IKT CONGRESS 2025: Qatar / UAE

Symposium (Draft)

10 April & 12 April 2025

Power Gender Culture: Perspectives from the GCC

Thursday, April 10, 2025, 1:00– 3:30pm Doha
Saturday, April 12, 2025, 11:30am – 3:00pm Abu Dhabi 

  • Locations: Northwestern Qatar / mm:museum Doha & NYUAD Campus Abu Dhabi

  • Duration: 2 x 2.5-3 hours

  • Tentative list of speakers and contributors: TBC (10-15 cultural leaders in the GCC region)

Outline Doha

I. Opening Session Part 1 (Doha): Unveiling the story (10 minutes)  

  • Welcome remarks by Symposium Co-Chair, emphasizing the significance of redefining gender-power relationships within the GCC context, and highlighting the need for nuanced discussions

  • Overview of the agenda and speaker.

II. Keynote Address: Building empowerment (20 minutes)

  • Keynote Speaker 1 on challenging stereotypes, incl. media representation and cultural influence, etc.

  • Q&A Session (10 minutes)

III. Panel Discussions: Perspectives and praxis (60 minutes)

  • Panel 1 (3 speakers): Perspectives in Qatari and GCC cultural productions (10 min per panelist)

  • Panel 2 (3 speakers): Perspectives in Saudi art and curatorial scene, and empowerment (10 min per panelist)

  • Moderated Q&A Session: Fostering dialogue and acting (20 minutes)

Outline Abu Dhabi

IV. Opening Session Part 2 (Abu Dhabi): Cultural Change (10 minutes)  

  • Welcome remarks by Symposium Co-Chair, introduction to the theme and objectives of Part 2 of the symposium, highlighting the intersection of gender with culture and soft power.

  • Overview of the agenda and speakers. 

V. Keynote Address: Shaping empowerment (20 minutes)

  • Keynote Speaker on strategies for development and legacy within cultural institutions, leveraging influence, etc.

  • Q&A Session (10 minutes)

VI. Artist/Curator presentations: Art as Advocacy (60 minutes)

  • Presentation 1-6: Artist/Curator (10 minutes each) 

VII. Closing Session: Change horizon (20 minutes)

  •   Summary of key insights and actionable takeaways from the 2-part symposium.

  •   Acknowledgment of speakers, participants, and organizers for their contributions.

  •   Call to action: Encouragement for continued engagement and collaboration in advancing gender empowerment and cultural dialogue.