Previously to this, Louise had her own cultural events company in Malta. She was also Project Manager for CHOGM Peoples Forum in Malta in 2005.That same year she had organised the floating opera "Madama Butterfly", at the Hilton Portomaso Marina. She was part of the team that organised the spectacular opening of the Museum of Islamic Art, and recently the momentous opening event of the National Museum of Qatar in 2019. In Malta she is working as an Art Consultant for Art projects and the upcoming contemporary Art Museum MICAS, amongst other projects. After such a rewarding life in art and travel what did Louisa do in the quiet of the pandemic?
"In February 2020, I had been working and living in Doha for fourteen years. I was Director of Events and Partnerships for Qatar Museums, the State's preeminent institution for art and culture dedicated to providing authentic cultural experiences through an expanding network of museums, heritage sites, festivals, public art and programming. I was feeling very stressed as we had about Forty upcoming events in six different Museums p!anned for the month of March and we had been preparing for them for months. I had just returned from a week of Ayuverdic treatment and Yoga in Kerela, India, with a friend, and was feeling rebooted and energised, enough to get me through the upcoming weeks.
Professor Lino Cutajar with his daughter, Louise
Well, all that changed in a matter of days thanks to Covid. We were aware it was spreading, but I, like so many people, did not expect it to spread so quickly. I returned to Doha and three days later the border between Qatar and India was closed. Then, on the 12th of March, 2020, all events and activities, were cancelled and we were ordered into a mandatory lock down. Life as I knew it changed overnight.
We could not leave our buildings except for a walk within the vicinity of our home only. So, early in the morning it was a walk, fully masked. We had to download an official Government App which showed our Covid status, we were also monitored as to our location and if we came into contact with anyone who had Covid the App would advise us and also allow the authorities to contact us. This had to be carried with us at all times. To enter anywhere you had to have your App, showing green (which meant you were Covid free); any other colour/status restricted one from entering into any building. Your temperature was taken, you had to wear gloves and a mask. It was very tough especially in the heat. The rest of the day we were confined to our homes and could not leave for the first few weeks. I lived in isolation for the next two months.
I was lucky as my apartment had a small terrace overlooking the sea, so I had outdoor space. I spent my day working from home (some online meetings), chatting with friends and family in Malta and worldwide: On Saturday nights my girl friends' group called the "Sparkling Sisters" would connect online. We organised themed nights every week, 60's nights, 70's nights , etc. We would dress up accordingly and with drinks in hand we would keep each other entertained. Our group included friends based in Austria, Australia, Malta, and myself in Qatar. They helped me greatly as there were moments when the isolation was very difficult and my mental health at times was affected. I'm eternally grateful for their friendship.
The opening of the National Museum of Qatar
I had a routine. Walk or quick drive and then local supermarket. We were not allowed to go beyond our home zone, although I tried but was stopped by police and requested to turn back.Once home I would change and put my clothes on the balcony to avoid contamination. All shopping was placed on a disinfected table each item wiped down and put into storage.Ear phones, keys, any other items received the same treatment. At that time no one knew exactly how the virus was being spread so everything was disinfected. I would start my work meetings and had to keep my team motivated and give them online projects. With time on my hands I started to bake which I found I enjoyed. I used to share my goodies with all the security guards of the building since I had no one else to share them with as the only visitors allowed were those who delivered food. I can say in all modesty that I became a pro. I also became very popular with the guards, who so deserved it. In the evenings I would do one hour of Yoga and meditation, followed by a call to my father in Malta and of course I would NETFLIX and CHILL like many all over the World.
After two months in May 2020, I decided that as much as I loved my job and Qatar Museums,I needed to be closer to my family, particularly my father. I kept thinking if anything happened I would not be able to be near them all without quarantine. I knew that there would be no more events for a long time in Qatar due to the pandemic.So, I made the decision to return home. I resigned from Qatar Museums which was very difficult. The Chairperson of Qatar Museums, Her Excellency, Sheikha Al Mayassabint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, was very understanding although she did not want me to leave, but I promised I would stay in touch and work on future projects with Qatar.
On July 16th 2020, one day after Malta opened up the restrictions, I landed here , very surprised to see how open and "normal" the situation was. I felt as if I had just been released from solitary confinement. I am so very happy to be home."