ANNUAL REPORT Q 1 - Q4 2 0 2 0
ABOUT QAIC The Qatar America Institute for Culture (QAIC), formerly known as the Qatar-America Institute (QAI), 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. 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 and culture.
TABLE OF CONTENTS QAI IN A TIME OF CHANGE AND COVID-19.....................................................................................................1 A NEW CHAPTER - Q1 2020.........................................................................................................................................3 A MESSAGE FROM QAI’S NEW CHAIRPERSON PEGGY LOAR........................................................5 EXPRESSIONS ART & CULTURE TALK IN HOUSTON, TX.......................................................................6 EXPRESSIONS ART & CULTURE TALK IN WASHINGTON, DC............................................................8 FOOD FESTIVAL PROGRAM..................................................................................................................................9 2019 FOCI PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION: CONCLUSION & EXHIBITION.......................... 11 EXPERT VOICES: EXCHANGE TRIP TO LOS ANGELES, CA............................................................... 16 CELEBRATING QATAR NATIONAL SPORTS DAY WITH LOCAL DC YOUTH.......................... 18 NEW YORK CITY PROGRAM: PRESENCE & OUTREACH.................................................................... 19 EDUCATIONAL PUBLICATIONS & RESEARCH......................................................................................... 21 A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: FATIMA AL-DOSARI.......................................23 A NEW HOME - Q2 2020.............................................................................................................................................25 ON A MISSION FOR ART AND CULTURE....................................................................................................26 A NEW HEADQUARTERS, A NEW HUB, A NEW HOME..................................................................... 27 A NEW BRAND - Q3 2020...........................................................................................................................................33 THE NEW QATARAMERICA.................................................................................................................................34 CONOCOPHILLIPS JOINS AS QAIC’S NEWEST SPONSOR............................................................. 37 A NEW FUTURE - Q4 2020.........................................................................................................................................39 QAIC REIMAGINES CULTURAL EXCHANGE FOR THE CORONAVIRUS ERA........................41 EXPRESSIONS ART & CULTURE TALKS UNDERGOES A VIRTUAL MAKEOVER...................42 TRANSCENDENT TEXT EXHIBITION..............................................................................................................43 2021 & BEYOND...........................................................................................................................................................44
QAI in a time of change and COVID-19 During the first quarter of 2020, the Qatar-America Institute underwent some major institutional changes that would redefine the organization moving forward. These changes consisted of a new Executive Director taking the helm, Fatima Al-Dosari, a new Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, Peggy Loar, and a new Board of Directors that was selected to oversee the programs of QAI. These changes were instituted to both continue the operations of QAI and to bring them to a larger and more diverse audience outside of the Washington beltway. In this first quarter of 2020, QAI continued to bring unifying aspects of the U.S.-Qatar relationship to the American public by hosting various events across the country. QAI’s activities extended beyond Washington and took place in Los Angeles, New York City, and Houston, to name a few. Yet, it must also be mentioned that QAI’s activities were curtailed due to conditions outside of the institution’s control. As with many organizations across the world, the public health emergency that emerged as a result of the spread of the SARS-Cov-19 coronavirus forced QAI to halt its ongoing and scheduled programs. As a result, many programs were cancelled, a disappointing ending to several months of hard work, planning, and resources. As the previous pages highlighted the various successful programs that QAI held around the United States and in Washington, D.C. in advance of the lockdown, the following pages will illustrate the various months of planning and managing that was put into programs that were unable to take place. In spite of the setbacks brought on by the pandemic, the organization continued to pursue its mission during these unprecedented times, a task only made possible by the steadfast support of its donors and sponsors. Looking back, QAI (now QAIC) sincerely appreciates the invaluable opportunities that these generous contributions have provided to its communities and beneficiaries in both the United States and Qatar, and it looks forward to when it is deemed safe to once again welcome its friends and members of its community to its programs and events in the new year.
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A NEW CHAPTER Q1 2020 | January - March
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Moving Forward: A Message from QAI’s New Chairperson Peggy Loar Dear QAI Community, I am honored to be the incoming Chair of the Qatar-America Institute. Collectively, with the Institute’s luminary board of directors, talented staff, and you, it is my hope that we will lead QAI into an exciting future, one of celebrating the world of the arts and culture, and one of strengthening the personal and professional bonds between Americans and Qataris with an exciting array of programs in the arts, sports, cultural history, architecture, and design. Through partnerships and exchanges, and an exploration of respective experience, our intent is to share and encourage knowledge for both emerging and senior talent in both countries, including the communities in which they live and evolve. As I assume my role, I hope to further strengthen and solidify QAI’s foundation so that it may be brought to the forefront of the US-Qatar cultural relationship and be positioned to create an ever-growing footprint given its location in the Nation’s capital. As the initial founding Director of the National Museum of Qatar in Doha, I have developed a deep passion for the history and culture of Qatar and its people. Having served the bulk of my career in the US as a museum professional engaged in public and community programming over many decades, the Institute touches on my desire to see a successful learning process for both Qataris and Americans. Lastly, it will be a great pleasure to work with the professional team of QAI headed by Executive Director Fatima Al-Dosari. Her leadership and the dedicated staff of QAI since its inception are a reminder of how powerful ideas and the creative process merge to birth audiences and deliver knowledge to an ever-changing world. Please come along. And thank you for being a member of the QAI community.
Most Sincerely,
Peggy A. Loar
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EXPRESSIONS IN HOUSTON, TX “The Arabian Horse: Lore & Legend” – A conversation with Michael Byatt
On January 28th, 2020, the Qatar America Institute hosted Houstonian and renowned Arabian horse breeder, Michael Byatt, at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Michael Byatt was invited to speak to a sold-out audience in his capacity as an internationally known Arabian horse breeder and rider who helped develop the Arabian horses at Qatar’s Al Shaqab Equestrian Center. The program was moderated by Diana Untermeyer, the cultural advisor to the Qatar-America Institute (QAI). The discussion centered around the importance of horses within both American and Qatari societies. The conversation delved into the role of horses in the development of the various nations, the uniqueness of the Arabian Horses and their physiology, the impact of Arabian horses in historical military figures, and the overall state of the modern equestrian community.
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The event received national coverage through the American media outlet Horse & Country, as well as local coverage in the magazine “Covering Katy” and through the ABC News local affiliate (ABC 13).
Prior to January 28th The production behind this event began in December of 2019. A series of graphics and mailing lists were compiled to maximize the footprint of both QAI and the event itself within the city of Houston. Equestrian
“When I first went [to Qatar] in 1994, there were two roundabouts getting from what was then the only hotel, the Sheraton Hotel, to the equestrian club and it took about 15 minutes to get there…. 20 years later it took 3 hours to get across the town because it had grown so much and the skyline was so amazing. And then now it’s back to 15 minutes because they’ve managed to build a superhighway system … because their ability to say that their narrative is ‘we can do it.’ And that’s the way they embarked in the Arabian horse too. They were determined to tour the world, to buy the best blood stock that was available in the world, and they did with great taste because you can’t always do it with just money…” —Michael Byatt, January 28, 2020
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Michael Byatt (middle) introducing Platinum World Champion Hariry Al Shaqab to Houstonian philanthropist and icon Lynn Wyatt (right).
