QAIC Board of Direc Get to know our Board of Directors, and read what they have to say about QAIC!
Peggy Loar Chair "The Qatar America Institute for Culture is a superb organization linking America, Qatar and the larger Arab and Islamic worlds through an expanding cultural dialogue with thought provokers such as artists and designers, historians and storytellers, and academics and societies in the shaping of culture and the world around us. I see an ongoing need for people to embrace knowledge about other worlds, places, people and ideas, and QAIC does this so well." Peggy Loar, Chairperson of QAIC, is an experienced global museum professional and the former founding Director of the National Museum of Qatar. She served as President of US/ICOM and Vice President for Culture and Director of the Museum at Asia Society, NYC. As Director of the Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling Exhibition Service, she received the Smithsonian’s prestigious Gold Medal for Distinguished Service. She is the Founding Director of the Wolfsonian FIU, and COPIA: The American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts. As the first Program Director of the Institute of Museum Services, she set up the first governmental General Operating Support program for US museums.
Sandra Wilkins Secretary "I am pleased to be a member of the QAIC Board as it affords me and opportunity to participate in an organization that seeks to promote the arts and culture in a region often overlooked. As a practicing artist I understand the importance of art and design in every aspect of our lives and QAIC is the perfect vehicle to ensure this important mission is accomplished." Sandra Wilkins has been in the fashion business for over 50 years and has done just about every job from runway and print model to chairing one of the top-rated fashion degree programs in the US. She traveled to Qatar in 1999 and established the first fashion department in the Gulf region, chairing the department until her retirement in 2018. Sandra accomplished many things as a Fashion Educator in the US and Middle East, and has received the following accolades: - “Most Outstanding Design Educator” Queens Way, 1980’s - “Margaret Petrie Award” given for significant contributions to Qatari Women, VCU, 2003 - “Outstanding Service and Artistic Contributions” Al Jazeera Channel, 2005 - “Outstanding Service to Qatar and the Community” Social Development Center, 2005 - 2007 - “Most Outstanding Fashion Design Department and Professor in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia” The World Education Congress, 2011 6 A2Q
