Qatar National Library (QNL) also plays its part in enhancing the summer experience with a vibrant programme that focuses on creativity and self-empowerment.

The QNL launched the “How I Do Series” on August 6, which sheds light on “Online Resources for People with Reading Difficulties” and offers valuable insights into accessible format materials available at the library.

Additional workshops include the Persian Floral Design session at the MIA, slated to take place from August 13-14, between 4pm and 5.30 pm.

Also in the lineup is “An Artist’s Adventure: Children’s Workshop”, an engaging two-day introduction to the realm of art for children.

This artistic exploration is scheduled from August 15-16, between 11am and 12.30pm.

During this period, Qatar's workshops shine as beacons of learning and creativity, offering participants a respite of knowledge and inspiration in the midst of the summer heat.