“Both Doha, Qatar, and Houston, Texas, share a thriving equestrian scene that is rooted in each cities’ culture and traditions,” said Diana Untermeyer. “Houston and Qatar interact beyond the petroleum industry with the Arabian horse playing a central role. Many Qatari horses, including three-time world champion Marwan Al Shaqab, have lived in Texas. Artificial insemination allows the sought-after Al Shaqab pedigree to be shared world-wide. In the tradition of royal and diplomat giftgiving, these breedings build ties of friendship between individuals and nations that treasure the Arabian horse.” —“The Qatar-America Institute hosts its Expressions Artist Talk in Houston on Arabian Horses with internationally renowned Arabian horse breeder Michael Byatt”, CoverKatyNews.com; January 29, 2020
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organizations, local media outlets, and select individuals were contacted to inform them of the upcoming event. Part of this effort was the calculated social media campaign that was constructed through the usage of images, videos, and outreach. A 30-second promotional video was created and disseminated through specific channels targeting unique communities within the Houston area to maximize the public’s interest. In conjunction with the video advertisement, several graphics promoting the event were also employed to gain traction. On January 15th, a week before the event, a public relations event was hosted featuring Houstonian philanthropist and community icon Lynn Wyatt and the Platinum World champion Hariry Al Shaqab trained by Michael Byatt. At the event, Qatar’s General Consul for the State of Texas Rashid Al-Dehaimi and former U.S. Ambassador to Qatar Chase Untermeyer were also in attendance. This public relations event was covered by PaperCity Magazine – a 25-year-old Texas-based cultural media outlet that reaches more than an estimated 2.7 million readers. According to the outlet’s
Michael Byatt showing a guest one of the saddles used to ride Arabians such as Hariry Al Shaqab.
website the organization reaches a niche set of the Texas demographic that is both wealthy and primarily female. The website states that “Texas’ top influencers, power players and aspirational spenders know PaperCity is where Lone Star State luxury lives. With an average household income in excess of $235,000, PaperCity readers are the prime, discerning consumers that any advertiser covets. With more than 60 percent of its audience women, PaperCity is also the rare print and digital publication that consistently reaches the true decision makers.” 2020 Annual Report
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HEADLINE IN GOES HERE. DC EXPRESSIONS WASHINGTON,
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Filmmaker and Northwestern University professor Marco Williams (left) in a discussion with Georgetown University professor and commentator Michael Dyson.
On February 28th, 2020, QAI hosted “Fostering Multiculturalism in Film: Reflections & Lessons as a Film Professor in the Arab World” with renowned filmmaker and former Northwestern University professor Marco Williams at its Washington D.C. office. The program was moderated by Georgetown professor Michael Dyson, who serves as a regular commentator on National Public Radio, MSNBC, and CNN. Professor Williams discussed his teaching experience while at Northwestern University’s Qatar campus. As part of his discussion, Williams exhibited his students’ short series Naseeb. Naseeb examines the plight of a young woman as she pursues her dream of becoming an architect against the wishes of her mother, who instead wants her to get married. The screening of the series served as a jumping-off
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point for the two academics as they discussed how the students’ creation served as a reflection of the complexity within various parts of Arabian Gulf society and the greater Muslim world. Other aspects of the discussion centered around issues of patriarchy in both the West and the East, how one can teach without allowing Western bias to seep into the classroom, and how to best discuss sensitive issues through the usage of film as a medium. The event received coverage through The Washington Informer, a prominent national magazine based in Washington that caters to the large African American community within the United States.
Prior to February 20th In preparation for the event, a social media campaign was created and disseminated through organic and inorganic channels. Graphics and animations were created to be shared through QAI’s social media platforms. In conjunction with this organic effort, a promotional social media campaign promoted the event through Facebook. Promotional material was targeted at a unique subset of the population that would statistically illustrate the highest level of interest for the event. In addition to social media, select organizations and individuals within the Washington area were also contacted and informed about the event.
“[My students and I] spent a lot of time reflecting on what it meant for them to be who they are, on the cusp of becoming who they wish to be.” —Marco Dyson, filmmaker and former Northwestern University Qatar professor.
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FOOD FESTIVAL PROGRAM
Filmmaker and Northwestern University professor Marco Williams (center left) chatting with guests at QAI’s Food Festival in Washington, DC.
Overview The relationship between food and people is certainly one of the most ubiquitous ties amongst different cultures. Where many foundational institutions in society can lead to debate and division, sharing a meal with others tends to draw people together that may or may not share similar backgrounds or attributes. Food, and the universal enjoyment of it, is a great equalizer. In American history, one of the earliest stories of the nation, the story of Thanksgiving, is about establishing diplomatic unity through food after the Pilgrims shared a meal with the local indigenous people. Many other stories around the world can also attest to the importance of the proverbial “breaking of the bread” with others, especially when the diners are people of different races, faiths, classes, or otherwise. It is on this basis that QAI has prioritized
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the concept of “Food Festivals” to achieve our mission of bringing both Qatari and American communities together. Engaging our audience through food creates a unique connection that not only engages the mental capacity of our audience, but also their sense of taste and smell. It is because of these interactions that our guests feel more likely to share and to receive, much like a guest at a dinner table would be.
Butterfly Room Reception at the Houston Museum of Natural Science Late this January, QAI brought a large section of the Houston equestrian community together on the heels of QAI’s Expressions Artist Talk “The Arabian Horse: Lore & Legend” with Michael Byatt. This reception was crucial in engaging Houston’s scientific community through the Museum of
Natural Science, the sizeable Equestrian community located in Houston’s suburbs, local animal enthusiasts, and Qatari representatives. Reception attendees were able to meet with renowned Arabian horse breeder Michael Byatt and learn about his experience at the Al Shaqab Equestrian Center on a one-on-one basis. The reception also allowed QAI staff to dispel myths and misunderstandings that attendees may have had regarding Qatar, the Middle East, and the Islamic World at large. QAI also made the reception memorable by displaying classical Qatari equestrian gear, including intricate saddles and garb. Also, QAI offered attendees tote bags with small gifts and trinkets that would continue to remind attendees of the event – extending the impact of the gathering beyond the confines of the event and into their daily lives.
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Guests socializing at the Butterfly Room Reception at the Houston Museum of Natural Science in Houston, TX.
Food Festival Featuring Elijah Jamal Balbed, Marco Williams, and Michael Dyson At the end of February, QAI marked the sizable contributions of the African American community in the United States and its impact beyond America’s borders by hosting a reception featuring local award-winning DC jazz artist Elijah Jamal Balbed. The reception featured an exceptional performance by Balbed and pianist Mark G. Meadows.
Fashion as a Unifier – Food Festival The last food festival of the program was planned as a precursor to the Qatar Couture fashion show in Los Angeles, CA to allow local media to engage in one-on-one conversations with the Qatari designers being showcased at the event, the Stars of Qatar, chair committee members, and all the program’s talent. The event was to take place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
This food festival, while scheduled and announced to the public, was sadly canceled due to the public health emergency resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.
The musicians also shared about their experiences performing in Doha through a musical exchange program. Both Elijah and Mark conducted a 5-week residency at the St. Regis Hotel in Doha through Jazz at Lincoln Center. They were surprised at the level of musical talent concentrated in Doha and felt fortunate for the experiences they had during their residency at the St. Regis. Additionally, attendees spoke with Professor Marco Williams about his experience teaching at Northwestern University – Qatar and who spoke about the myriad of similarities shared between the Qatari and American societies, as well as the differences. 10
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Musician Elijah Jamal Balbed (left) performing live with pianist Mark G. Meadows at the Food Festival reception in Washington, DC.
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2019 FOCI PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION: CONCLUSION & EXHIBITION
The 2019 FOCI Photography Competition was QAI’s inaugural program that aimed to use artistic expression as a means of defining the U.S.-Qatar relationship outside of the usual parameters of military and economic cooperation. The theme chosen for QAI’s 2019 FOCI Photography Competition was “The U.S.-Qatar Journey.” This theme aims to celebrate the over four decades of partnership between the two nations, the many shared ties and achievements between the two communities, and the power of cross-cultural exchange. Winners selected took part in a U.S.based exhibition and gala. The first prize consisted of a $1000 gift card from B&H (a photography store). The second prize was a $500 gift card from B&H. The 3rd – 10th places consisted of
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honorable mentions and their photos displayed on our website, as well as featured in a book encapsulating the entire program. After 1,200+ submissions, the winners of the 2019 FOCI Exhibition were announced on January 13, 2020 after 20 selected finalists were reviewed by a panel of five esteemed judges. The 2019 FOCI Exhibition presents the top ten photographs possessing the highest average scores.
