Doha: Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), a partner university of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, hosted the official launch of the book “Contemporary Art from Qatar: The Abdullah bin Ali bin Saud Al-Thani Collection” (Skira Arte, 2026) at its campus.
According to Qatar News Agency, the launch event included a cultural and artistic panel discussion, alongside the opening of an exhibition titled “Pulse of Place: Selected Works from the Abdullah bin Ali Al-Thani Collection.” The event was attended by Chairman of the Board of Directors of Media City Qatar, HE Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Ali bin Saud Al-Thani, as well as ministers, accredited diplomats, academics, media professionals, intellectuals, and artists. This event took place ahead of the opening of Art Basel Qatar, scheduled from 5 to 7 February.
The publication highlights three decades of art collecting by HE Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Ali bin Saud Al-Thani, tracing the evolution of Qatari art from its heritage roots to contemporary practices. The book provides a narrative on Qatar’s artistic identity and the cultural transformations the country has undergone.
HE Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Ali bin Saud Al-Thani expressed his pleasure at the book launch at VCUarts Qatar, acknowledging the institution’s significant role in shaping Qatar’s creative landscape. He extended his thanks to the Dean and VCUarts Qatar for hosting the event, sharing the moment with artists, students, and faculty who have contributed to Qatar’s cultural scene.
Amir Berbic, Dean of VCUarts Qatar, welcomed HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali bin Saud Al-Thani for a dialogue marking the book launch. He emphasized that the initiative, along with the Pulse of Place exhibition, showcases pioneering art collecting that has shaped Qatar’s artistic identity globally.
Berbic highlighted the work of VCUarts Qatar alumni featured in the book and exhibition, noting the lasting impact of HE Dr. Abdullah bin Ali bin Saud Al-Thani on Qatar’s arts ecosystem. The events, coinciding with Art Basel Qatar, reaffirm the commitment to fostering a vibrant creative future for the region.
The Pulse of Place exhibition, open until 7 March, features works by eleven Qatari artists and designers, all VCUarts Qatar alumni, whose contributions are highlighted in the book. Exhibition Director Chase Westfall noted that the exhibition embodies the narratives explored in the publication.
Pulse of Place showcases paintings, sculptures, prints, textiles, fiber works, and multimedia art, exploring themes of heritage and identity in a rapidly changing society. It also underscores the influence of the Abdullah bin Ali Al-Thani Collection in advancing contemporary art and culture in Qatar and beyond.