2023 Year in Review

YEAR IN REVIEW

2023

table of contents 2

About QAIC

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Letter from the Chairperson

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Letter from the Executive Director

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Our Impact

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Making Connections & Bridging Communities Through Technology & The Arts

9

Celebrating & Delighting in What is Shared Between Cultures

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Indulging in the Senses, History & Community

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Nurturing a Hub for Interaction & Community

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Thank You

(Cover and back image) Detail of Salam: The Light Within (2023) by Farjana Salahuddin

ABOUT QAIC

Founded in 2017, 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. 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, D.C. Through art exhibitions, educational programs, scholarly research, and crosscultural partnerships, QAIC provides interactive experiences in an inclusive environment to celebrate and appreciate art and culture.

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2023 YEAR IN REVIEW REPORT

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRPERSON

Our Year in Review is an opportunity for QAIC’s board, staff, our supporters, and our audiences to consider and reflect on recent accomplishments, as well as evaluate the themes that have driven our various programs. This year’s focus has been on technology and the arts, their intersections, and challenges.

Key among those challenges is the role that cultural institutions including museums will play in allowing AI to join in the development of their narrative and interactive programming. Since the Covid-19 pandemic we have learned more about disruption and both the devastating as well as the creative impacts disruption has on institutions. Our fastpaced world of technology is yet another disruption, and we must find our way.

As we look to the future in areas of learning, culture, the arts, and progress, we are bound to accept new ways of engaging with adults, children, and our counterpoints in other parts of the world.

These changing times will move us to new ways of thinking, operating, presenting, and developing in our appeal to them.

We look to our youth, our technology experts, and our professional cultural teams to bring about positive change and to work towards a bright future that embraces truth and meaning in technology, and the incentive to grow and learn in positive ways.

Creative leadership, research, opinions, and openness in the sharing of ideas, talent and new ways of operating and presenting programs, will continue to bring the future nearer to us in profound ways. May we learn together as we go forward, and may we maintain a vital sense of who we are and who we want to be in the process.

The world of cultural exchange QAIC has embarked upon for Qatar and the US stands as an example of how the future can be relevant and of the moment.

We hope that the ideas and programming that were seeded, remain fresh and challenging into the future.

Peggy Loar Chairperson, Qatar America Institute for Culture

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LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Friends of QAIC, 2023 was an outstanding year for QAIC. The cultural hub, which we have continued to nurture has welcomed more than 7,000 people at our home in Washington for a variety of exhibitions and programs this year alone – three times as many as in any previous year. Our journey to bridge East and West made leaps and bounds, with a focus on the intersection between technology and the arts. Technology has the power to connect us and to spark curiosity, whether it be through the introduction of new innovative forms of art, as in exhibitions like VCU-Qatar’s Research Lab and our 2023 IMPART Artists Grant exhibition, or through the exploration of the olfactory arts, another focus of ours this year.

QAIC organized numerous interactive experiences for guests through more than 40 programs and partnerships, and participation in programs like the Dupont Circle Art Walk and Art All Night DC. Such partnerships allowed QAIC to share the rich tapestry of Arab and Islamic culture with broader

audiences and celebrate what is shared between American and Arab cultures. We also deepened the threads of connection between our Qatari and American partners and audiences through the organization of two cultural delegations to Doha and the U.S., our annual IMPART Summit: Congress for Creatives hosted a Design Festival as well asa Perfumery Symposium this past fall. Products like our digital magazine A2Q also increased the literature available on art and culture between Qatar, the U.S. and the larger Arab and Islamic worlds.

None of this would have been possible without our partners, sponsors and donors who believe in our mission and vision to be a place where art and culture can be celebrated and appreciated. Where audiences are invited to ask questions and engage with the nearly 30 artists and creatives, we’ve featured this year through the visual, olfactory, film and performing arts. I’m proud to share with you the highlights of a year that illustrates the power of technology in its various forms to create a space for celebration, connection, and the exchange of art and ideas.