Program Launch Prior to announcing the start date of the FOCI competition, a robust submission infrastructure and filing system were created to both quickly and fairly process all incoming photograph submissions. A landing page for the FOCI photography program was
crafted along with a submission form that allowed any and all contestants to enter their photograph with ease. In addition to the submission infrastructure, clear guidelines and procedures regarding the rules of the competition were also crafted to limit any potential liabilities that could pose a problem to the contestants or the Qatar-America Institute. Lastly, reputable and accomplished photographers were invited to serve as judges on the judging panel. 5 judges, complimenting the theme of the competition, accepted the honor of being a part of the competition. The panel was composed of both Qataris and Americans.
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First Place Winner : “Red, White, and Blue” by Oscar Rialubin
Second Place Winner : “He Eats Alone - Not” by Noman Quadri
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Top row, left to right: “Jassim” by Latifa Abdulla Al-Darwish; “Look Up! Msheireb Downtown!” by Kimberley John Reyes; “Untitled” by Nora Ibrahim. Middle row, left to right: “One Journey, One Ride” by Sujan Archibald; “Educate and Empower” by Mohammed Thousif; “Past meets the present” by Aflah Hussain. Bottom row, left to right: “As strong as steel, US and Qatar” by Ajeesh Puthiyadath; “7 and the Skyline” by Aiden Globo.
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Judges Ҙ Robert Landau, an LA-based photographer and author who is famous for his work on capturing the rock and roll billboards during the 70s and 80s and for his work on the PBS series “The Royal Tour” Ҙ Abeer Al-Kuwari, an awardwinning multidisciplinary visual artist based in Qatar, and the first female member of the Qatar Photography Society Ҙ Sara Al Obaidly, an award-winning photographer and videographer living between London and Doha, and the recipient of Grazia Arabia’s 2019 Artist of the Year Award. Ҙ Zach Houghton, the founder of Passion Passport, a startup that provides inspirational and purposedriven travel storytelling, develops photo and video content, and designs experiential campaigns for brands and tourism boards. Ҙ Shuran Huang, an award-winning photographer and photo editor based in DC who has worked with NPR, The New York Times, and The New Yorker, among others.
FOCI Reception & Exhibition On February 12th, 2020, the Qatar America Institute (QAI) hosted an awards reception and the public unveiling of the exhibition for the 2019 FOCI Photography Competition at the DC Wharf. This exhibition was held, following the conclusion of the threeand half-month submission period, at the Wharf Dockmaster Building. In attendance at the reception were the First and Second Place winners of the contest, Oscar Rialubin, and Noman Quadri, respectively, who both reside in Doha. In honor of the event, QAI flew out the two winners from Doha so that they could be recognized for their achievement and receive their prizes in person. For Noman Quadri, an Indian
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First Place winner Oscar Rialubin (left), FOCI judge Zach Houghton (middle), and Second Place winner Noman Quadri (right).
engineer living in Doha, it was his first time ever to visit the United States. Also present were two of the five judges of the competition, Zach Houghton and Shuran Huang. Guests were greeted by a display of the ten winning photographs chosen by the competition judges that represented the 2019 FOCI Exhibition. The photos, all captured in Qatar, were submitted by a globally diverse group of photographers who either resided in or visited Qatar. The photographs, in accordance with the contest’s theme, captured a moment that they believed to depict the character of the U.S.-Qatar relationship.
Some of the photos displayed at the exhibition interpreted the theme using a bit of creative license. For example, a young boy straddling two HarleyDavidson motorcycles holding both American and Qatari flags. Whereas others were literal, depicting artist installations in and around Doha by American artists Richard Serra and Brian Donnelly (better known as KAWS).
FOCI Exhibition at QAI Headquarters Following the reception, the exhibition was displayed at QAI’s office in downtown Washington, DC, where it was open to visitor appointments for the remainder of February.
“It’s always an honor to be brought in to offer your perspective as a photographer, as a creative, and shed light on work that has been produced especially for a competition like this. I was inspired by a lot of the composition and the really clever use of light and different culture happenings that were happening in Qatar and how they were tied back to the U.S.” —Zach Houghton, founder of Passion Passport and FOCI judge.
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A guest at the 2019 FOCI reception viewing one of the many winning photographs that were on display.
QAI Executive Director, Fatima Al-Dosari (left), presenting the award for Second Place to winner Noman Quadri.
FOCI judge Shuran Huang speaking to the crowd at the 2019 FOCI Photography Competition reception and exhibition.
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EXPERT VOICES: EXCHANGE TRIP TO LOS ANGELES, CA The Doha Film Institute (DFI) joins the Oscar buzz.
Abdullah Al-Mosallam, Deputy Director of the Ajyal Film Festival and Chief Administrative Officer at DFI (left), Fatma Alremaihi, CEO of DFI (middle), and QAI’s Executive Director Fatima Al-Dosari (right) at the City Hall of the City of Beverly Hill following a meeting with the office of Mayor John Mirisch.
The cultural exchange trip to L.A. focusing on film consisted of DFI’s CEO Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, QAI’s Executive Director, Fatima Al-Dosari, and Abdullah Al-Mosallam, the Deputy Director of the Ajyal Film Festival and Chief Administrative Officer of DFI. The delegation’s objective aimed to highlight Qatar, a major investor in the U.S. and soon-to-be home to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as a force in the film world via the Doha Film Institute. In addition to showcasing the nation’s role in supporting and championing films, filmmakers, and creatives from the region, the trip helped to solidify existing relationships and fostered new ones in California. The exchange trip to L.A. presented an opportunity for QAI and DFI to act on their new partnership and join together in strengthening the voices
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from the region, through the power of films and storytelling, and by engaging in conversations on the importance of female empowerment and multicultural representation. The group met with industry leaders in Los Angeles ahead of attending the 2020 Oscars, where two DFIbacked films were nominated: The Cave, a Syrian civil war film directed by Feras Fayyad was nominated in the Best Documentary Feature category, while Brotherhood, a Tunisian film by Montreal-based filmmaker Meryam Joobeur, earned a nomination under the Best Live Action Short Films category. The activity-filled week included a meeting at City Hall with City of Beverly Hills Mayor John Mirisch’s office to discuss Qatar’s pivotal role in the state of California, a relationship that extends beyond the financial sphere
into the fields of arts, sports, technology, education, and entertainment. His Excellency Khalid Al Sada, Consul General of the State of Qatar in Los Angeles, hosted a dinner at his home in honor of the DFI-funded films, joined by the producers behind the Oscar-nominated film Brotherhood and special guest Brigitte Lacombe, a prominent French photographer. The group also enjoyed a private tour of the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, prior to attending The International Feature Films of the 92nd Oscars Reception, spotlighting the nominees for Best International Feature Film. QAI and DFI were also honored to join the exclusive luncheon celebrating the female Oscar nominees hosted by fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg. The event toasts women’s empowerment with a special focus on von Furstenberg’s InCharge movement
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The group who attended a special dinner with His Excellency Khalid Al Sada (center), Consul General of the State of Qatar in Los Angeles.
and the Academy’s Women’s Initiative. QAI also partnered with Deborah Sawaf, CEO & Founder of the luxury handbag brand, Thalé Blanc, to host a High Tea and Talk on multiculturalism and female empowerment in the creative and tech industries, with special guest speakers DFI’s Fatma Hassan Alremaihi and the CEO and Founder of The Female Quotient, Shelley Zalis. The event gathered members of the L.A. community to learn about Qatar’s role in advancing women’s rights in the Middle East, DFI’s work in supporting MENA region representation in the international film community, and the importance of promoting women in the technology and creative fields.
