Qatar is now a hub luring world-renowned artists
Qatar is fast becoming an art hub as it continues to attract worldrenowned artists, Qatar International Art Festival (QIAF) 2021 head Rashmi Agarwal has said.
Also the founder and president of Maps International, she was highlighting the success of the event, which has more than 300 artists from 65 countries participating. The third edition of QIAF, organised by Katara – the Cultural Village in co-operation with Maps International, was inaugurated by Katara general manager Prof Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti on Monday and will conclude tomorrow (October 28).
“We welcome all the participating artists and art lovers to different activities of the festival. I am deeply thankful to Katara for hosting the festival and supporting us with all possible means. The contribution of Katara towards promoting art and culture in Qatar is immense.
“The increasing number of participating artists from Qatar and other countries speak volumes about the rising popularity of the QIAF at international art scenes. The festival aims at providing conducive atmosphere for the global artists to exhibit their works and earn recognition,” Agarwal said in a statement.
According to organisers, the festival provides a platform for Qatar-based artists and those from around the globe to promote and showcase their creativity, as well as “amass due recognition”.
A cultural tour around Doha was organised recently for participating artists. Numerous activities are also being held as part of the event such as painting and sculpture exhibition, live painting symposium, artistic fashion show, master classes, cultural talks and panel discussions. The festival will also hold a grand award ceremony on the concluding day. The US embassy in Doha is taking part in QIAF 2021, as part of Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture and Qatar Sustainability Week, by featuring US sustainable fashion designer Noor Bchara.
Organisers noted that Florence Biennial gallery from Italy is the participating partner of the festival, along with other art galleries from around the world such as Crislolart Galleries from Spain, Artmosphere Magazine from New York, Gallery 2+ from Mexico, Funun Arts from UAE, Areme Art Gallery from Armenia, Iranian Art Gallery from Iran, Ethiopian Art Gallery from Ethiopia, Art Guest Agency from Russia and UFS in American University of Beirut from Lebanon.