The Katara Global Art Fair (KatArt), which aims to introduce collective and solo projects from leading and emerging local and international artists, is set to make its debut at Katara - the Cultural Village in October.
The concept, developed by PallasArts in partnership with Katara, will offer an ideal platform of interaction between collectors, artists, photographers, designers and other art professionals, it was announced yesterday.
The art fair will feature live performances in addition to the exposition of numerous paintings, sculptures, photographs, among many other art pieces. A preview of the first edition is scheduled from tomorrow (Friday).
Running until January 22, the preview will provide the participants with an idea of what to expect in October. Artists will thus be given the opportunity to present their work to a local and international audience of curators, gallerists, collectors, investors, editors and publishers among other art professionals who seek to acquire and promote contemporary art pieces.
Mariame Farqane, founder and CEO, PallasArts, stressed that that the arts and culture scene in Qatar has been flourishing, to the extent of drawing the world’s attention.
She said: “Doha’s cultural environment today makes it an ideal location for an international art fair. Qatar is indeed poised to become a major international hub for art and culture and join the ranks of such major centres as Paris or New York.”
The event involves education, arts and charity for the good of underprivileged children in Argentina in co-operation with Margarita Barrietos Foundation there, she explained.
Ambassador of Argentina to Qatar, Carlos Hernandez, said that his embassy supports the event as the arts and education projects involved are set to benefit around 8,000 poor kids in Argentina. Besides, he considered it a part of Qatar-Argentina joint efforts for the good of the people of the two friendly countries.
Darwish S Ahmed al-Shaybani, director of marketing culture affairs at Katara and secretary-general of the Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPDN), said that Katara takes art fairs to the next level with this grand event.
A number of countries from GPDN, including Greece, the US, Serbia, turkey, Spain, Argentina, Qatar, Philippines, India, Serbia, and Russia will participate. The project will include a conference, fair, workshops, and forums.
Dr Facundo N Chidini, legal representative of Margarita Barrietos Foundation, thanked the organisers and stressed the positive role of the event on the lives of many children supported by the foundation in Argentina.
Hamzah Talib, CEO of OutBox Events, added that the event will be a considerable contribution to the visual and formative arts with a wide participation from renowned artists from around the world.
Officials announcing the Katara Global Art Fair yesterday.
