Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture Cements Lasting Ties with Next Generation of Indonesian Artists
Years of Culture announced its inaugural volunteer mission in collaboration with Qatar Museums’ Community Service section, as part of the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture. The large group of 23 volunteers and artists from Qatar Museums, as well as students from Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar and volunteers from Qatar Youth Hostels, travelled to the SMKN 1 Rota Bayat School in Indonesia to foster connections, promote cross-cultural understanding, and build on the trust that exists between Qatar and Indonesia at the grassroots level.
“After celebrating our 10-year anniversary last year with the entire MENASA region, we took stock of what has made Years of Culture so successful over the years. The answer was quite clear – individual connections and friendships forged during the many exchange programs facilitated throughout the years. In essence, the volunteers traveling to Yogyakarta are our front-line cultural ambassadors, building trust through shared learning and experiences,” said Years of Culture representative.
The SMKN 1 ROTA Bayat School, a well-respected vocational and technical school in the Bayat – Klaten region, was originally built with the support of Qatar’s Reach Out to Asia initiative in 2009 after the devastating earthquake that hit the region in 2006. The school graduates promising young talent specialized in traditional Indonesian arts like batik-making, ceramic-making, gamelan music and dance.
The rich and comprehensive workshop program from Years of Culture and Qatar Museums’ Community Service section, developed in line with Ministry of Education requirements, was designed to enrich the educational experience of students and provide them with practical insights into the dynamic realms of art, culture, and professional development. Volunteers led a series of workshops designed to empower students with valuable skills across several creative disciplines, from photography to digital marketing, and videography, event management for museums and exhibitions, as well as product development in fashion and design.
Speaking just ahead of the volunteer group’s departure for Indonesia, Hazem Idriss, Head of Community Services Section at Qatar Museums, said, “I’ve been working with the SMKN 1 ROTA Bayat School since it first opened in 2009 and saw many incredible students flourish and become prominent artists, teachers and collaborators. I am thrilled to be able to return once again at the helm of our very first official volunteer trip.”
Years of Culture is an initiative that seeks to strengthen cultural ties between nations, promoting mutual understanding and appreciation through interpersonal connections and immersive experiences. Through a series of cultural exchanges and collaborations, Years of Culture aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of participating countries and foster lasting connections between diverse communities.
