VCUarts Qatar

Creativity, innovation and a rich history of art in the Middle East

student standing in front of artwork at v c u arts qatar

At VCUarts Qatar—an international school for art and design—budding graphic designers, art historians, painters, animators, printmakers and interior designers are discovering and honing their talents as they experience a VCUarts education 7,000 miles away. VCUarts Qatar collaborates closely with VCUarts Richmond through semester exchange programs, shared courses, conferences, event programming and arts research. 

VCUarts Qatar was the first American college built in Doha’s Education City, and offers academic programs in the arts, with a focus on the liberal arts and sciences. About 300 students are currently enrolled at VCUarts Qatar.


Learn more about VCUarts Qatar Week happening October 9–11, 2023.


Experience VCUarts Qatar

many people walking through art exhibit at the v c u arts qatar campus

Semester Exchange

Each year, up to 10 students are selected from a pool of applicants to study in Doha for a semester. Open to rising juniors and seniors in Kinetic Imaging, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Art History and Painting + Printmaking, other majors may participate with approval. For questions, contact Jody Symula at jlsymula@vcu.edu.

Application and more info

speakers at the tasmeem doha conference

Tasmeem Doha

VCUarts Qatar hosts Tasmeem, the biennial design conference in Doha. Tasmeem presents contemporary topics on art and design and brings together international designers, artists, academics and industry professionals. Select VCUarts students participate in this world-recognized conference.

presenter at the islamic art symposium

Islamic Art Symposium

VCUarts Qatar co-sponsors the biennial Hamad bin Khalifa Symposium on Islamic Art, in partnership with the VCUarts Richmond campus and the Qatar Foundation. The conference is held every two years in locations of historical significance to Islamic art and design. VCUarts Qatar and VCUarts students majoring in Art History have the opportunity to attend and introduce distinguished speakers.

Lean more about the Islamic Art Symposium

students from v c u arts qatar campus at qatar day in richmond

Qatar Day and Majlis Day

Qatar Day and Majlis Day strengthen the relationship between the Richmond and Qatar campuses. Typically held in Richmond in early November, these events feature the art and design of our Doha students and provide an opportunity to learn more about Qatari culture.