The General Director of the Mauritshuis, Martine Gosselink, has expressed optimism about strengthening cultural cooperation between the Netherlands and Qatar. This sentiment follows the recent visit of His Highness Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Amsterdam, which is expected to enhance bilateral relations across various sectors, including culture.
In her remarks to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), Gosselink highlighted Qatar’s rapid cultural development over the past decades. The country has actively organised art festivals and established museums, reflecting its rich and ancient cultural heritage. She emphasised the potential for exchanging and borrowing rare art pieces between the Mauritshuis and Qatari museums. “Art exchange is a way of communicating and trying to understand each other,” Gosselink said, expressing her openness to such initiatives.
The Netherlands, home to 750 museums hosting over 3,000 exhibitions annually, offers a robust cultural framework. More than a million people in the country hold a museum card, allowing free access to all museums. Gosselink suggested that Qatari officials could explore these kinds of ideas to foster a similar culture of widespread museum access.
Gosselink expressed her aspirations to expand cultural exchanges between the Netherlands and Qatar, including exchanging art collections, artists, and school visits. Such initiatives, she believes, would enhance mutual understanding and share ideas between the two nations.
She pointed out the significant contributions of many Arab artists from Palestine, Iraq, Syria, and other countries living in the Netherlands and other Western nations. These artists are vital in helping the West understand Eastern and Arab cultures. Given the diverse population in the Netherlands, cultural communication between the East and West is essential for mutual understanding. “Delving into the lives of people in the Middle East in the Netherlands and the West is useful,” Gosselink noted.
Regarding the Mauritshuis’ most prized possession, Gosselink highlighted the famous painting “Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer. This iconic artwork frequently appears in the top ten lists alongside masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, attracting visitors worldwide. The museum also houses many other fascinating paintings, including 11 works by the renowned Dutch artist Rembrandt, some of which are available for art loans and exchanges.
Although small in size, the Mauritshuis hosts two exhibitions a year and draws approximately 450,000 visitors. “We are not like the Louvre or the Metropolitan; we are a very tiny building,” Gosselink explained. To ensure accessibility, the museum organises hours each week when admission is free for those who cannot afford to pay.
Gosselink expressed her eagerness to visit Qatar for the first time shortly. She shared her love for Arab culture and support for dismantling stereotypes about Arab countries and people. Her remarks underscore the Mauritshuis’ commitment to fostering international cultural dialogue and understanding.
In conclusion, His Highness the Amir’s visit to Amsterdam has opened new avenues for cultural cooperation between Qatar and the Netherlands. With leaders like Gosselink advocating for art exchanges and mutual understanding, the future looks promising for deepening cultural ties and enhancing the appreciation of each other’s rich artistic heritages.