S1:E9 Toward intercultural understanding and empathy – Manal Ataya in conversation with Criena Gehrke
Guest
Manal Ataya
In conversation with
Criena Gehrke
Key Takeaways Contributor
Stephanie Fortunato
In this episode, our host Criena Gehrke speaks with Manal Ataya, the Director General of the Sharjah Museums authority. They discuss the educational value of the arts, particularly in terms of promoting inclusivity and diversity as well as cultivating empathy. After, Criena is joined by fellow host Stephanie Fortunato to discuss key takeaways.
Drawing on their own experiences, they expand on the importance of the arts in enabling cross-cultural experiences and exchanges – and explore how cultural leaders could create more collective experiences that invite solutions to the social, political, and ecological challenges the world faces today.
Date of Recording
6 September 2021
Date of Publication
30 September 2021
[00:00:00]
[THEME MUSIC]
[00:00:05]
Criena Gehrke: Hello, and welcome to The Three Bells. This podcast is one of a series brought to you by AEA Consulting and The Binnacle Foundation for the Global Cultural Districts Network, in which we explore what's happening around the world on those busy and sometimes congested intersections of cultural urban life.
The series and supporting materials can be found at www.thethreebells.net. And if you like our content, go on! Subscribe and give us a positive review on your podcast listening platform of choice. Today, I'm speaking to you from the land of the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh language region. I acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and I pay my deep respect to elders past, present and emerging across the many lands we are meeting on.
First Nations People are our original storytellers and the custodians of our culture. I'm Criena Gehrke, and my day job is Chief Executive Officer at HOTA, Home of the Arts, on the Gold Coast in Australia. Today, however, I get to take time out to do something the world needs, I think, more than ever right now: have a conversation, explore ideas, understand difference, and forge connections with incredible people across the globe.
Today, I am chatting with Manal Ataya, who for over a decade has been the Director General at the Sharjah Museums Authority. She's responsible for the overall management of 16 museums in the Emirate of Sharjah, UNESCO's cultural capital of the Arab world. Manal serves on numerous boards – including one of my personal favourites, the Global Cultural Districts Network, and she was awarded the Order of Arts and Letters (Ordre des Arts et des Lettres) by the Republic of France in 2018 for her significant contributions to culture. After my conversation with Manal, I'll be joined by Stephanie Fortunato for our key takeaways segments. So stay tuned.
Manal, welcome to The Three Bells!
[00:02:04]
Manal Ataya: Thank you. It's wonderful to be here. And I appreciate that lovely introduction.…
External Links
Sharjah Museums Authority: SMA links and oversees 16 museums across Sharjah that cover widely varied fields, including Islamic art and culture, archaeology, heritage, science, marine life, as well as the history of Sharjah and the region.
Laurie Anderson’s Concert For Dogs: was first performed on the steps of Sydney’s Opera House and has since charmed doggos in Times Square, New York; Brighton, England; and HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast.
Commemorative Works in Providence, RI: the city’s Department of Art, Culture + Tourism is stewarding the administration of the a new Special Committee for Commemorative Works.
The Three Bells Ep 8: Reimagining the future of theatre and live performance – Jesse Cameron Alick in conversation with Adrian Ellis
The Three Bells Ep 4: Towards transformational cultural leadership – Diane Ragsdale in conversation with Stephanie Fortunato
About Our Speakers
Manal Ataya is a museum professional with over 15 years of senior executive experience in museum development and cultural diplomacy. As Director-General of the Sharjah Museums Authority, she oversees a team of 600 staff working in Sharjah’s network of 16 museums. Her mandate includes strategic development of future museum projects, advising in museum and cultural policy, fostering partnerships with the international museum community and leading the efforts to deliver international best practice in museum services. +
Criena Gehrke is Chief Executive Officer of HOTA, Home of the Arts. She has a diverse and eclectic background in arts management and a particular passion for the role of arts and culture in building strong and connected communities. She has worked with all tiers of government on the development and implementation of cultural policy. +
Stephanie Fortunato is Director of the Department of Art, Culture + Tourism for the City of Providence. Her work sits at the intersection of cultural planning and urban development, collaborating with local communities on creating policies and partnerships to strengthen neighbourhoods and transform public spaces. +