With gratitude, Fatima Al-Dosari

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2023 YEAR IN REVIEW REPORT

OUR IMPACT

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47

Exhibitions

Partnerships

50

24

Artists Exhibited

Public Programs

110

7,173

Booked Tours of QAIC Exhibitions

Visitors

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MAKING CONNECTIONS & BRIDGING COMMUNITIES THROUGH TECHNOLOGY & THE ARTS This year, QAIC’s focus on the intersection between art and technology and new partnerships deepened our connections to partners in Doha and the audiences we serve in our Dupont Circle area home. 2023 began with a BreakfastTable featuring Executive Director, Fatima Al-Dosari.

BreakfastTable is a program of ArtTable, Inc, the foremost professional organization dedicated to advancing the leadership of women in the visual arts. Attendees included Concetta Duncan, Head of Communications and Marketing at the National Portrait Gallery and Nicole Dowd, Head of Public

Programs at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, among others.

QAIC joined the Dupont Circle Business Improvement District’s (BID) Third Thursday ArtWalk, joining esteemed galleries and museums including the Phillips Collection and the Middle East Institute’s Arts and Culture Center. Since joining this decades-long monthly neighborhood initiative, visitors to QAIC during ArtWalk Dupont have more than tripled.

(Left) BreakfastTable featuring Executive Director, Fatima Al-Dosari. (Right) Circle Business Improvement District’s (BID) Third Thursday ArtWalk.

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IMPART Artist Grant open call, inviting emerging and midcareer artists to submit work exploring the same theme.

A new exhibition, Research Labs, organized in partnership with VCUarts Qatar, opened in February, inaugurating QAIC’s yearlong exploration of the intersection between technology and the arts.

A new exhibition, Research Labs, organized in partnership with VCUarts Qatar, opened in February, inaugurating QAIC’s yearlong exploration of the intersection between technology and the arts. This year’s IMPART Artist Grant open call, inviting emerging and midcareer artists to submit work exploring the same theme, included the announcement of four high-profile jurors: Sheikha Shaikha Al-Thani (Qatar Museums), Shane Guffogg (contemporary painter and TV Host,) Diane Drubay and Maxime Laprade (We Are Museum), and Dr. J.R. Osborn (Georgetown University).

Additional program highlights in February and March included our annual Art of Athletics Festival which coincided with Qatar National Sports Day. A highlight of the event was a livestreamed conversation with Yusra Mardini, the renowned

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(Clockwise from topleft) Livestreamed conversation with Yusra Mardini; Guests at the 27th Annual Women Ambassadors Conference; Six olfactory art experts and artists on a week-long immersive educational and cultural experience in Doha; 2023 TEDinArabic Summit during Qatar Creates week.

Refugee Olympic Team swimmer and UNCHR Goodwill Ambassador. We were delighted that The Washington Post featured QAIC’s inaugural IMPART Artist Grant awardees after an exhibition and two related artist talks were organized in partnership with fellow non-profit gallery, IA&A at Hillyer in March. Phylicia Rashad, acclaimed actress and Howard University Dean, College of Fine Arts and Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley were among the esteemed guests at the QAIC-held reception for the 27th Annual Women Ambassadors Conference. We also welcomed more than 20 high school students and their teachers from the North American Chapter of the Model United Nations for a special tour of our current exhibitions and Perfumery Museum.

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2023 YEAR IN REVIEW REPORT

Simultaneously, six olfactory art experts and artists joined QAIC’s Executive Director and our Director of Programs, Laila Abdul-Hadi Jadallah, on a week-long immersive educational and cultural experience in Doha where they met with partners including Qatar Foundation, Liwan Design Studios and Labs, the Museum of Islamic Art, M7, Katara Cultural Village, Blue Salon and others. The delegates later participated in the organization of a Perfumery Symposium during our IMPART Summit and Design Festival this October. At the 2023 TEDinArabic Summit during Qatar Creates week, more than 250 visitors engaged with QAIC’s aromatic alphabet, which infuses the building blocks of the Arabic language with the scents of Arabia.

