Northwestern Qatar curator joins the Board of ICOM Qatar
JACK Thomas Taylor, associate curator and interim director of The Media Majlis at Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q), has been selected as a member of the Board of ICOM Qatar, the International Council of Museums’ branch in Qatar.
As part of a global network of other national committees dedicated to promoting the world’s natural and cultural heritage, ICOM Qatar aims to enhance the quality of museum practices by serving as a platform for fostering international collaboration and promoting best practices in the field while facilitating the participation of Qatar-based museum professionals in the global museum community and working to elevate the museum scene in Qatar.
Chaired by Sheikha Amna bint Abdulaziz al-Thani, acting deputy CEO of museums, collections and heritage protection at Qatar Museums and director of the National Museum of Qatar, ICOM Qatar’s Board includes Taylor and four other members from museums and cultural organisations across Qatar as members. Together, they will work to design and implement programmes to promote good museum practices, facilitate collaboration between museums locally and internationally, and recognise excellence in museum work in Qatar. “Being a member of the founding board of ICOM Qatar is an incredible opportunity not only for The Media Majlis but also Northwestern Qatar. This
positions and strengthens our role as a university museum which is fully open to the public and provides an alternative space for informal learning through evidence-based storytelling,” said Taylor.
In announcing Taylor’s appointment, Sheikha Amna said, “I am pleased to welcome Jack and all members to the board of ICOM Qatar, which will undoubtedly strengthen our role in the international museum community.”
NU-Q Dean and CEO Marwan M Kraidy said, “Jack’s appointment to the board of ICOM Qatar is a testament to his expertise and dedication.” He added, “We are proud of him and know that his contributions to ICOM Qatar will be invaluable in elevating the museum scene in Qatar and promoting good museum practices internationally.”
Taylor has held various positions in the arts, culture and creative domains across the region and has been involved in several exhibitions, branding, visual arts, programming, and publishing projects, before being appointed to ICOM Qatar board.