Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), a Qatar Foundation partner university, will host its second Artweek from February 1 to 3, 2026, on its Doha campus. This event aims to explore the vital role of community in artistic development and education. The three-day program will feature workshops, lectures, panel discussions, and studio visits, all open to the public, fostering dialogue and collaboration within the regional arts scene.
The 2026 edition of Artweek, titled “Community as Practice,” builds on the success of the inaugural event, continuing VCUarts Qatar’s commitment to connecting artists, educators, and cultural practitioners. The university anticipates a diverse attendance, including students, faculty, and members of the wider Doha community interested in contemporary art and education. The event is organized by the Department of Painting + Printmaking (PAPR).
Exploring Community Through Artweek 2026
VCUarts Qatar’s decision to focus on community reflects a growing understanding of the interconnectedness of artistic practice and social engagement. According to Dean Amir Berbić, the university recognizes that learning, creation, and knowledge production are fundamentally shaped by community interactions. This year’s Artweek is designed to be a platform for examining these dynamics and strengthening the bonds between artists and the public.
The program will emphasize active participation rather than passive observation. Dr. Aissa Deebi, Director of PAPR, explained that Artweek is an invitation to engage directly with artists and educators, witnessing their processes and contributing to the conversation. This hands-on approach aims to demystify artistic creation and highlight the collaborative nature of the field.
Keynote Speakers and International Perspectives
Artweek 2026 will feature keynote addresses from prominent figures in the international arts community. Ong Keng Sen, founder of TheatreWorks Singapore and former artistic director of the Singapore International Festival of Arts, will open the event on February 1st. Sara Niroobakhsh, an artist and educator known for her work exploring pedagogy as artistic inquiry, will deliver the closing keynote on February 3rd.
Additionally, the event will showcase a range of perspectives from artists and scholars based in Doha, Richmond (VCU’s home campus in the US), Beirut, Cairo, and Karachi. International panelists include Mohammed Somji, Naiza Khan, and Walid Sadek, alongside faculty from both VCUarts Qatar and VCU Richmond. This diverse lineup promises a rich exchange of ideas and approaches to art and education.
Focus on Contemporary Art Education
The event will delve into how art education can adapt to evolving cultural, social, and technological landscapes. Discussions will explore the roles of artists as learners, mentors, and community members, and how institutions can better support these multifaceted identities. The organizers hope to highlight successful models of collaboration between academic institutions and independent art initiatives.
The inclusion of diverse geographical locations and artistic disciplines within Artweek 2026 underscores the global nature of contemporary art. This focus on international exchange is expected to broaden participants’ understanding of different artistic traditions and foster new collaborations. The event also aims to promote creative practice and art education within Qatar and the wider region.
Looking ahead, VCUarts Qatar will likely assess the impact of Artweek 2026 through participant feedback and observation of ongoing collaborations. The university has not yet announced plans for future editions, but the success of this year’s event will undoubtedly inform its continued commitment to fostering a vibrant arts community in Qatar. The long-term effects on regional cultural exchange and the development of new artistic projects remain to be seen.
