In the spirit of shared learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange, the Year of Culture 2023 brings together Qatari and Indonesian creatives in a captivating fusion of artistry and gastronomy. This article unveils the vibrant tapestry of activities to do in Qatar and Indonesia over the next six months, from unique design residencies to gastronomic adventures.

Under the banner of the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture, Qatari and Indonesian designers will participate in a series of design residencies in Indonesia, embracing the nation’s rich craftsmanship and creative traditions. This collaboration offers a glimpse into the art of embroidery in Tasikmalaya, the skills of metal-working in Sumba, and the challenge of sustainable design.

Simultaneously, the Ubud Food Festival in Bali promises to be a major highlight of the year, setting the stage for an exhilarating exploration of Indonesian gastronomy. The festival will feature a three-week culinary expedition across Indonesia, led by renowned Qatari chefs Noof Almarri and Hassan Al Ibrahim. From the intricate interplay of Middle Eastern and Indonesian cuisine to discussions on soil conservation and sustainability, the Indonesia Food Festival offers a feast of experiences that transcends the boundaries of taste.

Together, these events encapsulate the essence of the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture: a unique platform that fosters mutual understanding, shared learning, and innovative collaboration. As the two nations deepen their cultural ties, the spotlight is on the wealth of enriching activities and experiences that await in both Qatar and Indonesia. Let’s delve deeper into these extraordinary events that are stirring the pot of cultural exchange and creativity.

CULTUKAR: Fashion Residency in Tasikmalaya Indonesia

In a bid to promote shared learning and inspire creativity, Qatari and Indonesian designers will come together for a series of unique design residency programs in Indonesia over the next six months. These programs, spanning three months each, will allow participants to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Indonesian craftsmanship and design.

Each residency will focus on distinct creative traditions. One of these is a fashion residency program in Tasikmalaya that centers on the intricate art of embroidery. Another residency program will delve into the realm of metal-working in Sumba, allowing designers to explore this lesser-known, yet captivating, form of craftsmanship.

Running from May to July, this hybrid program will include a 10-day onsite workshop in Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia. Participants can look forward to an engaging itinerary that includes group discussions, apprenticeships to learn new skills, studio visits to established crafters and designers, and hands-on experiences in prototype design and development.

This program goes beyond skill exchange and creative exploration. It also poses an essential challenge to participants – to think about responsible production. They will be asked to consider sustainable materials and waste management in their designs, embodying a commitment to environmental stewardship.

The residency will culminate in a product showcase at the Indonesian Contemporary Art and Design (ICAD) as part of Jakarta Fashion Week. There will also be an installation at the National Gallery of Indonesia, giving the designers a platform to present their collaborative works.

Two Qatari participants selected for this enriching program will work alongside Indonesian counterparts Hana Surya, a materials designer, and John Martono, a textile designer. Together, they will represent the creative industries of both countries in this extraordinary hybrid residency.

The design residency programs, as part of the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture, aim to create a platform for cultural exchange, shared learning, and innovative collaboration, strengthening the cultural ties between the two nations.

A Culinary Adventure at the Ubud Food Festival in Bali

The Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture, under the auspices of the Years of Culture initiative, is set to make an exciting gastronomic mark at the Ubud Food Festival in Bali. The festival will coincide with an immersive three-week culinary expedition across Indonesia by prominent Qatari chefs Noof Almarri and Hassan Al Ibrahim. They will also be an integral part of the festival’s lively event program.

The 2023 Ubud Food Festival promises to be an exhilarating celebration of Indonesian gastronomy. It invites an international array of chefs, food writers, farmers, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, and food enthusiasts. With this blend of local and international talent, the festival’s excitement is amplified.

In a panel discussion titled “Food for Thought: Culinary Crossroads between Qatar and Indonesia”, Qatari chefs will join forces with Indonesian chefs Devina Hermawan and Charles Toto. They will delve into an intriguing exploration of the shared attributes of Middle Eastern and Indonesian cuisine. Chef Noof Almarri will take this cultural exchange a step further, hosting a cross-cultural cooking demonstration alongside Papuan chef Charles Toto from Jayapura. The demonstration, backed by the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture, will offer a tantalizing dining experience at Teater Kuliner.

Post the exclusive Gala Opening, the 2023 Ubud Food Festival will enthrall visitors with a smorgasbord of activities. Food tours, tastings, masterclasses with esteemed chefs, enlightening talks, film screenings, live cooking demonstrations, and competitions will ensure an engaging and fulfilling gastronomic journey. A special highlight is a curated program of events featuring local Balinese, Indonesian, and International cuisine.

The Ubud Food Festival 2023 has aptly chosen ‘soil’ as its official theme. It pays homage to the foundation of our food, the nurturing soil that yields 95% of our sustenance on Earth. Across the three-day festival, this vital topic will be explored through expert panel discussions and conversations around soil conservation and sustainability.

The Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture is indeed putting a spotlight on the rich culinary heritage of both countries at the Ubud Food Festival. This enticing blend of food, culture, and conversation is set to offer a truly unique experience, stirring the pot of cultural exchange between Qatar and Indonesia.