2021 Year in Review Report Connecting Creatives • Convening Communities • Celebrating Cultures
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QAIC serves as a vital hub to convene artists, curators, storytellers, creatives, scholars, and academics, connecting them with a global network that extends beyond its physical space in Washington DC. Through art exhibitions, educational programs, scholarly research, and cross-cultural partnerships, QAIC provides interactive experiences in an inclusive environment to celebrate and appreciate art andCultureculture.is a major dimension of our lives, with the unique power to bring all humans together. It informs and shapes who we are as individuals, communities, and nations. At QAIC, we strive to improve cross-cultural understanding through three primary pillars: art, education, and community.
About QAIC
The Qatar America Institute for Culture (QAIC) is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that creates, curates, and executes programs and research that amplify the prominence of all forms of art and culture in society. QAIC cultivates artistic expression and cultural dialogue from the United States, Qatar, and the larger Arab and Islamic worlds.
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4 | 2021 Year in Review Report Table of Contents About QAIC ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3 Letter from Chairperson ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5 Letter from the Executive Director ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6 Thank You �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7 Art �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8 Perfumery Museum �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 10 Creatives Hub �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11 Exhibitions��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 12 Education ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16 Expressions Art & Culture Talks ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 18 Museum Series������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 19 Cultural Enrichment ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 20 Multimedia Products ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 21 Private & Member Events ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 22 Community ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 24 Art of Athletics Festival ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������26 QAIC Cares ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 27 Arab Film House ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 28 QAIC Library & Literature Activities ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 29 Community Sponsorships ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 30 Scholarly Opportunities ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 31 IMPART Summit ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������32 Team Activities ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������33
The professional and personal opportunities that accompany membership and association with QAIC are many. Visit the Arab Film House for screenings, offer opinions on the state of culture and the arts in the United States and the Middle East, participate in learning exchanges, and engage in scholarly opportunities as interns or fellows. And our Salon dinners provide both a social and intellectual exchange along with sharing the special cuisine of Qatar and the Middle East.
Letter
Chairpersonfrom
At the Qatar America Institute for Culture (QAIC), we invite you to do exactly that. Whether you prefer to sit at home and indulge in a virtual program, visit QAIC exhibitions, films, our boutique Perfumery Museum, or engage in special events throughout Washington, DC, along with experiencing some of the virtual and nonvirtual ways we explore Qatar and Doha, we love your participation and enthusiasm and we invite you to indulge your curiosity in another year of programming and members’ special events.
Peggy Loar Chairperson
Dear Members, Friends and treasured QAIC Supporters,
One of the most satisfying aspects of engaging one’s curiosity is to experience other places, other cultures, and the intrigue of distant lands. While our global capacity through the internet and travel brings the world closer to us constantly, finding that special in situ moment to truly engage in conversation and learning about new frontiers and horizons has its own unique value and quality.
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Our last year has provided creative enrichment that continues to evolve and change. We welcome your suggestions and your wisdom as we continue on our shared path, with the understanding that exchange is inclusive, informative and life changing. We hope to see you soon and often at QAIC.
With sincere gratitude, Fatima Al-Dosari Executive Director
Letter from the Executive Director
QAIC Friends, We are delighted to share our 2021 Year in Review Report. Last year represented another year of excitement and growth for our organization. Although the pandemic remained everyone’s reality for the first half of the year, we were able to quickly adapt to the challenge it brought upon us and sought out new opportunities to further our impact and reach. We opened our doors to welcome visitors to our new home in the heart of the nation’s capital. Whether through a sip of Qahwa at an exhibition reception or a whiff of oud from the Perfumery Museum, our programs, which you will read about in this report, always aim to engulf every visitor with a memorable experience beaming with hospitality, serenity, novelty, and beauty.
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In 2021 we gained wonderful new team members who joined our amazing staff and brought energy and dedication to further serve our community. We also welcomed two new directors to our board, who brought us their wisdom and helped identify new partnerships. I want to personally thank all staff, board members, volunteers, fellows, interns, and sponsors for your continued support, which empowers us to fulfil our mission. We are proud of our role as the only grassroots organization and public charity bridging the gap between Qatar and the United States, bringing cultures and people together. Our goal is to continue to build quality programs for ever-expanding audiences, and that cannot be accomplished without your help. As we look to 2022, we ask for your support to ensure the continued growth and success of our organization and its mission.
