In celebration of Qatar – USA 2021 Year of Culture, the collaborative display at W Doha Hotel & Residences explores ongoing Qatar-US relations, taking art enthusiasts on a journey through the two different cultures.

W Doha Hotel & Residences is hosting a design exhibition entitled ‘Cultural Fusion’ by Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) Graphic Design students, in collaboration with the US embassy in Doha and Qatar Museums (QM) at ART29.

In celebration of Qatar – USA 2021 Year of Culture, the collaborative display explores ongoing Qatar-US relations, taking art enthusiasts on a journey through the two different cultures. The exhibition will be open to the public until September 18, between 10am and 10pm daily.

The ‘Cultural Fusion’ project commenced at VCUarts Qatar, allowing design students to explore new ways of embracing cultures through a range of creative freedom. This resulted in diverse outcomes, eight of which are on exhibit at ART29.

The designs on display narrate the inspiring elements of each culture; embrace differences; and depict artistic interpretations of the strong ties of both nations through vibrant strokes and hues.

Art lovers will be taken on a sensory voyage where the glorious desert of Qatar meets the lively New York streets, an immersive experience not to be missed.

In a statement, W Doha general manager Wassim Daageh said: “We welcome the opportunity to take part in the Qatar – USA 2021 Year of Culture once again and are proud to support Qatar’s dynamic art scene by showcasing the creativity of young talented artists.”

VCUarts Qatar dean Amir Berbi?: “An understanding and appreciation of one another’s culture goes a long way in cementing and celebrating friendships between countries – and this is especially true when such emotions are expressed through a creative lens. The Year of Culture afforded VCUarts Qatar’s community of creatives a unique opportunity to do exactly that”.

Cultural Affairs Officer Samantha Jackson of the US embassy applauded the growing relationship between Qatar and the US through shared cultural experiences.

She congratulated the VCUarts Qatar Graphic Design students in successfully uniting our people and countries through art and thanked all partners for contributing to this exhibition as part of the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture.

Sponsor ExxonMobil Qatar president and general manager Dominic Genetti thanked QM and VCUarts Qatar for organising the project that reflects the strong partnership and true friendship Qatar and the US share.

The ‘Cultural Fusion’ marks the 10th edition of QM’s Years of Culture programme, which aims to convey Qatar to an international audience through a variety of exhibitions, festivals, competitions, and events.

QM CEO Ahmad Musa al-Namla said: “We are delighted this year to celebrate the 10th edition of Year of Cultures with the US – a country with whom we share enduring ties. This exhibition provides a platform to showcase students’ designs and to promote cross-cultural exchange.”

ART29 is a platform that presents the works of up-and-coming local, regional, and international artists.