CELEBRATING & DELIGHTING IN WHAT IS SHARED BETWEEN CULTURES QAIC celebrated the end of the holy month of Ramadan with several high-profile programs. Over 75 guests attended the UNRWA USA’s Washington, D.C. Iftar, with keynote speakers Laila Al-Arian and Sana Saeed. QAIC also hosted 40 members of the Qatar Debate U.S. Arabic Debate Union as well as 20 students and their instructors from the Foreign Service Institute in three separate events throughout the month. QAIC celebrated Garangao, a child-oriented Qatari tradition Qatar held on the 14th night of Ramadan. It features traditional clothing and a Halloween-like quest for sweets and treats from neighbors, and here at QAIC we were joined by our families to enjoy some candy and Storytime on this tradition.

The new-to-market Bentley Bentayga was parked in the driveway of our circa-1905 home as part of the featured “Bentley Experience.”

Also in April and in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, QAIC jointly hosted an Eid al-Fitr Celebration, welcoming more than 160 guests. National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM), in April, provided a perfect opportunity to share an exclusive film screening of the award-winning film, 1982. Following the film, we were privileged to livestream a Q&A with the award-winning director, Oualid Mouaness. As we continued to honor

Our red-carpet Eid celebration, United & Empowered: Arab and Gulf Women Leaders Reception, supported by both Bentley and Cartier, represented a highly visible who’s who of Arab and Gulf Women. Esteemed guests include: Her Highness Al-Zain Al-Sabah (Ambassador to the U.S., Embassy of the State of Kuwait), Her Excellency Hanene Tajouri Bessassi (Ambassador to the U.S., Embassy of Republic of Tunisia), Her Excellency Cisse Cheikh Boide (Ambassador to the U.S., Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania), along with diplomats from the Embassies of Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as a career U.S. Ambassador.

Guests were treated to a formal dinner, with gifts from Cartier and Bentley. Before dessert, our guests were visibly moved by the mesmerizing music of renowned female oudist, Huda Asfour.

Attendees at the United & Empowered: Arab and Gulf Women Leaders Reception.

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NAAHM, we participated in a special luncheon at the Library of Congress with Congresswoman Rachida Talib and were invited to participate in a commemoration event at Amazon Headquarters hosted by the Arab America Foundation.

The Embassy of the State of Qatar invited us to present children’s activities and a sample of our olfactory alphabet experience as part of Passport DC’s Around the World Embassy Tour. Almost 1,500 guests visited, learning more about both Qatar and QAIC. This was followed by a sold-out Palestinian Embroidery class with celebrated educator, Wafa Ghnaim, organized in collaboration with the Museum of Palestinian People.

We installed two new exhibitions in the spring — our 2022 IMPART Artists Grant exhibition, featuring artists Hoesy Corona (Baltimore, MD), Nura Dhar (Providence, RI), and Roger Mokbel (Beirut, Lebanon) and the Qatar Museums/2021 Year of Culture exhibition, Pearls of Wonder: a digital era. The soft opening of the Qatar Museums/Years of Culture exhibition, Pearls of Wonder, welcomed many esteem guests. Sponsors Vice President, Government Relations and Public Affairs at Excelerate Energy, Derek Wong, former Ambassador to Qatar, Liz McKune, and career Ambassador Anne Patterson joined (among others). The current U.S. Ambassador to Qatar, Timmy Davis, shared his congratulations on the new exhibition and a warm welcome via a special recorded video. Visuals and music were provided

by Doha Film Institute and Dana Al-Fardan.

To coincide with World Refugee Day, QAIC partnered with UNHCR to highlight the plight of global refugees and to celebrate our summer festival and seasonal social on June 24. The day of festivities was capped off with a comedic turn: a sold-out comedy show produced by Rola Z, and featuring Rola, Mohanad Elshieky, Yasmin El Hady, and Laura Laham.