Fatma Alremaihi (left) and Fatima Al-Dosari (right) posing with guests at the High Tea event co-hosted with Deborah Sawaf.
The delegation received a private tour of the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, prior to attending The International Feature Films of the 92nd Oscars Reception .
“Culture and art now is in the forefront of the strategy of Qatar. Our chairperson Sheikha Al-Mayassa, who is the sister of the Emir, the head of state, is spearheading culture. We have six museums that have opened in my country and many are coming in the future. You know that the World Cup will happen in Qatar in 2022 so we’re building all of these stadiums and looking into the legacy afterwards of this tournament and how we can help also other countries who are not able to have stadiums that we’re donating to all of these countries after. So many amazing things are happening. And really in the world that we live in, as small as it is today because of technology, nobody has any reason to say ‘I didn’t know.’” —Fatma Alremaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute (DFI)
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CELEBRATING QATAR NATIONAL SPORTS DAY WITH LOCAL DC YOUTH
Every year, the second Tuesday of February marks Qatar National Sports Day (QNSD). The national holiday was established in 2012 with the main objective of promoting sports and a healthy lifestyle among its population. This goes hand-in-hand with Qatar National Vision 2030. QNSD is celebrated throughout Qatar and at all of Qatar’s foreign missions across the globe. This year’s celebration was held on February 11th. In the United States, QNSD was celebrated in New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC. In Washington, DC, the Embassy of the State of Qatar partnered with QatarAmerica Institute, the Washington Spirit, DC United, the Washington Redskins, and the National Children’s Museum. They celebrated QNSD with the theme “Futbol Meets Football.” This year’s celebration brought together 400 students from the DC area to learn about America’s and Qatar’s most popular sports, healthy habits, and other fun activities.
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DC United showed off some tricks and taught some of the fundamentals of soccer to the visiting kids. The Washington Spirit joined in by organizing scrimmages with the students in a mini soccer pitch. The Washington Redskins set up an obstacle course and taught the children how to throw the ball and kick field goals.
Ambassador Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani hosted a VIP reception with guests that included former and present Redskins players, Washington Spirit players, U.S. Olympian Ibtihaj Mohammed, Mayor Muriel Bowser, and Dept. of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for Arabian Peninsula Affairs Tim Lenderking.
The Embassy of Qatar had virtual reality headsets so the students could “step inside” Lusail Stadium, one of the venues that will host games at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Qatar-America Institute had a station that taught the children about Qatari culture and traditional Qatari games. The two featured games were Carrom and Teela, which are both popular games in Qatar. Carrom is a “strike and pocket” table game played in South Asia and the Middle East. It combines elements of chess, billiards, and shuffleboard. Teela translated to English as “marble balls,” is one of the oldest known games and played all around the world, including in the United States.
The handout that was created for the event so that guests could learn more about the traditional games of Qatar.
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NEW YORK CITY PROGRAM: PRESENCE & OUTREACH
As a vibrant U.S. cultural hub, New York was identified as an important city to engage with after QAI’s sustainable growth in the nation’s capital. As early as 2018, QAI hosted a series of salon dinners and networking events that greatly expanded its “Friends of Qatar” Network. Some of these were held as opportunities arose, for example, QAI was also present in NY for UN General Assembly week in 2018, allowing it to benefit from the presence of both Qatari and American thought leaders at the same time.
Ҙ The Pratt Institute
NY also derives its importance as the home of several important programming partners that QAI has developed excellent working relationships with. These organizations include Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), represented by their marketing partner Myriad Marketing in addition to Qatar Airways (QR), Qatar Foundation, and universities with deep affiliations with, if not branch campuses in, Qatar such as Weill Cornell’s School of Medicine.
Ҙ Qatar National Tourism Council
Considering the importance of NY, QAI engaged a long-term consultant to facilitate and deepen collaboration between QAI and its NY-based partners. After a successful stint in this role, QAI’s consultant moved on to pursue other opportunities. In lieu of a consultant, QAI felt that it was strategically important to set up a position in NYC. QAI’s program manager in NY was responsible for planning and implementing events in NY and building bridges with key cultural and academic institutions. In Q1 2020, these have included: Ҙ Columbia University – Center for the Study of Muslim Societies Ҙ The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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Ҙ High Jump (an educational nonprofit)
The film genres ranged from animation to documentary and displayed the creative talent of young filmmakers as they grappled, through their art, with portraying the everyday lives, struggles and triumphs of the Middle East’s youthdominated societies.
Ҙ Foundation For Climate Restoration
The following short films were screened:
Ҙ The Bank of Montreal
Ҙ Maha’mel (Ships) by Dhabya AlMuhannadi
Ҙ The New School Ҙ America SCORES – NY Chapter
Ҙ Qatar Airways Ҙ Qatar Foundation
QAI continues to believe in the importance of nurturing relationships with these and new partners and plans to continue to be active in NY as a cultural pillar of the U.S. northeast corridor. In Q1 2020, QAI planned or implemented the following events:
Shortcuts to Qatar Program: A Film Screening at the Tribeca Film Center On February 25th, 2020, QAI, in partnership with the Doha Film Institute (DFI), hosted a film screening at the Tribeca Film Center in New York City, to celebrate DFI’s work in championing emerging filmmaking talent in Qatar and the MENA region. The event saw a screening of the Short Cuts to Qatar program, a series of seven short films made by Qatar-based filmmakers. Several of the films screened were recipients of support from DFI’s grants program, which provides development, production, and postproduction funding to domestic and international filmmakers.
Ҙ The Unlucky Hamster by Abdulaziz Khashabi Ҙ I Am Not My Father by Naif Hassan Al-Malki Ҙ Voyager by Khalifa Al-Marri Ҙ Nasser Goes to Space by Mohammed Al-Mahmeed Ҙ Revive the Lira’s Glory by Alessandra El Chanti Ҙ Socotra by Ching Siew Hua In conjunction with the film screening, QAI hosted a Q&A session with Alessandra El Chanti, the director of the one of the evening’s featured films, “Revive the Lira’s Glory,” which taps into the work of a Lebanese artist, Ibrahim Sultani, who captures the economic crisis gripping his country by painting portraits of Lebanese icons from the fields of music, cinema, sports, media, fashion on banknotes. El Chanti, who pursued her undergraduate studies at Northwestern University in Qatar, is currently a candidate of the Master of Fine Arts degree at Northwestern’s Illinois campus. As a student of the global language of film who has trained in both Qatar and the US, El Chanti embodies the educational and cultural exchange that QAI takes as its mission to highlight and celebrate.
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2020 Annual Report Professor Nurhaizatul Jamil, Assistant Professor in Global South Studies and co-director of the Social Media Lab at The Pratt Institute, hosted the Q&A session with El Chanti and the audience. At Pratt, Professor Jamil teaches classes on Women in Muslim worlds, Middle Eastern communities and cultures, decolonizing methodologies, and fashion and sustainability studies. Her next research project examines the entanglements between modest fashion and sustainability within Muslim communities. Several of the films screened were featured in the 2019 edition of the Ajyal Film Festival, DFI’s marquee annual film festival. ‘Ajyal’, Arabic for ‘generations’, brings people of all ages together through screenings and events that inspire creative interaction and stimulate cinematic dialogue. QAI was honored to help bring a flavor of Ajyal to New York City, showcasing DFI’s efforts to encourage the growth of storytelling through the medium of film in the region and the world. As a complement to Ajyal’s drive to promote filmmaking talent, DFI also spearheads a mentorship program for aspiring filmmakers, known as Qumra. Qumra is an annual initiative that offers mentorship and practical development experience, via its Qumra Master Classes, for filmmakers from Qatar and around the world. Internationally accredited professionals in the film industry teach the Qumra Master Classes. Qumra 2019 ran for five days, from March 15th to March 20th. The program included an array of public screenings and events. The featured selections were films produced by Qumra Masters and by the recipients of DFI’s grants programs.
