Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts atar), a Qatar Foundation partner university, is pleased to 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 st . 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, 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 honored to join His Excellency Sheikh Abdulla in conversation at the launch of Contemporary Art from Qatar: The Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani Collection,” said Amir Berbic, Dean of VCUarts Qatar. “This publication and the accompanying exhibition, نبض المكان | 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 نبض المكان | Pulse of Place: Selected Works from the Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani Collection at The Gallery at VCUarts Qatar (running January 25–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.
“With Pulse of Place, we are offering a physical manifestation of the narratives captured in Dr. Abdulla’s new publication,” according to Chase Westfall, Head of Gallery at VCUarts Qatar. “This exhibition does more than display the work of 11 extraordinary alumni, it illuminates the tangible role that VCUarts Qatar has played in forging Qatar’s visual culture.”
For more details on the book launch and exhibition, please visit the VCUarts Qatar website at qatar.vcu.edu.