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2023 YEAR IN REVIEW REPORT

In June, Executive Director, Fatima Al-Dosari, was invited to keynote at a gathering of global communications professionals and non-profit leaders. The luncheon, hosted at the prestigious DACOR-Bacon House, a private club for former diplomats and international relations executives, focused on the use of cross-cultural communications.

(Top from left) Palestinian embroidery class with Wafa Ghnaim; Special luncheon at the Library of Congress with Congresswoman Rachida Talib commemorating National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM); Around the World Embassy Tour; (Middle row from left) Music performance at the Eid al-Fitr celebration; Pearls of Wonder: a digital era exhibition; (Last row) World Refugee Day event featuring Rola Z.

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INDULGING IN THE SENSES, HISTORY & COMMUNITY An increasingly popular destination since its opening, QAIC opened our Perfumery Museum expansion in September. The expansion featured an expanded history section and was anchored by a concept by emerging Qatari artist, Almaha Ahmed Al-Mahmoud. QAIC also offered a sold-out introductory Perfume Workshop in collaboration with DIY Scent Studio.

For the first time, QAIC participated in the citywide event, Art All Night DC. Cultural institutions, galleries and other art spaces like QAIC open their doors from 7 pm to midnight. QAIC unveiled a community-based art installation, Astrolabe.

Inspired by the ancient astronomical instrument

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2023 YEAR IN REVIEW REPORT

of the same name historically used by Muslim astronomers, the interactive installation invited guests into a desertscape where they could add to a constellation of stars. The evening welcomed nearly 1,000 guests who also enjoyed music by singer Ashraf Bashah. Our most popular event occurred during July’s Dupont Circle Art Walk, where 1,040 visitors streamed through our doors drawn in by the gelato-tasting offered in celebration of World Chocolate Day. QAIC members were invited to join QAIC at the Mubadala Citi DC Open and a DC United versus Inter Miami game.

(Clockwise from top-left) Perfumery Museum expansion opening; Introductory erfume Workshop; Astrolabe unveiled at Art All Night DC; Gelato served at World Chocolate Day.

QAIC hosted numerous partner events in the fall including partnering once again with the Museum of the Palestinian People for a deeply engaging children’s book talk and signing the celebrated chef and author, Reem Kassis.

Reem’s book, We are Palestinian, is a nonfiction reference to all things Palestinian. In partnership with Georgetown University’s Communications, Culture and Technology (CCT) program, QAIC welcomed from than 50 professors, alumni and students. QAIC’s Executive Director, an alumna of CCT, shared remarks which included the story of her path from CCT to her current leadership role at QAIC. A new and engaged audience was

brought in through a collaboration with Things to Do DC. Young professionals learned about Qatari culture through food, fashion, art and music by celebrated Oudist Laith Al Attar.

QAIC was also able to collaborate once again with Arab comedian, Rola Z, on her sold out show at the Kennedy Center. While QAIC hosted two contemporary calligraphy workshops with frequent partner, the Reed Society for the Sacred Arts.

(From left) QAIC welcomed more than 50 professors, alumni and students at Georgetown University’s CCT program partnership; Oudist Laith Al Attar performed at Things to Do DC.

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(Clockwise from top-left) Attendees of the IMPART Summit; A welcome dinner at Immigrant Food; A Middle Eastern coffee tasting experience; Nura Dhar, this year’s grant winner.

