SkillFest, the first event of its kind, celebrates local and sustainable arts and crafts, inspired by Qatar’s marine environment, emphasising creativity, culture, and community interaction.

The month-long festival, sponsored by Visit Qatar, started on July 15 and runs till August 15. Based in four different locations across the country; Msheireb Galleria, Place Vendome, Mall of Qatar, and West Walk, it invites visitors to indulge in local arts, crafts, and culture.

Featuring local and resident artists and craftsmen, there are Arabic calligraphy, astronomy and science exhibitions; manuscripts and anecdotes; pavilions on local marine creatures; photography exhibitions by Qatari photographers including Azzam Al-Mannai; Qatar Photography Centre exhibits by artists Khaled Al Jabri and Faisal Al Jarkas and artisan markets featuring products by 24 artists.

In addition, there are competitions for visitors with valuable prizes for the winners.

“Visit Qatar is pleased to sponsor the inaugural SkillFest in Qatar which focuses on Qatari arts, culture, and environment, making it a great event for families during the summer,” said Hamad Al Khaja, Head of Events and Festivals Technical Support Section at Qatar Tourism.

“Spread across the country in different locations, the event invites people to partake in artistic workshops and exhibitions to celebrate local culture and environment.

“Educational and hands-on events like these demonstrate Visit Qatar’s ongoing commitment to diversifying its events offerings, and emphasis on the importance of arts and culture. We wish everyone a warm welcome to the first edition of SkillFest.”

Artist and co-founder of the event, Bachir Mohamad, said: “The goal of the festival is to celebrate the rich fabric of Qatari life. Each location will host unique pavilions, offering visitors the opportunity to experience different aspects of Qatari heritage and contemporary culture.

“We are confident that the natural and environmental elements that inspired the event will have the same inspiring effect on visitors.”

Qatari artist Ahmed Al-Emadi, co-founder of Bluribbon Design Atelier, one of the co-organisers, added that the festival is an opportunity to develop skills for everyone, whether they are amateurs or professionals.

“Our belief as organisers is that skills can be acquired,” he explained.

“Even talented artists benefit from meeting professionals and learning from their experiences to save them effort and time, which will place them on the fastest and most secure path to success.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Visit Qatar and the partners of SkillFest in designing and executing four temporary public art installations launched simultaneously in the four commercial complexes throughout the duration of this festival.”

Designed by Hassan Al Mutawaa and named by Faisal Al Naimi, the four mascots of SkillFest represent the diverse forms of life that are found in Qatar’s marine environment.

Laffan, the whale shark, is inspired by the calm and gentle whale sharks found in Qatar’s waters, primarily around the Ras Laffan area.

Barga is a calm and graceful dugong, while Safia, the turtle, is a symbol of agility and endurance. Rahhal is a stingray which embodies fast movement and successful camouflage.

All the mascots represent large, yet gentle and calm marine animals found in Qatar’s waters that represent the diverse, local marine ecosystem crucial for Qatar’s environmental heritage. These mascots are the driving forces of the event, and their statues are found at the four different locations.

Entry to both the events and workshops is free, though some workshops require prior registration.

Timings:
Sunday to Thursday: 11am – 10pm.
Friday: 2pm – 10pm.
Saturday: 11am – 10pm.

GO: Visit www.visitqatar.com for more information.