In 2021, we had the honor to serve as a platform to represent dozens of emerging creatives who found a diverse and inclusive community at QAIC. We also debuted A2Q magazine, which promises readers enriching literature on culture and the arts from Qatar to the US. The magazine’s content was supplemented with hundreds of social media posts on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn - all with tidbits of digital content and trends that are educational and entertaining at the same time-remember that viral meme that featured Bernie Sanders and his famous mittens at Richard Serra’s sculptures in Zekreet?
2021 Year in Review Report | 7 QAIC is possible thanks to the contributions and efforts of its growing family: Sponsors & Programmatic Partners: The Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington, DC KataraYLuluQatarConocoPhillipsAirwaysGroupInternationalCultural Village Doha Film Institute Qatar Museums Qatar Foundation National Human Rights Committee of Qatar Al Markhiya Gallery AlHosh Gallery Qatar National Library The White House Historical Association America SCORES Middle East Books & More Reed Society for the Sacred Arts Members: Dr. Mohamed Althaf William Grant William Gregory Peggy AshrafAmb.MichaelLoarMillsAnnePattersonSabrin Charles Sills Dr. Charles Thorpe Scott Weber Neita SandraWieseWilkins Honorary Board of Trustees: H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani Board of Directors: Ashraf Abu Issa Dr. Shaikha Al-Misnad Dr. Khalid Al-Sulaiti Josh PeggyWilliamCorless‘Bill’GrantLoar,Chair Kurt Nystrom, Treasurer Dr. Charles ‘Chuck’ Thorpe Sandra ‘Sandy’ Wilkins, Secretary Fatima Al-Dosari, Ex-officio to the Board Staff Yasmine: Ahmed, Operations Manager Fatima Al-Dosari, Executive Director Cedric Craig, Director of Communications Marc Hitzig, Director of Operations Ali Malik, Senior Communications Officer Lyndsey Medlin, Senior Programs Officer Thank You
Art At QAIC, guests are invited to take in a rich visual and immersive experience by visiting our exhibitions and galleries, and to share in their own artistic vision through participation in programs such as delegations and the FOCI Photography program. 8 | 2021 Year in Review Report
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Featured in the second issue of the A2Q magazine in 2021, our conversation with Edwards touched upon the history of perfume, his personal journey to becoming one of the world’s top fragrance experts, and the significance of perfume in our daily lives.
Perfumery Museum ART
The Perfumery Museum offers a mix of both historical and contemporary accounts through a variety of informative displays and interactive elements.
QAIC will run further workshops in collaboration with DIY Scent Studio which will be open to the public in mid-2022.QAIChad the opportunity to interview esteemed fragrance expert Michael Edwards whose organization, Fragrances of the World, played a vital role in the development of the Perfumery Museum.
As part of its Perfumery Museum programming, QAIC partnered with mother-daughter duo Sherry Meredith and Gretchen Sterling of DIY Scent Studio to demo a create-your-own fragrance workshop.
I n 2021, QAIC opened the doors to its newest cultural installation, the Perfumery Museum.
During this unforgettable team building activity, the team was given an overview of perfume history facts, the science behind the scent families, and the nuances of smells within those groups, such as floral, spicy, herbaceous, animal, fruits, woods, and greens.
QAIC hosted over 40 individual tours of its Perfumery Museum from May - December 2021.
A look inside QAIC’s Perfumery Museum where guests can learn about the history of fragrance, its cultural importance, and even test their sense of scent.
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This new permanent room expands on our commitment to art and cultural programming by sharing the story of fragrance’s significant impact to society across time and the world.
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Creatives Hub @framesofaj@glp1979@manjrisaxena@framesofaj@gk_photophactory@manjrisaxena@glp1979 Note: This is a selection of the 15 images chosen @buenafotos@framesofaj ART
T he Creatives Hub is QAIC’s online platform to connect artists, photographers, filmmakers, and creatives-at-large with opportunities for art exchange, collaboration, and representation. Together with our programmatic partners, we provide a range of national and international exhbitions, magazine features, media interviews, and immersive trips to support talent, ideas, and cross-cultural dialogue. We aspire to fuel artistic growth and enable the next generation of artists to grow in confidence, creative marvelous works, and ultimately make a positive impact on the world.
