Qatar, Argentina, and Chile officially launched the 2025 Year of Culture with a grand celebration at the National Museum of Qatar. The event was filled with music, dance, art, and diplomatic significance, marking a new chapter of cultural collaboration between the Middle East and Latin America. The opening ceremony was part of the Spring/Summer 2025 Season of Qatar Creates, a platform dedicated to elevating Qatar’s creative industries and global cultural exchange.
The inauguration ceremony was led by Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, with dignitaries, diplomats, and guests from Qatar and abroad in attendance. The evening celebrated not only the vibrant cultures of Argentina and Chile but also Qatar’s growing role as a cultural connector on the global stage.
A Showcase of Music, Dance, and Tradition
The launch event highlighted the rich artistic traditions of Argentina and Chile through special performances that captivated the audience. Representing Argentina, vocalist Clara Trio delivered a stirring performance of traditional folkloric melodies, bringing the spirit of Argentine music to Doha. The Entre Pañuelos y Cuerdas dance group enchanted viewers with their Zamba performance, a dance known for its graceful, symbolic use of handkerchiefs and gentle movements.
From Chile, musician Vicente Allende showcased the deep soul of Chilean folklore with his Flamenco guitar skills, honed under the guidance of maestro Jorge Gómez. The Cueca Dance Group performed Cueca, Chile’s national dance, impressing the crowd with its rhythmic footwork and expressive storytelling through gestures. These performances illustrated the emotional and cultural depth of Latin America, sparking a lively connection with audiences in Qatar.
Major Art Exhibition: LATINOAMERICANO Opens
In addition to the performances, the evening marked the official opening of LATINOAMERICANO | Modern and Contemporary Art from Malba and Eduardo Costantini Collections. This major exhibition, presented by Qatar Museums in collaboration with Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (Malba), is a significant cultural milestone. It features nearly 170 works by more than 100 artists from nine Latin American countries, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the richness of Latin American modern and contemporary art.
The collection includes iconic works by renowned artists such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Fernando Botero. Exploring themes of identity, memory, and resistance, the exhibition provides a powerful narrative of Latin American history and creativity. Extending beyond the museum walls, Marta Minujín’s Sculpture of Dreams welcomes visitors to engage with art outdoors, adding an interactive element to the cultural experience. The exhibition is co-curated by Issa Al Shirawi and María Amalia García, bringing together expertise from Qatar and Argentina for this groundbreaking presentation.
Building Bridges Through Culture
The 2025 Year of Culture aims to deepen ties between Qatar, Argentina, and Chile through a year-long program of exhibitions, performances, artist residencies, and community events. The initiative focuses on creating lasting people-to-people connections and fostering greater mutual understanding between the regions. Both His Excellency Guillermo Nicolás, Ambassador of Argentina to Qatar, and His Excellency Patricio Díaz Broughton, Ambassador of Chile to Qatar and the UAE, emphasized the importance of the initiative in promoting dialogue, creativity, and shared values.
Through music, dance, and visual arts, the Year of Culture showcases the diverse identities and traditions of Latin America to new audiences in the Gulf region. The collaboration also highlights Qatar’s continued investment in global cultural diplomacy and its commitment to nurturing cross-cultural connections that transcend borders.
As Qatar, Argentina, and Chile embark on this cultural journey together, the 2025 Year of Culture promises to deliver an enriching calendar of events that celebrate both heritage and innovation. With exhibitions like LATINOAMERICANO, musical performances, dance showcases, and community engagement activities, the partnership between these nations is poised to leave a lasting legacy of friendship and creativity across continents.
