Doha, February 01 (QNA) - Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), a partner university of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, hosted today the official launch of the book Contemporary Art from Qatar: The Abdullah bin Ali bin Saud Al-Thani Collection (Skira Arte, 2026) at its campus.

The launch event featured a rich cultural and artistic panel discussion, alongside the opening of a parallel exhibition titled Pulse of Place: Selected Works from the Abdullah bin Ali Al-Thani Collection.

The event was attended by Chairman of the Board of Directors of Media City Qatar, HE Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Ali bin Saud Al-Thani as well as a number of ministers, accredited diplomats, academics, media professionals, intellectuals, and artists. The launch precedes the opening of Art Basel Qatar, taking place from 5 to 7 February.

The publication celebrates three decades of art collecting by HE Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Ali bin Saud Al-Thani and traces the evolution of Qatari art-from deeply rooted heritage traditions to innovative, globally engaged contemporary practices. The book offers an insightful narrative on the development of Qatar's artistic identity and the rapid cultural transformations the country has witnessed.

On this occasion, HE Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Ali bin Saud Al-Thani expressed his pleasure at launching the book at VCUarts Qatar, stating: "Educational institutions hold a special place in my heart, and this campus has played a significant role over nearly three decades in shaping many aspects of Qatar's creative landscape. I extend my sincere thanks to the Dean and to Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar for hosting this event."

He added: "I am also delighted to share this moment with the many talented artists, students, and faculty members whose contributions have been instrumental in the flourishing of our nation's cultural scene."

For his part, Amir Berbic, Dean of Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, expressed his pleasure in welcoming HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali bin Saud Al-Thani for a special dialogue marking the book launch. He noted that, together with the accompanying Pulse of Place exhibition, the initiative represents three decades of pioneering art collecting that has helped shape Qatar's distinctive artistic identity on the global stage-from heritage-based traditions to bold contemporary practices with international resonance.

He added: "As Dean of VCUarts Qatar, I am proud to see the work of our talented alumni so prominently featured in both the book and the exhibition. This enduring legacy of HE Dr. Abdullah bin Ali bin Saud Al-Thani -one of the most prominent supporters of Qatar's arts ecosystem- continues to inspire us all. Events such as these, coinciding with the anticipated opening of Art Basel Qatar, reaffirm our shared commitment to fostering a vibrant, connected creative future for the region."

The exhibition Pulse of Place: Selected Works from the Abdullah bin Ali Al-Thani Collection, which opened alongside the book launch and will remain on view until 7 March, features works by eleven talented Qatari artists and designers, all alumni of VCUarts Qatar. Their works are also featured in the book, highlighting the university's lasting impact on nurturing local talent through education and collecting.

Exhibition Director at VCUarts Qatar, Chase Westfall noted that Pulse of Place serves as a tangible embodiment of the narratives explored in HE Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Ali bin Saud Al-Thani's new publication.

He added: "The exhibition goes beyond showcasing the work of eleven distinguished alumni; it also highlights the pivotal role VCUarts Qatar has played in shaping Qatar's visual culture."

Featuring paintings, sculptures, prints, textiles, fiber works, and multimedia art, the exhibition explores themes of heritage and identity within a rapidly transforming society, reflecting the sophistication, intelligence, and sensitivity of a rising generation of cultural leaders.

In addition to celebrating this exceptional group of artists, Pulse of Place also underscores the profound influence of the Abdullah bin Ali Al-Thani Collection in supporting and advancing contemporary art and culture in Qatar and beyond. (QNA)