Sharjah: Ms. Manal Ataya, Director-General of Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA), emphasized the vital role museums play as communal venues for conversation and social interaction in her recent address given as part of the “Museum Talks” series at Etihad Museum.
As a speaker on the Museum Talks panel named “Museums in the Landscape,” Ms. Ataya took part in a public event put on in collaboration with Alserkal Advisory with the goal of modernizing the museum’s image, enhancing its role as a forum for discussion and exchange, and exploring how a museum’s design can influence civic engagement and a sense of belonging.
The human experience in its most broad meaning is key to what museums represent and do, therefore we must ensure museum spaces and programs enhance dialogue where people can meet, reflect and share.
Ms. Ataya shared.
The SMA Director-General provided an example of how modern museums are built to address local community issues in order to promote change and growth and ultimately strengthen local communities.
Ms. Ataya further emphasized that by providing access to fresh experiences and creative ideas, museums foster community development and are increasingly acting as community hubs.
“Museums are increasingly becoming part of the community building process thanks to their architectural design and often where they are positioned in their communities, in Sharjah for instance, the majority of our museums are situated in residential neighborhoods and are accessible by walking and are embedded within other civic spaces that people and children gather,” Ms. Ataya stressed.
The talk was mediated by Ms. Sumaya Dabbagh, Founder of Dabbagh Architects. Mr. Brian Rudy, Partner, Moriyama and Teshima Architects, and Mr. Mohammed Al Riffai from Moriyama and Teshima Architects took part in the discussion with Ms. Ataya.