QATAR- Qatar will launch a cultural grants program supporting at least 15 initiatives, including projects, organizations and artist development, and research and development.

The cultural projects to be encouraged encompass a wide range of activities such as festivals, exhibitions, new productions, translations, tours, workshops and conferences. Cultural research and development will include support for studies and analyses on cultural co-operation and cultural policy development, as well as the collection and dissemination of information that promotes the exchange of best practices.

The Qatar National Development Strategy (NDS) 2011-2016 explains that the project will use an interdisciplinary approach, involving key culture stakeholders in a collaborative, participatory process.

Grants will be implemented on a yearly basis and targeted to artists and institutions but will be available to a broader audience, particularly young people, women and the socially disadvantaged.
Each cycle will carry a different theme to inspire thought on specific social causes or issues (like ‘Culture and the family,’ ‘Culture and women’).

An information technology platform will be built to support implementation and administration (for collecting data, allowing applications to be submitted online and promoting programmes), and the entire project will be supported by a communications plan that will include annual reports.