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NURTURING A HUB FOR INTERACTION & COMMUNITY QAIC ended this year through fifteen engaging and impactful programs beginning with QAIC’s largest program of the year, the annual IMPART Summit: A Congress for Creatives in midOctober. Bringing together artists, designers, and partners from the U.S. and Qatar, the Summit was a weeklong celebration of the intersection between art, technology and design. The Summit featured a rich schedule of events including artist talks, and special installations bringing together artists, designers and innovators across the visual, olfactory and design arts. Highlights included a welcome dinner at Immigrant Food, an artist talk featuring our 2023 IMPART artist grant awardees and a workshop on the future of museums with We Are Museums. QAIC organized its first Auction and Benefit Party, featuring artwork and objects by former and current QAIC partners and artists and music. The summit concluded over the weekend with a portal connecting D.C. and Doha-based audiences organized in partnership with Shared Studios and Doha debates, and a Middle Eastern coffee tasting experience.

The delegates also participated in our first Perfumery Symposium through a talk organized in collaboration with the U.S. Qatar Business Council, held in the newly expanded Perfumery Museum.

The Symposium explored the cultural significance of fragrance and also featured hands on workshops and talks organized in partnership with the Institute of Art and Olfaction and the artists and creatives of the March delegation to Doha.

Though the IMPART Summit was our biggest event of the year, it certainly was not our last. QAIC continued to participate in the Dupont Circle First Friday ArtWalk through the end of the year, welcoming audiences to explore current exhibitions including the expanded Perfumery Museum, the 2023 IMPART artists grant awardees exhibition and Pearls of Wonder. QAIC engaged audiences through our exhibitions and engaging in National Candy Day and Manakeesh Day. December’s First Friday coincided with the second sold-out Perfumery Workshop offered in partnership with DIY Scent Studio.

As part of the Summit, and for the first time, QAIC welcomed a delegation of Qatari artists, creatives and innovators to its space in Washington, D.C. They included artists and designers from AlHosh Gallery, H Jewelry, The Perfume Factory and a 2023 IMPART Artist Grant awardees. The delegation’s visit featured a rich schedule of special tours of cultural landmarks in Washington, D.C. including the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art and Portrait Gallery, and the White House Historical Association.

(Right) The Perfumery Symposium delivered a weekend of exploration and education.

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(From left) Cultural diplomacy through a visit to the Fairfax Academy in Virginia; Hosted the 2023 Arab Film House Festival; QAIC engaged numerous fellows and collaborated with the WHHA to translate and add the Arabic language version of the companion tour on the White House Experience mobile app.

Other programs included promoting cultural diplomacy through a visit to the Fairfax Academy in Virginia and participation in the Gulf International Forum Conference at the National Press Club. The program at the Fairfax Academy included an Arabic crossword contest, a donation of a Qatari majlis, and an olfactory activity. QAIC also partnered with the Middle East Institute to host the 2023 Arab Film House Festival, a joint program of QAIC and the Doha Film Institute. The program featured the films “The Scent” and “Kafo,” showcasing the storytelling prowess and diversity of Middle Eastern cinema, sparking meaningful conversations and reflections.

QAIC also welcomed Qatar Debate and Georgetown University’s Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Forum for two engaging programs.

Qatar Debates’ sixth episode of the “Oasis of Dialogue” series, focused on the intricate relationship between Muslim communities and their governments. While the Georgetown Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Forum, brought together alumni and foreign policy experts for networking and meaningful discussions about the Arab world.

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This fall after more than a year of work, the White House Historical Association announced the long-anticipated release of a new language to the White House Experience mobile app. QAIC engaged numerous fellows and collaborated with the WHHA to translate and add the Arabic language version of the companion tour. This collaboration helps ensure that more people around the world can access the stories that make up the living history of the White House.

The year concluded with two partner events. The first, organized by the Arab America Foundation.

“Healing Together” provided a space for Arab Americans and broader audiences to connect, grieve, and support each other amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza. On December 8, QAIC hosted the Muslims in Public Service annual DC Winter Event.

Both programs engaged guests through exhibition tours and opportunities to connect.

As QAIC concludes its fifth year, its exhibitions and programs reaffirm QAIC’s role as a catalyst for dialogue, understanding, and collaboration through the arts. The institute looks forward to the upcoming year, promising more enriching experiences and meaningful connections in the realm of cultural exchange.

THANK YOU

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