In celebration of World Photo Day on August 19, 2021, QAIC announced a call for submissions as part of the 2021 FOCI photography initiative. The theme for submissions, “Road to Reopening,” aimed to highlight communities’ resilience in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and their adaption to the new “status quo.” As World Photo Day celebrates photographers and their ability to share their experiences with the world, this theme was particularly fitting to show different perspectives on the journey to reopening. The selected photographs were featured on the QAIC Instagram account and website.
Within our walls here at QAIC’s headquarters, there are several gallery spaces that host and feature a wide variety of art and creative displays from various mediums and a diverse selection of artists. Some of the galleries focus on more traditional artwork and artifacts from the Arab and Islamic worlds, while others feature contemporary exhibitions from established or emerging artists and creatives from both the United States and Qatar. Throughout 2021, QAIC hosted five exhibitions at its DC headquarters.
In July 2021, QAIC concluded the “Transcendent Text: Exploring Universal Values Through Islamic Calligraphy” exhibition which featured works by master calligrapher Sabah Arbilli. Held in partnership with the National Human Rights Committee in Qatar, this 20-piece exhibit was on display for public (and virtual) viewing since December 2020. Having been launched in the middle of the pandemic, the exhibition was restricted to viewing via private tours or a virtual gallery; however, despite this, over 50 guests took the opportunity to tour the “Transcendent Text” exhibition. In addition, QAIC hosted its first “InstaMeet” on February 26 which invited local photographers and social media influencers to privately tour the exhibition.
TRANSCENDENT TEXT: EXPLORING UNIVERSAL VALUES THROUGH ISLAMIC CALLIGRAPHY:
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ART
Exhibitions
WOMEN OF THE PANDEMIC
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’Women of the Pandemic” artists Jordann Wine (center) and Anna U Davis (right) pose with a guest attending the exhibition’s opening reception at QAIC.
Dr. Khalid Al-Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara, speaks with Qatari artist Haifa Al Khuzai about her work. The official logo for the “Women of the Pandemic” exhibition, which was hosted in both Washington, DC and in Doha, Qatar.
Guests touring the “Women of the Pandemic” exhibition at QAIC’s headquarters in Washington, DC.
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The pandemic has impacted the livelihoods of women around the world. Although they have always faced challenges in balancing life, work, and all that is in between, the pandemic has required many women to make difficult trade-offs and great sacrifices. Through the exhibition, “Women of the Pandemic,” QAIC partnered with Katara Cultural Village to reflect on how women have confronted the realities of life in a pandemic. The exhibition featured four Qatari and four American female artists whose creative voices have carried on despite the COVID-19 chaos around them. In June 2021, the exhibition premiered virtually through Katara’s website, and on June 24, the artists came together for a virtual webinar panel moderated by QAIC Board Member Dr. Shaikha Al-Misnad. As COVID restrictions eased, QAIC and Katara were thrilled to transition to a physical exhibition which opened in the fall at QAIC’s headquarters in Washington, DC. Artist Sarah Ahmad explains her work to Dr. Khalid Al-Sulaiti and other guests at the reception at Katara Cultural Village. Guests and some of the participating artists of the exhibition listening to remarks at the opening reception of “Women of the Pandemic” at Katara Cultural Village in Qatar.
To coincide with the 2021 IMPART Summit, QAIC opened two new exhibitions in November 2021 at its Washington, DC headquarters: Cultural Fusion and Ruwad. Cultural Fusion featured the works of graphic design students from Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts Graphic Design in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Doha and Qatar Museums. The exhibition explored the ongoing relations between Qatar and the United States through a creative lens, commemorating Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture. The premise was to explore the ongoing relations between the United States and Qatar through design. The project allowed a variety of creative freedom, and the result was a multitude of diverse outcomes with both serious and playful approaches. The designs of Sara AlHelal were selected to be the official logo of the 2021 Year of Culture.
