Santiago: An event on cultural exchange and creativity was held at La Moneda Cultural Center (CCLM) in Santiago, Chile, with the participation of more than 120 first-grade students, as part of the Qatar-Argentina-Chile 2025 Year of Culture.
According to Qatar News Agency, this event is jointly organized by the Years of Culture initiative, Qatar National Library (QNL), CCLM, and Trama Cultura Foundation. The event provided students with a glimpse into different aspects of Qatari culture through an interactive combination of storytelling, art, and cultural exploration.
A significant element of the event was the book of fables, 'Kalila wa Dimna,' which contains a collection of famous tales dating back over a thousand years. Recently translated into Spanish, the book has been integrated into educational activities in several countries participating in the Years of Culture partnership. The stories were brought to life through an entertaining performance by a Chilean band, encouraging children to consider the universal human messages within these tales.
Following the storytelling session, students engaged in an art workshop, collaborating to paint a mural inspired by the sea that connects Qatar and Chile. This activity helped children understand concepts of communication and cultural exchange, highlighting storytelling's ability to transcend borders between places, languages, and cultures.
In conjunction with the Santiago event, QNL's Qatar Reads initiative presented a special art exhibition of Kalila wa Dimna at the Ricardo Guiraldes Library in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The exhibition showcased twelve original works by Qatari artist and writer Wadha Al Athba.
Fatema Al Malki, Manager of Qatar Reads initiative, emphasized the importance for children to learn that, irrespective of apparent differences, cultures can share similar values, symbols, and interests. Throughout the ages, tales have imparted lessons about empathy, cooperation, and the essence of humanity. She noted that the inclusion of an influential book like 'Kalila wa Dimna' serves as a reminder of the global resonance of such lessons.
The artworks, inspired by Islamic miniatures, capture the spirit of humor, wisdom, and cultural depth found in the original tales. These pieces appeared in the Spanish version of Kalila wa Dimna, written and illustrated by Wadha Al Athba, and published by Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press. The initiative aims to foster respect among diverse cultures, encourage unity, strengthen ties, and promote dialogue.