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Professor Nurhaizatul Jamil (left) and director Alessandra El Chanti (right) have a Q&A with the audience after the screening of the films.
“Libraries as Agents of Cultural Dynamism in the Middle East: The Case of Qatar National Library” This event was a collaboration planned with Columbia University’s Center for the Study of Muslim Societies. While staff time and resources were committed to planning this event throughout March 2020, Columbia University canceled all in-person events as part of ongoing stay-at-home guidance related to COVID-19. Event Synopsis: As the role of the library continues to evolve, we are now seeing the new libraries of the 21st century stepping out of the old traditional role and gradually allowing for their transformation into entities far more vital than being the storehouses of collections thus becoming critical players on the cultural scene. The new Qatar National Library is a case in point - built to perform the national function but also acting as a public and research library. This presentation will illustrate how these functions interact to enrich the nation and its citizens in a new building, designed to incorporate the value of libraries in its brick and mortar, embed technology from the
start, and give each citizen an equal space to expand the notion of literacy and learning.
Interfaith Dialogue: Bridging the Gap Through Art QAI was undertaking initial discussions with The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) to host a joint program to highlight the importance of sustained interfaith dialogue facilitated by organizations with deep cultural expertise – such as The Met. There is currently a freeze on these discussions in light of the pandemic-related closures of cultural institutions, including The Met. Below are the two ideas that were leading candidates for a potential collaboration between The Met and QAI in either March or April 2020. Ҙ A private evening of music in the galleries, mixing together different musical traditions to explore intercultural dialogue through music. Ҙ A public lecture on interfaith connectedness – a co-invitation to an eminent speaker such as James Allen or Walter Denny to talk about the place of Islamic art in the sacred imagery of Judaism and Christianity.
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EDUCATIONAL PUBLICATIONS & RESEARCH
Film in Qatar:
Photography in Qatar:
Literature in Qatar:
Qatar’s rich history of art and culture has been complemented by a burgeoning film industry in the modern era. With an emphasis on contests, festivals, and programs, the area of film is gaining more prominence in Qatar’s cultural ecosystem. Through support from private and government-sponsored organizations like the Doha Film Institute and Qatar Foundation, amateur and professional filmmakers have seen Qatar become a regional player in the Arab and international cinematic scene. With major events like the Doha Tribeca Film Festival garnering global attention and Qatari films winning prestigious festival awards, Qatar’s cinema credentials are increasingly a point of national pride.
This fact sheet covers the relationship between Qatar and the field of photography. Qatar’s photography culture includes a dynamic mix of rising and established professionals supported by a domestic market with an appetite for the work of each. Professional photography societies, government entities, and nongovernmental organizations underwrite the infrastructure of Qatar’s photography scene and support and develop its talent. The Ministry of Culture and Sports is heavily invested in organizing photography exhibitions, developing talents through workshops, supporting projects, introducing Qatari artists in domestic and foreign gatherings.
This fact sheet provides a brief overview of Qatar’s literary history and institutions. Literature has always been an integral element of the Arabic world, and Qatar is no exception. For many centuries, poetry was the primary form of literature in Qatar, and still enjoys an important place in the nation’s culture. However, more modern types of writing have emerged as central to Qatari literature, such as fiction, short stories, and novels. With a 97.3% literacy rate, it is no surprise that libraries, writing centers, and publishers have become widespread institutions in the country. Qatar’s literature is rooted in its ancient heritage and tradition combining the old with more modern writing styles to create something that is uniquely Qatari.
Qatar and the Arabian Horse:
Qatar and Texas:
This fact sheet covers the fascinating history of the Arabian horse and its intrinsic relationship to the development of Qatar. This fact sheet analyzes the importance of the horse through a historical viewpoint and traces Qatar’s investment in preserving this cultural legacy through the Al Shaqab Equestrian Center.
This fact sheet provides a thorough overview of the U.S.-Texas relationship. The relationship between Qatar and Texas, the United States’ second-largest state, extends beyond just the realm of energy and has been expanded into the arts, the humanities, education, entertainment, and national security.
The exhibition booklet for the 2019 FOCI Photography Competition that contained information on the photos, artists and the judges who were part of the competition.
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The Best is Yet to Come: A Message from the Executive Director, Fatima Al-Dosari Dearest Friends, I wanted to share a personal note of thanks for your support along with our updates on our most recent news and developments in 2020. In these challenging times, we are reminded of what matters to us the most: You. We are truly honored and appreciative of your continuous desire and enthusiasm to be part of our growing community. As an independent non-profit organization, your trust, support, and contributions are what empower us to fulfill our mission and have a positive impact. Together, we are able to further accentuate the cultural ties between Qatar and America. Since our organization’s inception three years ago, we have experimented with many different ventures and opportunities to find what you value the most. From photography competitions to food festivals and interfaith dinners to art exhibitions, we learned to listen and adapt to challenges while learning from our mistakes. For the past twelve months, we have been actively reflecting on these experiences and planning our next chapter. We evolved from a 501(c)(4) civic organization that focused on political, economic, and social issues to a 501(c) (3) public charity focused on cultural activities that further the arts, education, and charitable communityfocused pursuits. To accompany this evolution and further its aims, we welcomed a new Board of Directors that has invaluable expertise and prestige in the worlds of culture, art, business, and academia. Collectively, our new Board of Directors, myself, and our passionate team are excited to make these new changes to better serve you. I am also happy that this past year the Qatar-America Institute (QAI) officially embarked on a new path forward as the new Qatar America Institute for Culture (QAIC). To help us deliver on our vision, we relocated to a grand historic building situated at the heart of Washington DC’s DuPont Circle. Our new space will be a unique destination in the nation’s capital evoking history, curiosity, beauty, and serenity. Our ‘Bayt’ (Arabic for home) provides ample space for artists, creatives, designers, and storytellers from the United States, Qatar, and the wider Arab and Islamic world to both create and showcase their work. To complement our renewed focus on culture, we also revamped both the style and substance of our brand identity, including our logo, digital properties, and social media channels. Furthermore, we have spent many months refining and redesigning our programs to align with the values and mission we strive to reflect. Last but not least, we have been fortunate to offer new professional opportunities to further grow our team. I hope this message has sparked your interest and excitement to be part of this change. I recognize how the pandemic has presented the arts and culture sector with a new reality, but with your support and our new cultural identity, I’m confident that we will be able to genuinely create a difference together. I’m eager to share more updates over the coming months as we continue on this journey together. Thank you again for being part of our community, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, ideas, or potential partnerships. With Gratitude,
Fatima Al-Dosari Executive Director
A NEW HOME Q2 2020 | April - June
ON A MISSION FOR ART & CULTURE The Qatar America Institute for Culture redirects its efforts to shine light on art and culture from the Arab and Islamic worlds
In Q2 2020, the Board of Directors of the Qatar America Institute for Culture approved the new mandate of the organization with a renewed approach to art and culture originating from the Arab and Islamic worlds. While much of QAIC’s focus has been on creative and cultural programming, this updated mission gives the organization the opportunity to seek out additional programmatic partnerships, cultural exchanges, and creative initiatives with other established institutions also seeking to heighten artistic and cultural diversity. Under this new direction, the mission, vision and strategy of the Qatar America Institute for Culture are as follows:
Mission The Qatar America Institute for Culture 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. 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 and culture.