The Ruwad program began in 2018 in celebration of pioneering contemporary artists in Qatar and the impact of their creativity in the Gulf Region. The 2021-2022 iteration highlighted the works of Sarah Al Ansari, Mubarak Al Malik, Fatima Al Mohammed, and Ebtissam Al Saffar.
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CULTURAL FUSION & RUWAD
Opening concurrently with Cultural Fusion in November 2021 was the Ruwad Gallery, featuring the works of 4 Qatari artists in collaboration with al markhiya gallery in Qatar. Al markhiya offers established and emerging creatives exposure opportunities both for those living in the region and beyond, through exhibitions and other events.
A view of the “Cultural Fusion” exhibition which features various graphic designers and their submissions for the 2021 Qatar-USA Year of Culture logo.
A visitor views works by Fatima Al Mohammed at QAIC’s 2022 Ruwad exhibition in partnership with al markhiya gallery in Qatar.
A visitor studies several works by Qatari artist Mubarak Al-Malik at the 2022 Ruwad exhibition.
ART
LIGHT & SHADOW
Guests attend for remarks at the opening reception of the “Light & Shadow” exhibition hosted at QAIC on December 16, 2021.” ART
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A visitor touring one of the rooms of the Photographersexhibition.Khalifa Al-Misnad (left) and Andrew Studer (right) posing in front of some of their displayed works in the exhibition.
The final exhibition housed at QAIC in 2021 was “Light & Shadow: A visual journey through Oregon.” As part of the Qatar – USA 2021 Year of Culture program, the Light & Shadow Exhibition presented the work of two photographers, Andrew Studer and Khalifa AlMisnad, during their ten-day journey photographing the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. The pair endured early mornings, strenuous hikes, and inclement weather, as they ventured over Mount Hood, the Cascades, the Three Sisters, as well as up and down the Oregon coast. The result of their journey is a series of photographs that not only serve as documentation of the natural wonders in the Pacific Northwest but also as individual perspectives meeting to appreciate the present moment. Embodying the true spirit of the Year of Culture program, both photographers championed each other’s inquisitive nature while learning from one another. With curation and guidance by prolific landscape photographer Michael Shainblum, the Photography Exchange Exhibition was a resounding affirmation that photography is a universal language not limited by borders, cultures, or people.
A guest views some of the many captures of the US Pacific Northwest taken for the “Light & Shadow” exhibition.
At QAIC, all are welcome to expand their knowledge of the arts and culture through various enriching programs and events, and by accessing our available resources.
Education
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It is through education that we are able to connect with people and organizations around the world to share our cultures and deepen our understanding of each other.
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O ur Expressions: Art & Culture Talks continued in 2021 with five exciting new iterations. Expressions aims to highlight the intersections and cultural connections that tie the U.S., Arab, and Islamic worlds together through the act of storytelling. These talks features a variety of personalities, artist, and creatives who have lived or work in the Arab world and whose works were inspired and influenced by these cultures and people Three of the year’s Expressions talks featured filmmakers in honor of our partnership with the Doha Film Institute (DFI), and the creatives we spoke with either work directly with DFI or participated in their programs for rising filmmakers: “The Next Generation of Filmmaking” with Khalifa Al-Thani; “Arab Cinema: Then & Now” with Farida Zahran; and “The Horror Film in Middle Eastern Cinema” with Babak Anvari. The filmmakers spoke on their background and study with DFI, the type of films they enjoy working on, as well as current and upcoming projects. For the webinars that were streamed live, audience members had the opportunity to ask questions of the creatives.
Expressions Art & Culture Talks
Filmmaker Khalifa Al-Thani speaks on his upcoming and most recent work with the Doha Film Institute to QAIC’s audience through our Expressions Webinar Architectural author Michael Webb discusses the various cooling techniques used in the construction of the Msheireb neighborhood in Doha
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The final two Expressions talks tied into QAIC’s monthly themes: “Msheireb: A New Heart for Doha” with Michael Webb; and “Arab Life Through the Lens” with Wendy Ewald, focused on architecture and photography respectively. Michael Webb took audience members on a visual tour of one of Doha’s most exciting and innovative new neighborhoods, and Wendy Ewald spoke on her extensive portrait work in the U.S. and the Middle East.
