Latest news with #VCUartsQatar
ILoveQatar.net
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ILoveQatar.net
VCUarts Qatar's year end show Art and Design Now 2025 officially opens
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), a Qatar Foundation (QF) partner university, has officially opened its highly anticipated Year End Show: Art and Design Now 2025 to the public. The exhibition will run from 5 May to 5 July at M7 in Msheireb Downtown Doha. A special opening event was held on Sunday, 4 May, drawing a full house of over a thousand attendees. The evening welcomed key figures from Qatar's creative industries, industry partners, members of the joint advisory board, university leadership, faculty, and proud family and friends of the graduating students. The exhibition showcases the innovative and often boundary-pushing work of VCUarts Qatar's graduating students. It features projects from the undergraduate programs in Art History, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Painting + Printmaking, and Fashion Design, as well as the Master of Fine Arts in Design program. For the first time, the exhibition also includes contributions from Foundation Year students and the newly launched Bachelor of Fine Arts in Kinetic Imaging. Students have explored a wide range of media and techniques in their final projects, incorporating light, sound, video, animation, textile design, silk printing, fabrication technology, typography, coding, digital painting, screen printing, lithography, and photographic techniques. The result is a dynamic and diverse showcase of creativity and technical skill. 'Reflecting on the extraordinary range of themes and creative expressions presented by our students, I'm truly inspired by the depth and originality of their work,' said Amir Berbić, Dean of VCUarts Qatar. 'This year's cohort has produced an outstanding body of work that speaks to a wide array of ideas—from vibrant celebrations of Qatari culture to innovative designs that carry powerful messages of hope, sustainability, and social awareness. The M7 space provides a dynamic and fitting backdrop for this diverse showcase of emerging talent. I encourage the public to experience it firsthand—there's something meaningful and memorable for everyone.' The launch also coincided with 'Hayakom', VCUarts Qatar's traditional welcome event for newly admitted students for the Fall 2025 semester. After visiting the campus, incoming students and their families were invited to continue on to explore the Year End Show at M7, offering them a firsthand look at the creativity, energy, and achievement that define the school's dynamic academic and artistic culture. VCUarts Qatar offers undergraduate degrees in Kinetic Imaging, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Painting + Printmaking, and a BA in Art History, as well as a Master of Fine Arts in Design. To learn more about VCUarts Qatar and its programs, visit Source and cover image credit: Press release
Qatar Tribune
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
QF's Class of 2025 set to impact the world
Tribune News Network Doha Some graduates from Qatar Foundation partner universities have expressed their pride in obtaining their higher education from Education City, and they are all set to impact the world with their knowledge. Samah Sulyman, Palestinian-Lebanese: Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) graduate in Fashion Design My experience at a university at Education City has been amazing. One of the qualities I gained from attending VCUarts Qatar is leadership. It helped me speak for myself and become a better person – a better speaker, a better leader, and a more creative individual. I believe leaders are not just practical people; they're also creative people. When I learned there was a fashion programme here, I knew it was for me – I knew I would go to Education City and study at VCUarts Qatar. After I graduate, I hope to gain more experience and eventually start my own business. At QF, I found the freedom to create and the space to turn my passion for design into purpose – one stitch, one layer at a time. Al Dana Al Disi, JordancTypeface:> Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) graduate in Biological Sciences I chose CMU-Q because I had heard so much about it, and about QF and the supportive community that I would find – and it proved all those expectations right. I always felt supported and part of a community. And because the classes are small, we formed strong bonds with each other and our faculty. The biggest thing is the wealth of opportunities available. I was able to engage in research as an undergraduate in ways I wouldn't have been able to elsewhere. When I was looking at my options, especially CMU-Q and QF, it was clear that it was a very supportive environment, and I knew my values aligned with theirs. I could already see the opportunities for self-growth. To me, the highlight is not just the training or the opportunities, but the open-mindedness I developed that allowed me to launch myself into those opportunities. As a biologist, I've ventured beyond the lab space into unimaginable experiences. Through the opportunities at QF, I didn't just gain molecular insight but also interdisciplinary curiosity. Ahamed Akmal Lebbe, Sri LankacTypeface:> Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) graduate I always wanted to study medicine, and WCM-Q was the perfect combination. It was right at home, and it had a really great reputation. I'm really happy I made that decision. The support that the faculty give to the students is incredible, and we get a lot of opportunities we wouldn't get elsewhere. We can do research in the US, and that experience is really helpful in developing your research skills. Among students, there's a big focus on improving your communication skills. It takes a lot