3 minute read
FOOD FESTIVAL PROGRAM
Filmmaker and Northwestern University professor Marco Williams (center left) chatting with guests at QAI’s Food Festival in Washington, DC.
Overview
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The relationship between food and people is certainly one of the most ubiquitous ties amongst different cultures. Where many foundational institutions in society can lead to debate and division, sharing a meal with others tends to draw people together that may or may not share similar backgrounds or attributes. Food, and the universal enjoyment of it, is a great equalizer.
In American history, one of the earliest stories of the nation, the story of Thanksgiving, is about establishing diplomatic unity through food after the Pilgrims shared a meal with the local indigenous people. Many other stories around the world can also attest to the importance of the proverbial “breaking of the bread” with others, especially when the diners are people of different races, faiths, classes, or otherwise.
It is on this basis that QAI has prioritized the concept of “Food Festivals” to achieve our mission of bringing both Qatari and American communities together. Engaging our audience through food creates a unique connection that not only engages the mental capacity of our audience, but also their sense of taste and smell. It is because of these interactions that our guests feel more likely to share and to receive, much like a guest at a dinner table would be.
Late this January, QAI brought a large section of the Houston equestrian community together on the heels of QAI’s Expressions Artist Talk “The Arabian Horse: Lore & Legend” with Michael Byatt. This reception was crucial in engaging Houston’s scientific community through the Museum of Natural Science, the sizeable Equestrian community located in Houston’s suburbs, local animal enthusiasts, and Qatari representatives.
Reception attendees were able to meet with renowned Arabian horse breeder Michael Byatt and learn about his experience at the Al Shaqab Equestrian Center on a one-on-one basis. The reception also allowed QAI staff to dispel myths and misunderstandings that attendees may have had regarding Qatar, the Middle East, and the Islamic World at large.
QAI also made the reception memorable by displaying classical Qatari equestrian gear, including intricate saddles and garb. Also, QAI offered attendees tote bags with small gifts and trinkets that would continue to remind attendees of the event – extending the impact of the gathering beyond the confines of the event and into their daily lives.
Guests socializing at the Butterfly Room Reception at the Houston Museum of Natural Science in Houston, TX.
Food Festival Featuring Elijah Jamal Balbed, Marco Williams, and Michael Dyson
At the end of February, QAI marked the sizable contributions of the African American community in the United States and its impact beyond America’s borders by hosting a reception featuring local award-winning DC jazz artist Elijah Jamal Balbed. The reception featured an exceptional performance by Balbed and pianist Mark G. Meadows.
The musicians also shared about their experiences performing in Doha through a musical exchange program. Both Elijah and Mark conducted a 5-week residency at the St. Regis Hotel in Doha through Jazz at Lincoln Center. They were surprised at the level of musical talent concentrated in Doha and felt fortunate for the experiences they had during their residency at the St. Regis.
Additionally, attendees spoke with Professor Marco Williams about his experience teaching at Northwestern University – Qatar and who spoke about the myriad of similarities shared between the Qatari and American societies, as well as the differences.
Fashion as a Unifier – Food Festival
The last food festival of the program was planned as a precursor to the Qatar Couture fashion show in Los Angeles, CA to allow local media to engage in one-on-one conversations with the Qatari designers being showcased at the event, the Stars of Qatar, chair committee members, and all the program’s talent. The event was to take place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. This food festival, while scheduled and announced to the public, was sadly canceled due to the public health emergency resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.
Musician Elijah Jamal Balbed (left) performing live with pianist Mark G. Meadows at the Food Festival reception in Washington, DC.