The inaugural webinar, “The Curation and Influence of Islamic Art in Museums Today,” premiered on April 6 and featured a panel of curators that manage the Islamic art collections at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery of the Smithsonian, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar. The discussion was moderated by the Chair of QAIC’s Board of Directors, Peggy Loar. The panel explored the evolution of Islamic art curation in museums today as experts from both the U.S. and Qatar shared their own curatorial processes and approaches towards exhibiting their institutions’ Islamic art collections.
Dr. Linda Komaroff, Curator of Islamic Art and head of the Middle East Department at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), discusses the special care given to the Islamic artifacts in her care during our inaugural Museum Series event.
Dr. Alexandrine Guerin, Curator of Archaeology and Early History at National Museum of Qatar, discusses the importance of early Bedouin objects and their relevance today.
Orianna Cacchione, Curator of Global Contemporary Art at University of Chicago’s Smart Museum, discusses the different approaches a curator must take if working with a single living artist as opposed to multiple artists or artists that are deceased.”
The second webinar, “Native Stories: Indigenous Arts & People from America & Arabia” was hosted on May 25 and featured representatives from the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology, and National Museum of Qatar.
EDUCATION
The third and final Museum Series panel of 2021 was “Framing Context into Concept: The Unseen Challenges of Contemporary Art Curation.” Presenters spoke to the audience on the delicate nuances and the diverse processes that are taken into crafting a contemporary art exhibition. Featuring curators and directors from the Smart Museum in Chicago, the Asia Society Museum in New York City, the Institute of Arab & Islamic Art in New York City, and the Doha Fire Station, this panel explored the question: how does one create a contemporary art exhibition when much of contemporary art often aims to redefine our conception of art?
Museum Series
Moderated by QAIC’s Executive Director, Fatima Al-Dosari, the webinar focused on the curation of art and artifacts of indigenous populations from North America and Qatar.
2021 Year in Review Report | 19 L ast year we launched a new virtual program, QAIC’s Museum Series. Through this platform, we bring together museum experts and curators from Qatar and the U.S. to highlight and discuss their respective collections and the impact their work has had on their organizations and the wider museum world. Through these presentations, viewers have a glimpse into museum collections they’ve never experienced before and are able to interact directly with the curators to satisfy their curiosity.
On May 14, 2021 the DC community was invited to the institute to experience the intersectionality for the appreciation of art and the launch of QAIC’s newest initiative: the Perfumery Museum. In keeping up with our pursuits of convening communities and celebrating culture, the QAIC Seasonal Social events are festivities to share cross-cultural appreciations through food, film, music, performances, and various forms of classic and contemporary art. The spring Seasonal Social was an experience for all senses as guests were able to taste, smell, hear, and see many forms of art relevant to the Arab and Islamic worlds. Over 70 attendees enjoyed savory and popular tastes of the Arab world, like karak, a flavorful tea made from rich spices originating from South Asia, and chapati, a crêpe-like flat bread also originating from the South Asian region that is popular in countries of the Arabian Peninsula like Qatar. For the duration of the event, our guests were enchanted by different forms of entertainment, like Arabian music played by a live violinist or a live painting of a skyline which combined the architectural landmarks from Doha and various American cities.
Representatives from Embassy of Qatar in Washington, DC, Qatar Foundation, Qatar Museums & QAIC. From left to right: H. Al-Jaber, Sh. A. Al-Thani, K. Al-Hamadi, Dr. H. Al-Muftah, H. Mosawi, A. Al-Attiya, F Al-Dosari, and A. Al-Khayareen. QAIC partner DIY Scent Studio providing a fragrance demonstration as part of QAIC’s Seasonal Social series.
A t QAIC, we believe that culture is something best understood when it is experienced rather than taught. This is why we aim to continually provide in-person and virtual cultural experiences and exchanges, whether they are private events for our members or events open to the public, such as performing art concerts, culinary workshops, and salon dinners. Our goal is for our guests to fully immerse themselves in a fun and engaging environment
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Lastly, in honor of the opening of the Perfumery Museum, guests were able to set sit in on a live demonstration on how to create a fragrance.