to be a good doctor – to know what your patient is thinking before they even ask. Leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills are all really important, and we're encouraged to grow in all those areas. I want to be a gastroenterologist. I'm going to go into internal medicine. After graduating, I'll be going to the US to do my residency, which takes three years. After six years at QF, it's the community that stands out most. I'm grateful to have shared this journey with such an incredible group of people. Ghanim R. Al Kubaisi, Qatar: Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) graduate in International Politics, with a minor in History and a certificate in Media and Politics I chose GU-Q because I felt it was a melting pot of cultures, and it's very diverse. I believe that diversity is key to broadening our perspectives and becoming better learners — so I thought GU-Q was the perfect environment for me. GU-Q helped me sharpen my pre-existing skills because it gave me the platform to exercise and refine them through various opportunities. GU-Q is very supportive of students who express themselves freely, which gave us more confidence. The nature of the environment itself allowed me to grow both personally and academically. I'm going into a master's programme in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, which should take one to two years. After that, I'm still figuring things out — possibly between academia and diplomacy. Maybe both. At QF, I found that diversity opens minds and grants perspective. With perspective you can bridge different worlds. Khalid Alyafei, Qatar: HEC Paris, Doha, Executive MBA graduate and physician at Sidra Medicine I chose HEC Paris because it's a well-known business university, and people from all over the world apply to it. I had been thinking about it for a few years before signing up, but then I decided to go for it. In the past, I took leadership courses, but I felt HEC Paris would help me go further. I wanted to strengthen my skills – financially, economically, and in leading teams. That's why I enrolled. We had excellent professors who discussed current market issues, why they're happening, and what's predicted. The networking was also valuable. There were doctors, administrators, and professionals from different disciplines and operations. It was great to meet people from various sectors, and I saw this as a strong opportunity for business development, networking, and enhancing my leadership skills. My biggest takeaway was learning how to be an authentic leader. Sometimes there's a lot of politics and things beyond your control. But ethically, you want to do what's best for the organisation or society before thinking of yourself. I learned how to face those challenges and remain authentic. QF isn't just about education – it's where future leaders find purpose, drive innovation, and create change. Sashreek Garg, India: Northwestern University in Qatar graduate in Journalism, Media, and Integrated Marketing Communications The power to talk about the Global South through the means that we have is so important, because most of the universities that are highly ranked in media are in the Global North. So having a university in Qatar that focuses on the Global South is very unique. I chose Northwestern because its journalism school is ranked as one of the best. I also chose Qatar as a location because I knew my experience would be much more unique than most people's. I thought studying in the Middle East, with a unique perspective, would set me apart from others. Having the opportunity to talk to so many different people from diverse backgrounds is very unique. This diversity makes me feel like I've learned so much more about the world – and about human experiences. My education at Northwestern Qatar taught me to look beyond binaries, to question who tells the story, who is left unheard, and to seek truth not in sides, but in nuance. Salwa Almulla, QatarcTypeface:> Hamad Bin Khalifa University PhD graduate in Islamic Finance and Economy From the first day I joined HBKU, I felt different. When I finish work, I come to study. But once I arrive at university, I feel relaxed. Professors teach us how to think outside the box, how to critically analyse, and how to read between the lines. As a PhD student, I've gained many skills. I see and read things differently. I've been a PhD student for five years, and I'm currently working full-time at the same time. It hasn't always been easy. I would like to become a professor in the future while continuing my current job. I'm also working as a writer for a newspaper. My academic journey has significantly influenced my writing – I write in a different way. Whatever we learn, we reflect it in our work and writing. My perspective has evolved, especially in areas like finance and sustainability. Graduation is just the beginning – a commitment to use my knowledge and passion to uplift the nation, defy limits, and serve humanity. Lolwa Al Kaabi, QatarcTypeface:Italic> Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) graduate in Electrical and Computer Engineering TAMUQ offers a diverse environment. We had classmates representing different nationalities and backgrounds. It was a great experience engaging with people from all over the world. A highlight during my time at TAMUQ was going to College Station in Texas, where we presented our senior design project. Experiencing the main campus firsthand was incredible – it offered a completely different perspective and was a memorable part of my academic journey. My sister, Moza, was also enrolled in the same university; we tried to take the same courses and stay together. After graduation, my next step is to pursue a master's degree and, eventually, a PhD. QF has been a journey of growth, challenges, and lifelong connections that I will always cherish.
