The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) has launched Ektashif Al Andalus 2023 – Spain, an art exhibition inspired by the historical landmarks and traditional Islamic art techniques of Spain.
Founded in 2008, the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), which was one of the first projects initiated by Qatar Museums, displays Qatar’s eminent collections of Islamic art spanning 1,400 years. Representing Islamic art from the 7th to the 20th centuries, this rich collection includes manuscripts, ceramics, metal, glass, ivory, textiles, wood and precious stones. The collection comprises of works gathered from countries across three continents, spanning the Middle East, extending to Spain and China. As a popular institution for art and culture, the Museum of Islamic Art offers changing programs of exhibitions showcasing the heritage of the Islamic world and extensive educational activities for school children and families, contributing to being a vital part of the community.
Opened by Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi, acting CEO of Qatar Museums, the exhibition features works by ten Qatari artists – Fai Abdullah Albuainain, Ghada Alsuwiadi, Rowda Al Suwaidi, Ahmed Nooh, Fatma Almalki, Jaber Henzab, Khalid AlJanahi, Malak Khalid, Kholoud Aldosari and Noora Melhm – who recently visited three cities (Granada, Córdoba and Madrid) in Spain, as part of an educational collaboration between the Museum of Islamic Art and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar. 
An annual initiative, the Ektashif trip took participating artists to key historical sites in Granada and Cordoba such as the Alhambra Palace, Patio de los perfumes, Al Aire Institute of Art where the artists learned the techniques and methods of engraving, egg tempera painting and gilding on gypsum, Madinat al-Zahra, and finally Casa Arabe where they participated in a linocut printmaking workshop.
Each artist then had to produce four to five artworks inspired by their visit and take part in a public discussion panel on their creative experiences in Spain. Located at the atrium at the Museum of Islamic Art, the exhibition will be open to the public daily from 9 AM – 7 PM until October 16, 2023.