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Cultural Enrichment
A s part of ongoing efforts to stay connected with our network and provide engaging content, QAIC produces a variety of multimedia content that delivers culture directly to your email inbox. Launched last year, our A2Q (America to Qatar) Magazine spans the work of artists and insights from experts from the U.S., Qatar, and the Arab & Islamic worlds. Four issues were published in 2021, serving diverse perspectives in art and culture in alignment with QAIC’s monthly themes. A2Q addresses its subject matter with the aim of bridging barriers and cultivating understanding. At QAIC, we strive to immerse our audience through monthly newsletters to build relationships and maintain connections with existing subscribers. Every newsletter announces valuable updates about new and current partnerships, upcoming activities, exhibitions, events and ways to engage with QAIC through our scholarly opportunities and sponsorship program. Monthly newsletters are a cost-effective method to circulate and raise awareness by painting the bigger picture to our audience, partners, sponsors, members, prospects and beyond.
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Multimedia Products
EDUCATION
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On September 30, we celebrated the opening reception for the physical exhibition of “Women of the Pandemic.” The reception featured remarks by Fatima Al-Dosari, Executive Director at QAIC; Peggy Loar, Chair of QAIC’s Board of Directors; and Dr. Khalid Al-Sulaiti from the Katara Cultural Village in Qatar.
Our final exhibition reception of the year was held on December 16 as QAIC and the Years of Culture team convened to celebrate the double opening of the “Cultural Fusion” and “Light & Shadow” exhibitions.
The event also recognized the launch of Qatar Foundation’s initiative, Alif Ba, which also premiered at the National Children’s Museum that month. The event was attended by approximately 110 guests from both the U.S. and Qatar, and featured remarks by QAIC Executive Director, Fatima Al-Dosari; Qatar Museums Director of Diplomacy, Aisha Al Attiya; and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of the State of Qatar, Dr. Hamad Al Muftah.
Private & Member Events
Raed Jarrar, Advocacy Director at Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), speaks on the notion of human rights in Islam and their relevance in contemporary society.
Special guests attend the reception for the double opening of the “Cultural Fusion” and “Light & Shadow” exhibitions.
EDUCATION
Speakers included Fatima Al-Dosari, Executive Director at QAIC; Fatema Al-Baker, Second Secretary and the Public Diplomacy Counselor at the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington, DC; and Sarah Whitson, Executive Director at DAWN. The 25 guests in attendance represented DC’s diverse landscape, including leaders from esteemed think tanks, ambassadors, and directors of cultural institutions.
Attendees of the Transcendent Text reception held at the conclusion of the exhibition.
Following the remarks, several of the featured artists physically and virtually in attendance continued their cross-cultural dialogue and reflections in a conversation moderated by QAIC Board Member Sandra Wilkins. Nearly 40 guests attended this invitation-only affair, taking advantage of the first look of the galleries, and engaging in dialogue directly with the artists.
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he “Transcendent Text: Exploring Universal Values Through Islamic Calligraphy” exhibition concluded with an intimate reception on July 15th hosted by Raed Jarrar, Advocacy Director at Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN).
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Community Community is at the heart of QAIC’s mission. We strive to engage with the community members both near and far, and connect creatives and institutions to each other in the pursuit of greater cultural understanding.
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Art of Athletics Festival
Players from the Washington Spirit soccer team joined QAIC to discuss their thoughts on the arts and the unique way it can intersect with sports. L ike many avenues in society, sports and the creative arts are considered to be a universal language where communities can connect, collaborate and form new bonds. The Art of Athletics Festival aimed to provide a platform where creatives and athletes could explore and discuss the important role of sports in shaping culture and building community and the infusion of arts and creativity within sports itself as an essential means for holistic development, self-expression, cultural exchange, and social impact.
On February 9, 2021, the Qatar America Institute for Culture (QAIC) hosted its inaugural The Art of Athletics Festival, a virtual event celebrating the intersection of creativity and athleticism with a focus to highlight the launch of the Arab Film House program and awards, a joint initiative between QAIC and the Doha Film Institute (DFI). The Art of the Athletics was a unique collaborative effort between QAIC and partners from both Qatar and the United States, such as the Doha Film Institute, international composer Dana Al-Fardan, ConocoPhillips, America SCORES, and the Washington Spirit team.
