HE Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari opened last night the \"Contemporary Arab Art 2011\" exhibition, inaugurating the cultural and plastic art season 2011-2012 of Al-Markhiya Gallery. On the sidelines of the opening ceremony, HE the Minister of Culture said that plastic arts in Qatar is witnessing a noticeable development. He expressed pleasure to inaugurate such exhibitions that reflects the private sector participation in enriching the art and cultural life in Qatar. HE the Minister of Culture commended the participation of the Qatari plastic artists in the various Arab and international exhibitions, which emphasize their creativity, and keenness to gain experience and know the newest in the world of plastic arts. The exhibition presents the works of 20 Arab artists from Qatar, Iraq, Egypt, Sudan, Bahrain and Palestine. Al-Markhiya Gallery was established on the initiative of Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Thani with a mission to promote art in Qatar and the region.