Vision Culture 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. The people of both the United States and Qatar share a deep appreciation for the diverse expressions of culture, which enjoy the support of all cross-sections of society. QAIC is in a unique position to develop meaningful expressions and experiences, functioning as a bridge spanning the cultures of the United States, Qatar, and the larger Arab and Islamic worlds. To improve cross-cultural understanding, QAIC creates inclusive experiences that highlight humanity’s similarities while delighting in the diversity of our differences. QAIC seeks to become a trusted partner and art and culture catalyst by increasing awareness, creating harmony, and fostering human creativity in society.
Strategy Ҙ Hub for Culture – QAIC presents and hosts periodic and annual exhibitions, installations, and collections for both historical and contemporary art. Ҙ Facilitator and Curator – QAIC designs and delivers engaging all-year programing such as talks, workshops, shows, and salon dinners that amplify the value of the arts, science, film, literature, gastronomy, archaeology, architecture, and related subjects in the humanities. Ҙ Opportunity for Creativity - QAIC provides annual art residencies, scholarly fellowships, and internships. It also develops research and products to encourage both the expression and the experience of culture. Ҙ Partnerships - QAIC collaborates with individuals and entities in the US, Qatar, and the larger Arab and Islamic worlds to further cultural exchange and dialogue.
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A NEW HEADQUARTERS, A NEW HUB, A NEW HOME... Equipped with a new vision, the Qatar America Institute for Culture relocates to a new location in the District of Columbia
Overview QAIC’s new headquarters is housed in a historic building in the heart of Dupont Circle, Washington, DC that offers 23,850 sq. ft. for events, creative spaces, vendor pop-ups, workshops, and office space for QAIC’s operations. One block from the Metro, seven blocks from the White House, and within minutes of some of DC’s best-known cultural hubs, the location is beyond compare. The building is divided into 4 floors (plus basement), each with a dedicated use for that space: Ҙ 1st Floor: garden café, small exhibition space, reception area, private film screening theater, and culinary workshop room. Ҙ 2nd Floor: main event space for
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larger events, large exhibition space for cuatomizable gallery installations, perfumery museum, and private VIP majlis meeting/ waiting area. Ҙ 3rd Floor: dedicated studios and workspaces for QAIC’s “creatives in residence” program, and temporary exhibition/gallery space. Ҙ 4th Floor: dedicated office space for QAIC’s staff, fellows and interns, conference room, etc. The space will serve as a convener for QAIC’s community outreach and programming, a foundation for emerging creatives and storytellers, and a platform for cultural and education exchange between the American and Qatari people and the cultures of the Arab and Islamic worlds, whether in the United States or in Qatar.
QAIC’s location
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First Floor The first floor is not only the public’s introduction to the physical space, but the initial impression of QAIC - and quite possibly their first exposure to Qatar and the art, culture and people of the Arab and Islamic worlds. The first floor will host several publicfacing venues for guests to engage in QAIC’s programming, view creative works, or experience flavors from the Middle East from either the front café or at a culinary workshop.
Arab Film House
Culinary Arts Space
Reception Area
The back screening room is QAIC’s Arab Film House, a project that solely promotes and discusses Arab cinema and filmmakers from either Qatar or have a relationship to the Arab and Islamic worlds.
Small Gallery Space
The small exhibition room will either display works separately or as part of a larger exhibition spread out across multiple floors on the premises.
Garden Courtyard/Café
Central to the first floor will be a reception desk for guests to receive more information about QAIC, sign up to upcoming events, etc.
View from the courtyard garden
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Entrance to small gallery space
Fountain inside the garden courtyard
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Second Floor The second floor of the space will provide most of QAIC’s exhibition and event space in the building. Guests can access this floor either by elevator or grand staircase from the first floor.
VIP Majlis Lounge
Main Event Space
This floor hosts a grand ballroom which will serve as an events space for QAIC’s more largely attended events (100-120 guests). This room can also double as a screening room should the need for higher occupancy arise. This floor hosts a larger gallery space for traditional and classical exhibits displaying art and/or cultural relics. This space will only be open to the public during daytime hours or special events. Perfumery Museum
This floor also hosts QAIC’s Perfumery Museum, an interactive and educational space dedicated to the art and science of fragrance production and perfumery.
Main Exhibition Hall
Tucked in the back is a special VIP majlis space designed from a hadhri (coastal) majlis. This space is used for hosting VIPs participating in events and to educate the public as to the historical and cultural importance of the majlis in Middle Eastern culture and society.
Inside the main exhibition hall
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Mirrored wall in the main event space
View of the VIP Majlis Lounge
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Third Floor The third floor of the space is dedicated to QAIC’s more creative efforts, as it serves as the studios of the various creatives-in-residence, flexible exhibition space, and workshops. This floor is semi-open to the public as to not disturb the creatives-in-residence, and only on specific occasions, like tours to see the exhibition space or creatives in action.
Creative Studios
The creative-in-residence studios will be individual rooms for various creatives to practice their craft over a several month tenure. These creatives will use these spaces as their creative workshops with the intention of exhibiting their work(s) at the end of their residence program. This floor can accommodate a contemporary exhibition space to display more contemporary works, either on loan or directly created by the creatives-in-residence following the completion of their program.
Creative Studios
Creatives’ Library
Creative Studios
Also present is QAIC’s library which hosts various books from artists, cultural and arts institutions, and other collected works and research materials.
Space for creative minds to relax
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Bookshelves in the Creatives’ Library
Entrances to the creative studios
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View of QAIC’s new headquarters, located at 1319 18th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
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A NEW BRAND Q3 2020 | July - September
THE NEW QATARAMERICA With a new space and mandate for the future, the Qatar America Institute for Culture adopts a new look and new digital initiatives
of the organization while maintaining the branding presence behind the “QatarAmerica” name. After a long and arduous process, the new brand for QAIC was officially announced on July 20, 2020.
Q & A: The Reimagined QatarAmerica After several months of reforming QAIC’s leadership committees, relocating into a new headquarters, and refocusing under a new mandate, it was only fitting that this organizaitonal transformation be outfitted with a new look to compliment QAIC’s enhanced vision for the future. Working with reknowned branding and design expert Peter Arnell and his team, QAIC created an entirely new aesthetic to best represent the tone and voice
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Since its reveal, the QAIC brand has quickly become the true mascot for the organization as it is widely incorporated into all of QAIC’s products, digital platforms, and even physical spaces. While the plum-purple Q and A block letters make for a bold and impactful statement, the message is simple: QAIC exists to serve as a nexus between the United States and Qatar for all forms of art and culture, to represent the emerging creative talent of two diverse worlds, and to honor the contributions made by talented trailblazers who carved out spaces to be filled by future generations. To celebrate QAIC’s new identity, a
QAIC-branded post for Thanksgiving
promotional video was produced which featured prominent spaces within QAIC’s new DC headquarters, QAIC’s core values, and representations of QAIC’s future programming initiatives as depicted through visual cues of dance, cuisine, community, and others.
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Left column: graphics created to promote and visually communicate the three guiding principles of the Qatar America Institute for Culture. Above column: stills from the “The New QatarAmerica” announcement video whose production started in Q3 2020 until its public premiere in December 2020. The short video highlights the unique spaces within QAIC’s new building and symbolically represents the diverse programming initiatives and artistic opportunities for creatives.