The festival brought together creatives and athletes to explore and discuss the important role of sports in shaping culture and building community, and how integrating the arts within it serves as a means for holistic development, self-expression, cultural exchange, and social impact.
The final segment of the festival featured a panel discussion overseen by Qatari composer and songwriter Dana Al Fardan. She spoke with filmmaker Michael Holstein, American SCORES coach Shanell Sharpe and five members of the Washington Spirit soccer team: Dorian Bailey, Aubrey Bledsoe, Tori Huster, Paige Nielsen, and Sam Staab. The Washington Spirit team members had traveled to Doha as part of a cultural exchange that previewed the Qatar-US 2021 Year of Culture.
Q AIC CARES is a humanitarian initiative to address and support peace-building efforts in some of the world’s most in-need regions. In order to achieve QAIC’s mission of fostering the arts and improve cross-cultural understanding, societies around the world must be dedicated to eliminating human suffering and protect cultural heritage. Societies within the Arab & Islamic worlds have not only had to suffer from conflict and a lack of resources, but also from a devastating deficit of the Arts.
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As a result of the devastating September 2021 humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, we launched QAIC CARES with our goal to support other partners in providing aid to people through established international humanitarian organizations to domestic American charitable organizations. With the support of our partners, we aim to sustain QAIC CARES and its heartfelt efforts to continue the protection of our peaceful and inclusive societies.
QAIC Cares
Arab Film House
Several AFH program activities were held in 2021. In collaboration with the Doha Film Institute (DFI), QAIC screened a selection of “Made in Qatar” short films during our IMPART film festival weekend. QAIC and DFI also partnered to launch the first Arab Film House award to filmmaker Naziha Arebi, director of Freedom Fields, which was also screened during the 2021 IMPART Summit weekend. We closed out the year of AFH programming with a private reception and special premiere screening of the documentary “HER” marking the first time the film was screened in the U.S. In partnership with the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington, DC, and the Georgetown Institure for Women, Peace, and Security, this special event recognized the many women leaders making a positive impact in the world.
L ast year we celebrated the launch of our Arab Film House (AFH). Tucked inside QAIC, AFH is an intimate screening room that aims to provide a cultural platform and meeting ground for those interested in both the history and the future of film and cinema from the Arab and Islamic worlds. Our goal for AFH is to amplify the unique and diverse voices from both within and outside of the United States through the unique medium of cinema.
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“In honor of that same sentiment, QAIC partnered with the Qatar National Library to highlight the institution and its vital work to make literature accessible to all. As Qatar’s preeminent literary institution, Qatar National Library promotes literacy not only by preserving historic texts, but also through educational events, public outreach, and digitization efforts.
In 1966, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) marked September 8th as International Literacy Day to raise awareness and concern for literacy problems that exist within our own local communities, as well as globally. According to UNESCO, this day reminds us of “the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights.
QAIC Library & Literature Activities
QAIC was excited to establish its “Little Library” outside of its office where passersby could take or leave books or artworks. Visitors to QAIC take a break in the QAIC Library which offers a selection of literature from the Arab and Islamic worlds in addition to the “Curiosity youngeravailableCorner”forthereaders.”
I n summer 2021, QAIC launched its own in-house library, complete with a “Curiosity Corner” for our youngest visitors. The library, comprised of books about Doha, the Middle East, and numerous artistic and cultural traditions, stands as a resource to our staff, members, and the visiting public. In addition to our phyical library space, we collaborated with local DC partner, Middle East Bookstore & More, in providing our monthly newsletter readers recommendations for art and culture books every month.
COMMUNITY 30 | 2021 Year in Review Report C ollaboration is key to our work. We at QAIC ensure to consistently partner with organizations of similar missions to enhance exchange of ideas and achieve mutual goals. In working with partners, we learned how to expand our reach and impact to new audiences. This year, we had multiple events that we carried out jointly with other groups as well as exciting events that we had the pleasure to sponsor in the United States and Qatar. Our partnership on “Art of Athletics Festival” inspired us to further our engagement with America Scores and support their mission and community of poets through a sponsorship of their activities in 2021. We also sponsored Mamag’s Storyhouse symposium in LA which is dedicated to bringing together the best established and emerging universal talent to expand the creation and distribution of groundbreaking cross-cultural narratives. Similarly, we sponsored two film-related initiatives, the first is Ajyal Film Festival by the Doha Film Institute, and ‘Me Against the World” an independent film by filmmaker, Dr. Mohana Rajakumar. Short by Shorties Films
Community Sponsorships
Q AIC offers numerous opportunities for students, post-graduates, and those passionate about the arts and cultural heritage to engage with the work of the Institute.
