Doha, Qatar: Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), a Qatar Foundation partner university, will host the upcoming launch of Contemporary Art from Qatar: The Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani Collection (published by Skira Arte, 2026) on campus on February 1.
The launch is a preview event of the inaugural Art Basel Qatar, which runs from February 5 to 7 at the Doha Design District in Msheireb.
This landmark publication celebrates three decades of dedicated collecting by H E Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al-Thani (pictured), a visionary patron and champion of Qatar’s creative ambitions and vibrant cultural landscape.
The book traces the remarkable evolution of Qatari art—from heritage-based traditions and traditional motifs to innovative, globally engaged contemporary practices—offering an insightful narrative on the development of the nation’s artistic identity and rapid transformation.
“I am deeply honoured to join H E Sheikh Abdulla in conversation at the launch of Contemporary Art from Qatar: The Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani Collection,” said Dean of VCUarts Qatar, Amir Berbic.
“This publication and the accompanying exhibition, Pulse of Place, beautifully capture three decades of visionary collecting that have helped shape Qatar’s distinctive voice in the global art world: from rooted heritage traditions to bold, internationally resonant contemporary expressions.
“As Dean of VCUarts Qatar, I take pride in seeing the work of our talented alumni featured so prominently in both the book and the exhibition. H E Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani’s enduring legacy as a champion of Qatar’s arts ecosystem inspires us all, and events like this—timed with the exciting debut of Art Basel Qatar—underscore our shared commitment to nurturing a vibrant, interconnected creative future for the region.”
“I am so pleased to launch this book at VCUarts Qatar. Educational institutions are close to my heart, and this university campus has played an important role over nearly three decades in shaping many aspects of the creative scene in Qatar,” said H E Sheikh Dr. Abulla,” I thank the Dean for this initiative and for VCUarts for hosting me. It will be a pleasure to share this occasion with so many talented artists, students and faculty who have contributed so much to our nation’s thriving cultural landscape.”
The book launch will be held in conjunction with the official opening of the exhibition Pulse of Place: Selected Works from the Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani Collection at The Gallery at VCUarts Qatar (running January 25 to March 7, 2026).
This exhibition features works by 11 talented Qatari artists and designers—alumni of VCUarts Qatar—who are also represented in the book, highlighting the enduring impact of local talent nurtured through education and patronage.
