Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) has issued Cultivating the Arts, a book commemorating its 20th year in Qatar.
A large number of students and faculty gathered for the book launch at the University’s library. The book is dedicated to the university’s 642 alumni and to the faculty, staff and administrators who contributed to their education.
The book details the growth of the University from its early days in 1998 when it was originally called Shaqab College of Design Arts, to 2001 when it became VCU Qatar College of Design Arts, and then in 2002, when it became a branch campus of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, with the first degrees awarded in 2002, and on to its notable successes across two decades.
Cultivating the Arts includes messages from Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the co-founder and chairperson of Qatar Foundation, and HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, vice chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation.
Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser in her message noted, “The tradition of innovation that led Qatar Foundation to partner with VCUarts two decades ago is as vibrant as ever.”
In her message, Sheikha Hind highlights that VCUarts Qatar’s alumni “have assumed leadership positions in every sector of Qatar society, from government to retail, infrastructure, entertainment, sport, and media, contributing significantly to the nation’s social, cultural and economic progress.”
Cultivating the Arts includes many highlights from VCUarts Qatar’s 20 years of ground-breaking achievements by its students, alumni, faculty and staff, such as its annual fashion show, landmark exhibitions and lectures, innovative designs and visits by famous artists and designers.
Dr Donald Baker, executive dean of VCUarts Qatar noted, “VCUarts Qatar has been a steady source of innovation and alternative ways of looking at the world and at ourselves. As it ends its 20th year, the University is proud to showcase the achievements of its faculty, staff, students and alumni. As it looks ahead, the University envisages greater integration into the rapidly developing digital world through enhanced and virtual reality and artificial intelligence, incorporating them into existing programmes and inspiring new programmes.”
The book shows the University’s many and varied roles in innovation and in cultivating the arts, its ability to ignite the imagination of its students, and takes a look at alumni who are shaping the future and who have expanded on their education and created new opportunities for the country. The book closes with 20 Years of Excellence, a summary of the success of VCUarts Qatar as it closes its second decade.
Dr Donald Baker, executive dean of VCUarts Qatar, signs the book.
