During these last few weeks of summer, rather than just vegging out in the sun or bingeing on two or three seasons or reading a book by the beach, why not get a bit crafty and explore your artsy side as well.

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Even if you don’t think of yourself as the least bit of an artist, these workshops make it easy, help you learn and explore. And there’s something for everyone: the beginner, the pro, the filmmaker. We at FACT list down some art and creative activities for you before the end of this season.

Museum of Islamic Art (MIA):

Observational Studies with a Twist — Introduction to Abstract Art

August 17 and 24

This fun, fast-paced workshop will teach children aged 8 to 11 how to draw and paint abstract art.

Wood Workshop

August 17

Children aged 8 to 11 are invited to learn about the different properties of wood, see examples from the MIA collection and then make their very own wooden souvenir.

Epic Patterns of Central Asia with Laurelie Rae

August 14, 21 and September 4

This online programme will focus on the patterns, colours and textures from Central Asia in MIA’s Collection, exploring the history of the Timurid dynasty and retracing their steps through the patterns they have left behind.

Geometry for adults

August 23

A workshop where participants will be introduced to the concept of geometry in Islamic art, inspired by MIA’s collection, and will learn the basics of geometry and how to create a pattern using a net of interlocking circles made with a compass and a ruler.

Applications for Ektashif 2

Deadline: September 2

MIA has opened applications for Ektashif 2 – an annual initiative that will see eight Qatari artists join MIA staff on a seven-day trip to Istanbul, Turkey this year. The trip is hosted in collaboration with ‘Doha Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2021” and the Ministry of Culture and Sports.

“As part of this annual educational initiative, MIA provides an opportunity for established Qatari artists to engage with like-minded creatives and learn about the unique and distinctive arts and culture of different countries. The culturally immersive trip serves as inspiration for the participating artists who will go on to create artworks that contribute to Qatar’s thriving cultural landscape,” Salem Abdulla al-Aswad, deputy director of MIA, and director of Learning and Outreach, Qatar Museums, said in a press statement.

The trip will include visits to historic sites of interest including Aya Sofia, the Blue Mosque, Rustem Pasha Mosque, Yavuz Selim Mosque, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, Yeni Valide Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Each day of the trip will include a workshop to see traditional arts practiced in Turkey such as Iznik ceramics, paper marbling (Ebru), Islamic illumination and drawing on glass.

Following the trip, participants will be required to produce four to five artworks inspired by their visit, which will be showcased in an exhibition at the Ministry of Culture and Sports in December 2021. In addition, participating artists are set to take part in a public discussion panel, during which they will speak about the experiences gained during their trip.

Applications are open to Qatari nationals who are 18 years of age and older and who are practicing artists.

To apply, artists should submit five examples of their portfolio, CV, passport copy, and a copy of their Covid-19 vaccination certificate. Applicants should also describe themselves as an artist in 100 words and explain how securing a place on the trip to Turkey would impact their practice as an artist. Applications should be sent to miaprograms@qm.org.qa before September 2.

Doha Film Institute (DFI)

Screenwriting for Beginners (online)

August 25 to August 29

This course will give participants a chance to discover the creative process of writing for the screen, all from the comfort of their home. The five-day workshop includes the foundations of screenwriting, with mentors covering the ‘architecture’ of screenplays (storytelling, screenplay guidelines, non-verbal storytelling and characterisation) and the ‘formatting’ of a screenplay (visual grammar and Celtx/Final Draft).

“Taught remotely, the lab is offered in English, blending online lectures, assignments, and group discussions to give participants a comprehensive and well-rounded understanding of screenwriting,” the DFI said on its website. “As this is a beginner’s lab, the aim is for participants to produce a minimum of one scene for their screenplay.”

The Lab fee is QR300, but Culture Pass members are entitled to a 10% discount.

M7

Weekly Series

M7, a creative startups hub dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship, established by Qatar Museums for the nation’s growing fashion and design industry, continues to hold its weekly series focusing on design, fashion, and innovation.

“Every week, we highlight a local creative, so you can learn more about what drives their work, what inspires their creations, and how they use creativity to express their voice and ideas,” M7 said.