Doha, Qatar – Media City Qatar is launching “Next in Arts,” a three-year initiative designed to foster emerging talent and explore the evolving relationship between art and media. The program, a partnership with Art Basel Qatar, will culminate annually in an exhibition of a winning artwork during Art Basel Qatar, with the first showcase scheduled for February 5-7, 2026. This commitment underscores Qatar’s growing investment in its creative industries and its ambition to become a global hub for artistic innovation.
The inaugural edition of “Next in Arts” specifically invited alumni of Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) to submit mixed-media proposals – encompassing digital, physical, and hybrid forms – responding to the theme “Where Art Meets Media.” The selected artwork will be displayed at M7 in Msheireb Downtown Doha, providing a platform for local artists to engage with an international audience attending Art Basel Qatar.
Supporting Emerging Artists Through Innovative Programs
The “Next in Arts” program represents a significant step in Media City Qatar’s strategy to cultivate a sustainable creative economy. According to officials, the initiative aims to diversify Qatar’s economic landscape by supporting the growth of the art, media, and innovation sectors. This aligns with the broader goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, which prioritizes human capital development and economic diversification.
Selection Process and Criteria
A multidisciplinary jury, comprised of representatives from Media City Qatar, Art Basel Qatar, VCUarts Qatar, and Qatar Museums, evaluated the submissions. Proposals were judged based on several key criteria, including the strength of the underlying concept, the level of artistic innovation demonstrated, the effective integration of media, a commitment to sustainability, and the technical feasibility of the project. This rigorous evaluation process ensures the program champions both creative excellence and responsible artistic practice.
Sheikh Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani, Chairman of Media City Qatar, emphasized the program’s role in providing meaning, scale, and global relevance to creative endeavors. He stated that “Next in Arts” reflects Qatar’s belief in the power of sustained investment in people and ideas to strengthen artistic expression.
Hamad Omar A. Al-Mannai, CEO of Media City Qatar, highlighted the program’s potential to create pathways for emerging artists to connect with key industry players. These connections include national leaders, international cultural patrons, collectors, institutions, and media executives. This focus on networking and mentorship is intended to support long-term career development for participating artists.
Vincenzo de Bellis, Chief Artistic Officer and Global Director of Art Basel Fairs, noted that Art Basel Qatar is a crucial expansion of the organization’s global presence. He added that “Next in Arts” demonstrates a commitment to building lasting infrastructure around artistic practice and connecting new work with international audiences. The program’s emphasis on visibility and growth is expected to benefit both the artists and the broader creative landscape.
Media City Qatar currently licenses over 350 companies, ranging from startups to established international firms. The organization actively supports emerging talent through collaborations with universities and industry partners, offering training initiatives, internships, and workshops. This holistic approach aims to nurture a vibrant and dynamic media ecosystem within Qatar.
The success of “Next in Arts” will likely depend on its ability to attract high-quality submissions and provide meaningful support to the selected artists. Future editions of the program may expand eligibility to include artists from other institutions and regions, further broadening its impact. The next key date is the application deadline for the 2027 edition, which is expected to be announced in the latter half of 2026, and the selection of the next winning artist will be closely watched by industry observers.
The program’s long-term impact on Qatar’s cultural development remains to be seen, but it represents a significant investment in the country’s artistic future.
Learn more about Art Basel Qatar.
