Presenting a large, unprecedented and surprising estate, this exhibition reveals the almost unknown history of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s intervention in Iraq. Photographs, videos and original documents from the Gulbenkian Archives, along with works of art from the Gulbenkian Museum’s rare section of Iraqi Art, are shown for the first time
Presenting a large, unprecedented and surprising estate, this exhibition reveals the almost unknown history of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s intervention in Iraq. Photographs, videos and original documents from the Gulbenkian Archives, along with works of art from the Gulbenkian Museum’s rare section of Iraqi Art, are shown for the first time.
Between 1957 and 1973, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation was an active contributor to the development of the cultural, educational, scientific and welfare infrastructure of modern Iraq, promoting and supporting higher education, the arts and the construction and equipment of buildings.
This exhibition presents unpublished documents relating to three key achievements in Baghdad – the Modern Arts Centre, the People’s Stadium and the 1966 Gulbenkian Cultural Week – and Iraqi works unexpectedly held in the Modern Collection, shown together here for the first time. This exhibition constitutes a dialogue between cultural development and economic diplomacy, between Iraqi and Portuguese art and architecture.
The project is promoted by the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and the Art Library and Gulbenkian Archives, with the support of the Grants Department.