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QatarAmerica 2.0 Since even before its relaunch, the Qatar America Institute for Culture has been dedicated to serving as a meeting ground for all creative and cultural arts that source their inspiration from the Arab and Islamic worlds. QAIC realizes that if it were to represent and occupy such a position within the artistic community, it would need both the digital capacity and ability to share all our work and bring the next generation of artists to its audience. In the summer of 2020 during the midst of the pandemic, the QAIC team dedicated much of its time to bring this new vision to life in the digital space in the form of a new and enhanced website (www.qataramerica. org) and digital initiatives, such as the A2Q Magazine and the Slice of QAIC podcast series. Launched in late September, QAIC’s new website focuses on making the experience for the QAIC community as seamless and enjoyable as possible. It features some of the unique works coming out of the Arab and Islamic worlds and the works made here in the United States through various digital media platforms, like videos, blog posts, photoo galleries, and virtual exhibitions. The QAIC website also serves as a main portal for outreach to the community network, where interested creatives
Example of the graphics used for the #CreativeMonday social media series
can apply for QAIC and/or partnersponsored initiatives or opt into the annual QAIC membership program.
#CreativeMonday and #ThrowbackThursday Initiatives
Starting in 2021, QAIC’s quarterly digital magazine – A2Q – will complement the content already produced by QAIC by offering more in-depth and exclusive insights into the creative sphere by highlighting the unique stories and journeys of artists, writers, activists, and those seeking to make a positive change in the world. In line with QAIC’s mission, the hope is that the unique perspectives and creative visions presented in the publication will aid in bridging the gap between the diverse communities in the United States and the Arab and Islamic worlds. Each issue of the A2Q Magazine will be archived on the QAIC website for easy reference.
Some artists create art for art’s sake, while others create so that people can witness their vision and see their story come to life. Whatever motivates an artist to pursue their work, QAIC understands the hard work and passion that they pour into their creations.
Also starting in 2021, QAIC’s podcase series, Slice of QAIC, hopes to enliven art and culture-centric content by not just depicting these creative works and stories, but by also presenting them in a format that users can listen to. As every story needs a voice to be told, the goal of this podcast series is to give a unique platform to creatives to expound on their personal stories and experiences in a fun and informative narrative style.
Concept design for the A2Q Magazine
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This is why QAIC started in August of 2020 to dedicate space on social media to its Creative Mondays initiative. Each Monday, QAIC has highlighted an upand-coming artist making a significant impact in their field, whether American, Qatari, or having some unique story that matches with QAIC’s mission. So as the saying goes, “we stand on the shoulders of giants,” while QAIC featured the future of creative talent, it too also began acknowledging the significant contributions of those who are icons in their fields and may no longer be with us but live on through their works. QAIC’s digital space on Thursdays has become henceforth dedicated to these giants who paved the way for the next generation of artists and creatives. The Throwback Thursdays initiative recognizes how art luminaries broke down barriers in order to tell their stories and share their visions, thus shaping the world around them.
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September 18, 2020 The Qatar America Institute for Culture (QAIC) is thrilled to announce the signing of a sponsorship agreement with ConocoPhillips, an American multinational energy corporation with operations in Doha, Qatar, and one of the world’s largest independent exploration and production (E&P) companies. This sponsorship agreement stems from ConocoPhillips’ support for QAIC’s mission and values, which place culture, education, and community at the heart of its programs. The new partnership between QAIC and ConocoPhillips will allow for more cultural exchanges, art exhibitions, and scholarly opportunities between Qatar and the United States.
announcement of the Qatar-US 2021 Year of Culture and QAIC’s revitalized cultural mission, having a partner like ConocoPhillips will empower us to continue serving our creative communities. I would like to thank ConocoPhillips leadership for their belief and trust in the role we play to deepen the cultural dialogue between our nations.”
The signatories of the agreement were Mr. Josh Corless, ConocoPhillips’ Vice President for International Government Affairs & Global Political Risk, and QAIC’s Executive Director, Fatima AlDosari.
Josh Corless, ConocoPhillips’s VP for International Government Affairs & Global Political Risk, said, “For 17 years, ConocoPhillips has had the opportunity to further strengthen the economic relationship between the United States and Qatar. We at ConocoPhillips carry deep appreciation for the culture and people of Qatar. Our sponsorship of QAIC is an opportunity for us to further express this appreciation. We are looking forward to working with the QAIC team in support of their mission to establish cultural bridges that span geographic barriers.”
“This sponsorship represents the beginning of a valuable partnership that we hope to cultivate for many years to come,” said QAIC’s Executive Director, Fatima Al-Dosari. “With the
ConocoPhillips explores for, produces, transports, and markets crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, natural gas liquids, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) on a worldwide basis. In 2003, ConocoPhillips
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and Qatar Petroleum signed a Heads of Agreement to develop Qatargas 3, a large-scale LNG project in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar. The first LNG cargo was loaded in 2010, with steady production achieved in 2011. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, ConocoPhillips had operations and activities in 16 countries, $63 billion of total assets, and approximately 9,700 employees on June 30, 2020. Production excluding Libya averaged 1,130 MBOED for the six months ended June 30, 2020, and proved reserves were 5.3 BBOE as of Dec. 31, 2019. For more information, go to www.conocophillips.com.
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A NEW FUTURE Q4 2020 | October - December
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QAIC Reimagines Cultural Exchange for the Coronavirus Era ... [As] QAIC reinvents itself [this year], it faces the immense challenge confronting many other venue-based organizations: how to deliver quality programming with social distancing restrictions in place? The cultural and creative sectors are among those most impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, and many organizations are struggling to find their bearings in today’s already saturated digital world. “In addition to cementing our new role and finding our voice as an organization among more established players, we must now rethink our approach on how to continue doing that in a socially distant way,” continued Al-Dosari. Forced to postpone its in-person activities, QAIC swiftly repackaged other programs into virtual formats, like its Expressions Art & Culture Talks, a recurring series of public conversations with creatives who have lived or worked in the Arab and Islamic worlds and whose works were inspired and influenced by these cultures and people. “Rethinking Expressions as a virtual series presented new challenges, primarily how to garner interest in a crowded space amid digital fatigue,’” remarked Al-Dosari. “However, we approached it with the optimistic take that going virtual would further expand our reach across the globe to those who wouldn’t be able to attend otherwise. Our programs, like Expressions, are now bringing leaders and creatives from the U.S., Qatar, and the Arab and Islamic worlds to our audience’s homes, providing a rare opportunity to connect with people from a region that seems even farther out of reach due to the pandemic.” Recent virtual Expressions Talks featured guest speakers such as Dr. Julia Gonnella, Director of the Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar, master calligrapher and sculptor Sabah Arbilli; and Dr. J.R. Osborn, Assistant Professor of Communication, Culture & Technology at Georgetown University. QAIC recently announced the opening of its first exhibition at its new location, “Transcendent Text: Exploring Universal Values Through Islamic Calligraphy,” a production in partnership with the National Human Rights Committee in Qatar. To comply with COVID-19 guidelines, this 20-piece exhibit featuring the work of Sabah Arbilli will be viewable either by private appointment or through a soon-to-be-launched online gallery. The in-person exhibition will run through May 2021. “Despite the financial and operational difficulties posed by the pandemic, bringing these voices and stories from Qatar and the Arab world is important to our organization given how isolated and divided the world feels,” remarked Al-Dosari. “We aim to continue reimagining and delivering on that human experience – whether in person or virtually – by adopting the lessons learned this year. We’re also looking forward to more exciting opportunities for the 2021 Qatar-USA Year of Culture, led by Qatar Museums.” Qatar Museums’ “Years of Culture” program is an annual series of cultural exchange initiatives with a partner country. Through a variety of exhibitions, festivals, art competitions, and cultural events, the programs promote mutual understanding, recognition, and appreciation between countries, and provide an opportunity for people to explore their cultural similarities as well as their differences. QAIC is proud to join as a partner of the Qatar-USA 2021Year of Culture program, engaging communities through interactive activities and initiatives such as film screenings, musical performances, art exhibitions, and culinary experiences. Through a mix of digital and socially distanced in-person art and culture programming, QAIC intends on continuing to promote the artistic and cultural ties between the two nations in 2021 and for years to come.