QAIC fellows and interns are given the opportunity to explore many creative pursuits while developing their professional experience, from conducting in-depth research, publishing articles, or helping to build out some of QAIC’s core programs.
QAIC also accepts candidates interested in a virtual and in-person internship experience that aligns with our mission and values alongside their educational goals. Interns are expected to compliment the day-to-day tasks across QAIC’s operations, communications, and programs teams. As an educational institution, QAIC’s internships provide significant training and beneficial learning opportunities to its interns. QAIC offers two tracks for internships: academic internship which is tied to the intern’s formal education and coursework, or volunteering internship which offers the knowledge and know-how of art & culture nonprofits.
Scholarly
Opportunities
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
VOLUNTEER Running art and cultural programming is no easy task, so it is with the help of dedicated volunteers that our events can be a success. Whether it’s staffing public festivals, assisting the setup of our exhibitions, or testing out future programming or products, there are plenty of opportunities for volunteers to get involved. In addition to getting hands-on experience and exposure, QAIC volunteers are also eligible for some exciting perks as a thanks for their service.
QAIC’s Fellowship Program is a seasonal virtual and in-person fellowship opportunity for experienced creatives and scholars from the U.S., Qatar, and the Arab and Islamic worlds. Fellows will develop and author research and publications in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts and present their completed work at QAIC’s annual IMPART Summit.
Fellows and interns have the opportunity to conduct indepth research projects, learn various professional skill sets, and get involved with QAIC’s event programming.
FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
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The 2021 IMPART Summit dinner reception kicked off with a captivating Sufic dance performed by Khalid Al-Mawlawi.
Q
IMPART is a platform created to celebrate the impact of QAIC’s art and cultural programs in both our local and international communities. These programs strive to elicit inclusion through expression and increase intercultural awareness to promote and connect innovators. The summit is an opportunity for stakeholders and potential partners to connect with QAIC and the larger Washington, DC community at large.
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To formally open the 2021 IMPART Summit, QAIC hosted an intimate gala reception on the evening of November 19 in honor of the partners and creative talents who helped make IMPART possible. The dinner program began with opening remarks from the evening’s guest of honor, H.E. Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani, Ambassador to the United States from the State of Qatar, before continuing on to the entertainment segments and a coffee-themed dinner, a nod to QAIC’s upcoming programming in 2022.
IMPART Summit Congress for Creatives
On Saturday, November 20, the IMPART Summit opened to the DC community at large as almost a hundred visitors took part of the day long festival of food, film screenings, and cultural activities offered at QAIC’s Dupont Circle location. Attendees were able to view the many open exhibitions, watch a selection of “Made in Qatar” short films that recently screened at DFI’s Ajyal Film Festival, and taste various flavors of the Gulf, some of which were provided by Qatarbased Chef Shams Al-Qassabi.
AIC hosted its inaugural IMPART Summit in November 2021 as a weekend-long event to convene and collaborate with a wide array of artists and creatives, as well as a multitude of other artistic institutions. IMPART serves as a culmination of QAIC’s activities for the respective year and as a “Congress for Creatives.”
Team Activities
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2021
H ere at QAIC, we believe our team members are essential stakeholders to better understand and deliver on our mission. Throughout 2021, the QAIC team participated in teambuilding and educational activities geared around building comradery and exploring local artistic and cultural offerings. The team visited local McKenzie-Cross gallery in Virginia to learn about “the color blue,” as well as events and exhibitions at the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center. Team members also led in-house artistic activities, such as mosaic and perfume making, allowing space for fun and creativity. The team also enjoyed an iftar together during the month of Ramadan breaking bread and sharing comforting food reflecting their national dishes and family traditions at home such as Threed from Qatar and Foul from Sudan.
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