Dr Donald Baker, Executive Dean of VCUarts Qatar, signing the book duirng the launch event. Pic: Baher Amin / The Peninsula
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), the first branch campus of Qatar Foundation’s contribution to the development of Qatar as a hub of design excellence has been highlighted in a book launched on Thursday.
The book ‘Cultivating the Arts’ marks the 20th year commemoration of VCUarts Qatar. The book is dedicated to the university’s 642 alumni and to the faculty, staff and administrators who contributed to their education.
‘Cultivating the Arts’ includes messages from H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the Co-founder and Chairperson of Qatar Foundation and H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation.
Dr Donald Baker, Executive Dean of VCUarts Qatar sigend the first copy of the book during a ceremony held at the VCUarts Qatar’s library.
“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 programs and inspiring new programs. The University is constantly updating its curriculum to reflect the evolution of the disciplines it offers and provide contextually relevant knowledge and skills, real-life experiences, and integration of the latest technology,” he said.
In 1998 as a women-only university the campus started with 35 students to its 20th anniversary intake of 340 male and female students. Its nearly 650 alumni have played an important part in the art and design scene throughout Qatar and in many countries around the world.
The book details the growth of VCUarts Qatar 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.