Excerpt from press release published on PRNewwire.com on December 21, 2020
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EXPRESSIONS ART & CULTURE TALKS SERIES UNDERGOES A VIRTUAL MAKEOVER One of QAIC’s flagship programs adopts to the virtual necessities of a socially distanced world
A Digital Solution to a New Challenge In the wake of a new reality due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the list of restrictions that came with it, QAIC was forced to innovate the way it approached its programming in order to provide quality content and engagement in a safe, socially distant manner. The Expressions Art & Culture Talks series is one of QAIC’s flagship programs with its exclusive conversations with leading creatives and cultural influencers and bountiful insight into the art world, and QAIC was adament to continue . With the option to host the Expressions events in person (as was the norm in early 2020 and prior) now an impossibility, the QAIC team opted for the next best option: adapting Expressions to a virtual format for audiences to join the event online.
“An Insiders look into the Past & Future of the Museum of Islamic Art” On December 8th, 2020, the Qatar America Institute for Culture hosted a webinar titled “An Insiders look into the Past & Future of the Museum of Islamic Art” which feature the director of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Dr. Julia Gonnella. The conversation, moderated by QAIC’s Executive Director Fatima Al-Dosari, covered the construction and history of the museum as a cultural landmark within Qatar, the vast array of artifacts and exhibitions held by the museum, and Dr. Gonnella’s distinct vision as she leads the museum into the new decade as Qatar hosts the 2022 World Cup and initiatives planned in 2021 for the Qatar-U.S. Year of Culture.
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“Transcendent Text: Exploring Universal Values Through Islamic Text” On December 11th, 2020, the Qatar America Institute for Culture hosted a webinar titled “Transcendent Text: Exploring Universal Values Through Islamic Text” which featured renowned sculptor and master calligrapher, Sabah Arbilli. The conversation, moderated by QAIC’s Executive Director Fatima Al-Dosari, covered Arbilli’s major influences in calligraphy, the meaning and significance of his work, and his overall approach to his craft.
“Triangulating Arabic Script: History, Art, and Technology” On December 17th, 2020, the Qatar America Institute for Culture hosted a webinar titled “Triangulating Arabic Script: History, Art, and Technology” which featured author and Georgetown University professor, Dr. J.R. Osborn. The conversation, moderated by QAIC’s Executive Director Fatima Al-Dosari, covered the history of Arabic script from its artistic roots in Arabic calligraphy to its incorporation into modern type within Western technology.
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TRANSCENDENT TEXT: EXPLORING UNIVERSAL VALUES THROUGH ISLAMIC CALLIGRAPHY In partnership with the National Human Rights Committee in Qatar, QAIC’s launches first exhibition in its new location
Within months of moving into a completely new space, the Qatar America Institute for Culture was able to successfully launch the first exhibition in its new gallery space: “Transcendent Text: Exploring Universal Values Through Islamic Calligraphy.” The 20-piece exhibit was a collaborative effort done in partnership with the National Human Rights Committee in Qatar. The description of this unique and powerful exhibition is as follows: While art may be an expression of one person, expression is an art of all people. Through the vibrant and technical works of internationally renowned master calligrapher and sculptor Sabah Arbilli, the beauty of color and human expression is expertly merged with the sacred art of Islamic calligraphy. In his careful use of specific sacred passages from the Qur’an and statutes from the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Arbilli’s work tells the story of the oneness of mankind in light
Qatar America Institute for Culture
of the truths that seek to bind us rather than divide us. Much like the interlaced strokes of Arbilli’s masterful calligraphy, each piece depicts an excerpt of the Qur’an, Hadith, or international conventions that when interwoven depict how the human condition isn’t just a shared experience, but a thing of collective universal importance.
Due to current COVID-19 safety guidelines, viewings of the Transcendent Text exhibit have to be arranged by private appointment only until further notice. However, to accommodate for this, the QAIC website also hosts a “virtual exhibition” where users can view all 20 works by navigating the virtual gallery from their own computers. The exhibition will run until May 2021.
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2021 & BEYOND... New QAIC programs, partnerships, and its vision for the future
2021 in Monthly Themes
QAIC Goes Virtual
In 2021, QAIC is dedicating each month to a specific theme that will relate to either a U.N. International Day or an area of focus for the Year of Culture initiative. Many of QAIC’s programs and content series will align with these themes:
Due to COVID-19 guidelines, QAIC has made the switch to digital programming to keep its audience engaged with its programming even from afar. For instance, the Expressions Art & Culture Talks series has temporarily moved to a virtual format and the “Transcendent Text: Exploring Universal Values Through Islamic Calligraphy” exhibition has been made viewable online through a virtual exhibition service. QAIC envisions that these virtual and digital engagements will be much of the organization’s offerings for the first half of 2021 until further guidance from city officials and updates to health guidelines and restrictions.
Ҙ January: Film Ҙ February: Sports Ҙ March: Architecture & Olfactory Art Ҙ April: Theater, Music & Dance Ҙ May: Museums Ҙ June: Environment & Sustainability Ҙ July: Culinary Arts Ҙ August: Photography Ҙ September: Literature & Education
In-Person Tours
Ҙ October: Heritage & History
In addition to the virtual exhibition option, in 2021 QAIC will start private tours of the physical exhibitions starting January for interested members of the media and cultural entities. By coordinating with the QAIC staff using the portal on the QAIC website, visitors will be able to view the artworks while adhering to current COVID-19 guidelines.
Ҙ November: STEAM (Science, Technology, & Sustainability) Ҙ December: Languages & Diversity
QAIC on Social Following widespread positive reception of the social media series, #CreativeMondays and #ThrowbackThursdays, QAIC will launch two new social media series in 2021: #QatarWednesdays and #FilmFridays. #QatarWednesdays will inform audiences about Qatar, its people, and its culture, featuring creatives, institutions, initiatives, or landmarks in Qatar that pertain to that month’s theme. On the last Friday of each month, #FilmFridays will feature a publicly available Arab or Qatari film to introduce and educate QAIC’s audiences about Arab cinema and filmmakers from the region.
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QAIC’s Museum Series In 2021, QAIC is starting a new initiative to celebrate and highlight the stories and achievements of professionals who work in art and culture institutions around the world. Similar to the format of QAIC’s Expressions series, the Museum Series will invite speakers from notable backgrounds and organizations to speak on their experiences, successes, and challenges that come with the world of museum curation and operation. The first of these series will take place in
April 2021 and will feature guests from the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and others.
A Year for Partnerships In anticipation for the 2021 Year of Culture between the U.S. and Qatar, QAIC has established several programmatic relationships with Qatarbased organizations in order to delivery on the programming in store for the year. In follow up to MOUs signed between QAIC and the Doha Film Institute and the Katara Cultural Center, QAIC will be working with these insitutions to deliver on quality programming in 2021 (and beyond) in regard to Arab film and cultural and creative partnerships respectively. As 2021 is the Year of Culture between the United States and Qatar, QAIC is also partnering with organizations such as Qatar Museums to promote artistic and cultural exchange between the two nations through various initiatives to be announce in 2021. QAIC is also partnering with the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Museum in Doha to host a traveling exhibition in 2021 titled “The Majlis - Cultures in Dialogue,” which will exhibit various artifacts and artwoks collected over centuries which tell the story of Arabian culture and its influence on the world that surrounds it. Lastly, QAIC will be hosting several salon dinner events in 2021 in partnership with Tables Without Borders. These dinners will gather members from QAIC’s network for a dinner prepared by a TWB-sponsored chef and to learn about the culture from the chef’s origin.
@QatarAmerica | qataramerica.org
Thank you to our friends for their support in 2020
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