H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, inaugurating the Waqif Art Center at Souq Waqif yesterday. Abdul Basit

DOHA: After more than two years, the Souq Waqif Art Centre re-opened last night set to give further boost to the art and culture aspect of the already vibrant life of Souq Waqif.

Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, formally inaugurated the Art Centre in the presence of prominent Qatari artists and other officials.

The two-storey Art Centre now sports a new look which is a total departure from its appearance when it opened in year 2008. With tiled walls accented by a multitude of multi-coloured lamps hanging from the high ceilings crafted with wood poles, the Centre’s interiors dominantly reflect Qatari and Islamic architecture.

While the ground floor is dedicated to galleries which will not limit to regional artists and artworks but would showcase global talents as well, the first floor is dedicated to art education offering courses on drawing, painting, calligraphy and ceramics, among others. Presently showcased in the galleries are exhibitions on photography, painting and ceramics.  There are halls dedicated specifically to graphic design, drawing and ceramics, but a significant addition to the Centre is an art library where a wide collection of books and resources on art are made available.

Opened in May 2008, the art centre was home to a number of art shops and galleries which hosted art exhibitions of both emerging and renowned artists.

Within nearly two years of its operation, Waqif Art Centre hosted and organised more than 45 exhibitions and events as well as released a series of publications about the country. With a total new look, Souq Waqif Art Centre is sure to become another significant addition to the must-visit list of every tourist coming to Qatar.

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