Cultural events series
Initiative description: In the lead up to and during the FIFA World Cup 2022™, supporting the organisation and delivery of a series of cultural events in partnership with Qatar’s cultural sector. This will include events in Qatar or internationally that highlight key aspects of Arab culture and heritage and provide a forum for dialogue and cultural exchange among participants, attendees, and local communities in the lead up to and during the tournament. It will also include organising periodic workshops with cultural sector stakeholders in Qatar to support the sector’s development and foster collaboration among cultural organisations.
Culture and Entertainment Experience Project
Hosting the largest mega sporting event for the first time in the Arab world presented an immense opportunity to showcase Qatar as a prime cultural and sporting destination, while also encouraging a step change in cultural production in the country. The Cultural and Entertainment Experience Project was a host country project aimed at enriching the overall experience of spectators and fans during the tournament by engaging local communities and the cultural sector.
This project was supported by the formation of working groups comprising of government sectors, private businesses, and the local community. These working groups provided the SC with the opportunity to collaborate regularly with key stakeholders to assist with the planning and delivery of key cultural programmes in the leadup to and during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
These cultural programmes not only raised awareness and built excitement in the local community around the tournament, but they also provided a platform for developing key legacy messages in consultation with the local community around themes of leadership, people and perception.
Cultural Activation Programme
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Cultural Activation Programme was the first of its kind to be delivered during a FIFA World Cup™ tournament. Through the programme, talented artists from around the world were invited to join the entertainment offering, while partaking in the tournament’s people legacy. This legacy focussed on establishing new community groups within Qatar, developing and encouraging participation of existing community groups, and celebrating the country’s cultural diversity.
During the tournament, performers from around the world contributed to Qatar’s country-wide festivals at key locations, including the Last Mile of 7 stadiums (the eighth stadium also had Last Mile activations but this was managed by Qatar Foundation), the Corniche, FIFA Fan Festival™, Fan Zones, accommodation compounds, Messilah Bus Mall and the grand finale on Qatar National Day with artists concluding their journey by being part of the parade at Lusail Boulevard.
Participating artists delivered live performances across a range of categories including visual arts, crafts and heritage, fashion and design, performing arts and theatre, music, film and screening, and much more.
3,350 acts covering 15 locations and over 128 activation spots took part in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.