Qatari graduate receives prestigious Indonesian Art & Cultural Scholarship

MASHAEL Al Musleh, a distinguished graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Arts Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), has been honoured with the prestigious Indonesian Art and Cultural Scholarships (IACS).

Musleh will join a select group of 39 recipients from 37 countries, embarking on a three-month immersive journey to study and embrace Indonesian arts and culture, commencing on June 1 and concluding on August 18, 2023.

Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar HE Ridwan Hassan expressed his delight at the presence of a Qatari participant in this edition of the programme, particularly as the two nations are currently celebrating the Qatar-Indonesia Years of Culture.

He emphasised the programme’s objective of fostering stronger bilateral relations between the countries, especially in the cultural sphere.

He stated that participants would not only study but also engage with the local community, providing them with an invaluable firsthand experience of the profound richness of Indonesian culture.

Under the comprehensive framework of the IACS, the awardees will be dispatched to specially designated culturally vibrant regions, where they will immerse themselves in the study of Indonesian arts, languages and culture.

The programme will culminate in a momentous event, as all recipients will be invited to Indonesia’s presidential palace in Jakarta to commemorate Indonesian Independence Day on August 17, 2023.

Enthusiastically expressing her anticipation in the programme, Musleh shared her aspirations of promoting a deeper understanding of Indonesian culture while also showcasing the unique aspects of Qatari culture in the future.

Ali Murtado, head of Division for Social and Cultural Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy, highlighted the longstanding history of the scholarships, which were first introduced in 2003, adding that over the years, the programme has provided this remarkable opportunity to 1,024 accomplished alumni from 83 different nations. The Indonesian Art and Cultural Scholarships continue to serve as a remarkable platform for fostering cultural exchange and building bridges of understanding between nations.

With Mashael Al Musleh proudly representing Qatar in this programme, it is anticipated that a newfound friendship with Indonesia will emerge, further strengthening the bond between these two nations.