|  | The Qatar America Institute for Culture (QAIC) is excited to announce the opening of the first exhibition in its new headquarters: “Transcendent Text: Exploring Universal Values Through Islamic Calligraphy.” This 20-piece exhibit features the work of renowned Master Calligrapher and Sculptor, Sabah Arbilli, whose vibrant and vastly-technical paintings perfectly merge the beauty of color and expression with the sacred art of Islamic calligraphy. In partnership with the National Human Rights Committee in Qatar, QAIC invites you to explore the universal truths of human cooperation, unity, and liberty as defined by the Quran and embraced by the masterful embodiment of Arbilli’s work. Due to COVID-19 safety guidelines, visits to Transcendent Text exhibit is by appointment only or planned tours until further notice. We will soon announce available dates for viewing, so please stay tuned via our Exhibitions webpage and follow us on social media for more information on the dates and times for the upcoming viewings. Press and media is invited to join a "behind the scenes" tour and opportunity to virtually meet the artist, please contact us here. |
| | |
|
|  | The Creatives Hub is QAIC’s online platform to connect artists, photographers, filmmakers, and creatives at large with opportunities for art exchange, collaboration, and representation. Together with our programmatic partners, we provide a range of national and international exhibitions, magazine features, media interviews, and immersive trips to support talent, ideas, and cross-cultural dialogue. We aspire to fuel your artistic growth and enable the next generation of artists to grow in confidence, create marvelous works, and ultimately make a positive impact on the world. |
| | |
|
|  | QAIC's Creatives Hub presents “Creativity in Quarantine: Women of the Pandemic” as an opportunity for artistic dialogue and reflection on a global shared crisis and issues of significance to women empowerment through film, sculpture, photography, and painting. “Women Artists of the Pandemic” will allow ten female Qatari and American artists to connect, convene, and celebrate each other and their work. Submissions to participate must be received before December 30, 2020. Accepted participants will showcase their artwork in a virtual exhibition hosted by Katara on March 8, 2021, in addition to an invitation to an in-person exhibition at QAIC’s headquarters in Washington, DC in Spring/Summer 2021. To apply, please submit your portfolio and project brief (film, sculpture, photography, or painting) to the following submission platform. |
| | |
|
| | | | Book of the Month: How to Read Islamic Calligraphy How to Read Islamic Calligraphy explores the preeminence of the written word as a means of creative expression throughout the Islamic world. Aimed at a general audience, the book introduces all five major Islamic calligraphic script types, demonstrates their distinctive visual characteristics, and explains the various contexts in which each one came to be used, whether for transcribing the Qur’an, composing poetry, or issuing written edicts from the sultan’s court. Numerous examples illustrate how the transmission of these styles and techniques from master to pupil was fundamental to the flourishing of Islamic calligraphy, and handwriting models from as early as the 10th century continue to inspire students of calligraphy today.
Superbly illustrated, the works discussed include manuscripts, glass, metalware, and ceramic tiles. This accessible and engaging book traces the progression of calligraphic styles over centuries and across geographical regions, affirming the spectacular range of creative possibilities afforded by this unique art form. For more information on this book and where to purchase it, click here. Book of the month provided by: |
|  |
|
| |
|
| | | Tomorrow, December 1st, is #GivingTuesday, an annual global initiative that harnesses the power of people and organizations to give rise to special causes and create impact within communities needing assistance. 2020 has been a challenging year for most in many different aspects, and for non-profits and cultural organizations, it is no different. As an arts and culture organization, QAIC is hopeful for future programming thanks to the continued support of its members and community. This #GivingTuesday, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help further QAIC’s outreach and efforts in the New Year by clicking here (or the button below). Alternatively, please consider becoming a member of QAIC’s membership program! As a member, you immediately become eligible for benefits, including exclusive access to events and discounts, QAIC-produced content on art and culture, and other fun perks. For more information on QAIC’s membership opportunities and to sign up, visit our Membership page featured below. Thank you for considering the Qatar America Institute for Culture on this #GivingTuesday. We are eternally grateful for the enduring support from our friends, sponsors, and community members, and we hope to continue being a welcoming hub for art and culture in the years to come. |
| | |
|
|  | Become a Sponsor As a sponsor, QAIC can continue to develop meaningful expressions and experiences, functioning as a bridge spanning the cultures of the United States, Qatar, and the larger Arab and Islamic worlds. It is through the continued support from sponsors that QAIC is able to create inclusive experiences that highlight humanity’s similarities while delighting in the diversity of our differences, thus improving cross-cultural understanding. It is with your contribution that together we can create impact by giving QAIC the resources to become a trusted partner and art and culture catalyst by increasing awareness, creating harmony, and fostering human creativity in society in multiple ways. |
| |
|
 | Join Our Community As a member, you become part of the extended QAIC family. With this annual membership, you will receive a more involved QAIC experience complete with additional in-depth content and unique offerings catered to our members. These offerings include priority access to exclusive engagements with featured guests, intimate receptions with visiting artists, and other annual benefits to better serve you as a platform for cultural and creative enrichment. |
| |
|
| | | | | The Qatar America Institute for Culture (QAIC) is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that creates, curates, and executes programs and research that amplify the prominence of all forms of art and culture from the United States, Qatar, and the larger Arab and Islamic worlds. |
|
|
| | | 1319 18th Street NW | Washington, District of Columbia 20036
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
