17 November saw the successful conclusion of the 7^th St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum in Russia. 35 foreign delegations were part of this prestigious 3-day Forum where Qatar was the guest of honour for the very first time.

Qatar and Russia are celebrating the Qatar Russia 2018 Year of Culture which aims to deepen relations and promote future collaboration between the two countries through a mutual exchange of culture, heritage and the arts.

The final day of the Forum was marked by the following events:

Panel Discussion on 'Future of Libraries and Libraries of the Future' at Manege Central Exhibition Hall

Executive Director of Qatar National Library Dr. Sohair Wastawy highlighted the role of traditional libraries and how they will continue to flourish, even in this digital age where digital libraries are becoming increasingly common because libraries within societies gather people together so they can gain knowledge through collective learning.

Discussion session at St. Petersburg State University

Famous musician and singer Dana Al Fardan talked about her music and how it has been motivated by Qatari marine art and classical music.

Discussion session on entrepreneurship

Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC) CEO Aysha Al Mudahka discussed the role of entrepreneurship in cultural organisations and how individuals and artists can work towards setting up fruitful partnerships.

Qatar Contemporary: Art and Photography exhibition

This exhibition which is the biggest art and photography exhibition from Qatar to be showcased in Russia, was inaugurated in St. Petersburg on 14 November and has already seen a large number of visitors who have come to admire the photographs and artworks of photographers from different nationalities living in Qatar. The exhibition will run till 10 December.

Have you been following the events of the 7^th St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum in Russia? How do you think Qatar did as guest of honour? Do let us know what you think in our Comments section. Like and share the article - it keeps us going!

Cover image: St. Petersburg Official City Guide

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Nabeela

Content Writer

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