QAIC Artist Delegation to Doha
Earlier this year, the Qatar America Institute for Culture (QAIC) hosted museum and cultural leaders from institutions across the United States as part of an immersive cultural delegation to Qatar. With the success of the first delegation, QAIC hosted a second delegation comprised of U.S. artists and creatives to Qatar to facilitate cultural exchange between the U.S. and Qatar, the traditions and heritage of Qatar, and promote key arts and cultural relationship-building.
From March 20-25, the delegates had the opportunity to visit various artistic, historical, and culturally significant sites across Doha. They also had the opportunity to meet with cultural leaders, explore the art scene, and experience first-hand the rich heritage and traditions of the region, all to encourage future cross-cultural exchanges between the United States and Qatar.
To celebrate the exchange of the “Women of the Pandemic” from the U.S. to Qatar, QAIC organized this delegation to coincide with the closing reception of the exhibition at the Katara Cultural Village in Doha. The delegation was comprised of a diverse group of individuals whose creative interests in Qatar, and the Middle East allowed for a more in-depth exploration of the nation’s artistic and cultural offerings. Some of these delegation members included “Women of the Pandemic” artists Sarah Ahmed, Alexandra N Sherman, Jordann Wine, Anna U Davis as well as our IMPART Artist Grant winners Nia Campbell, Josh Berer, and Patricia Daher. Local DC mural artist Ashley Jaye Williams also attended.
Among their meetings, the delegates met with H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, the Chairperson of Qatar Museums and member of QAIC’s Honorary Board of Trustees, as well as Natalie A. Baker, the Deputy Chief of Mission and acting-Ambassador at the U.S. Embassy in Doha. Variety of topics were discussed such as the recently concluded Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture, an initiative of Qatar Museums, and upcoming opportunities for cultural exchange in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Qatar. During their time in Doha, the delegation managed to visit cultural and artistic attractions and destinations such as Souq Waqif, Qatar Museums, Katara Cultural Village, Zikreet, and Heenat Salma Farm. Among their meetings, the delegates also met with Dr. Khalid Al Sulaiti, Director of Katara Cultural Village.
The “Women of the Pandemic” exhibition marked another addition to the series of exhibitions that further QAIC’s mission of connecting creatives, convening communities, and celebrating cultures. The exhibition held its Qatari debut on March 23rd 2022 and was attended by the delegation of artists including the four participating American female artists of the exhibition. QAIC and Katara hosted the closing reception to celebrate the journey of this exhibition between the two countries and its eight extraordinary female artists. For more information about this exhibition, the participating artists, and virtual viewing, visit Women of the Pandemic.