TECHx
06-03-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Snap Inc. Teams Up with VCUarts Qatar to Empower Future AR Innovators News Desk - 06/03/2025 ShareSnap Inc. has partnered with Virginia Commonwealth University School of Arts Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) to host an exclusive Augmented Reality (AR) workshop for 50 Foundation year and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) students at Web Summit Qatar. The session, titled 'Building a Snapchat Lens, Building Your Career,' offered students a unique opportunity to learn from industry experts and gain hands-on experience in the rapidly evolving AR field.Led by Joseph Darko, Snap Inc.'s Global Head of AR Developer Relations, the workshop showcased both the creative and technical potential of AR technology. Darko emphasized that Augmented Reality is the future of human connection, helping people express themselves and engage with the world around them in new ways. Over the years, Snap's AR technology has evolved from fun lenses to a powerful tool for personal expression and business innovation, with over 6 billion AR Lens plays daily on Snapchat worldwide, and more than 85% of daily users in the MENA region interacting with Lenses.Throughout the session, Snap taught students how to create their own Snapchat Lens, offering practical insights into succeeding within the AR developer community. By investing in AR, Snap is not only helping shape the future of communication but also empowering the next generation of AR developers in the MENA region, aligning with the region's digital transformation goals.'Augmented Reality is the next frontier in human connection, and it was incredible to share the secrets to AR success with the talented students at VCUarts Qatar,' said Joseph Darko. 'This workshop showcased how AR can amplify creativity, drive innovation across industries, and create career opportunities for aspiring developers.'Lejla Niksic, Director of Strategic Engagement at VCUarts Qatar, highlighted how this partnership empowers students to explore innovative technologies like AR and bridge the gap between creativity and the digital world. Niksic noted that collaborating with Snap helps VCUarts Qatar position itself as a key player in nurturing cutting-edge creative practices that align with industry needs and technological advancements.Varvera Guljajeva, Associate Professor of Kinetic Imaging at VCUarts Qatar, shared how her students found the workshop valuable, with one already planning to incorporate AR Lenses into their class project for greater interactivity.As the AR field continues to transform industries like fashion, sports, tourism, and AI, Snap's efforts at VCUarts Qatar highlight the growing demand for skilled AR developers in the MENA region. By supporting initiatives like the VCU workshop, Snap is helping the next generation of AR creators explore exciting career possibilities in the immersive world of Augmented Reality.
Snap Inc. Teams Up with VCUarts Qatar to Empower Future AR Innovators News Desk - Share Snap Inc. has partnered with Virginia Commonwealth University School of Arts Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) to host an exclusive Augmented Reality (AR) workshop for 50 Foundation year and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) students at Web Summit Qatar. The session, titled 'Building a Snapchat Lens, Building Your Career,' offered students a unique opportunity to learn from industry experts and gain hands-on experience in the rapidly evolving AR field. Led by Joseph Darko, Snap Inc.'s Global Head of AR Developer Relations, the workshop showcased both the creative and technical potential of AR technology. Darko emphasized that Augmented Reality is the future of human connection, helping people express themselves and engage with the world around them in new ways. Over the years, Snap's AR technology has evolved from fun lenses to a powerful tool for personal expression and business innovation, with over 6 billion AR Lens plays daily on Snapchat worldwide, and more than 85% of daily users in the MENA region interacting with Lenses. Throughout the session, Snap taught students how to create their own Snapchat Lens, offering practical insights into succeeding within the AR developer community. By investing in AR, Snap is not only helping shape the future of communication but also empowering the next generation of AR developers in the MENA region, aligning with the region's digital transformation goals. 'Augmented Reality is the next frontier in human connection, and it was incredible to share the secrets to AR success with the talented students at VCUarts Qatar,' said Joseph Darko. 'This workshop showcased how AR can amplify creativity, drive innovation across industries, and create career opportunities for aspiring developers.' Lejla Niksic, Director of Strategic Engagement at VCUarts Qatar, highlighted how this partnership empowers students to explore innovative technologies like AR and bridge the gap between creativity and the digital world. Niksic noted that collaborating with Snap helps VCUarts Qatar position itself as a key player in nurturing cutting-edge creative practices that align with industry needs and technological advancements. Varvera Guljajeva, Associate Professor of Kinetic Imaging at VCUarts Qatar, shared how her students found the workshop valuable, with one already planning to incorporate AR Lenses into their class project for greater interactivity. As the AR field continues to transform industries like fashion, sports, tourism, and AI, Snap's efforts at VCUarts Qatar highlight the growing demand for skilled AR developers in the MENA region. By supporting initiatives like the VCU workshop, Snap is helping the next generation of AR creators explore exciting career possibilities in the immersive world of Augmented Reality.
Web Release
06-03-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Snap Inc. and Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar empower the next generation of AR talent at Web Summit Qatar 2025
Dedicated to empowering the next generation of Augmented Reality (AR) innovators, Snap Inc. teamed up with Virginia Commonwealth University School of Arts Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) to host an exclusive AR workshop for 50 Foundation year and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) students at Web Summit Qatar. The workshop, titled 'Building a Snapchat Lens, Building Your Career,' provided students with a unique opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge from industry leaders, equipping them with the tools needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving AR landscape. The session, led by Joseph Darko, Snap Inc.'s Global Head of AR Developer Relations, was designed to showcase both the creative and technical potential of AR technology. Augmented Reality is digitally overlaid onto the real world, which Snap believes is the healthiest, most compelling way to communicate. Over the years, Snap's AR technology has evolved significantly, transitioning from fun, playful lenses to a powerful tool for both personal expression and business innovation. Globally, Snapchat sees over 6 billion AR Lens plays every day on average, and in the MENA region, more than 85% of daily users interact with Lenses each day. Committed to empowering the next generation, Snap taught students how to build their own Snapchat Lens, while also introducing them to practical strategies for succeeding in the AR developer community. Through its longstanding investments in AR, Snap is not only shaping the future of communication but empowering the next generation of developers in the region, aligning with the digital transformation agendas of the Middle East. 'Augmented Reality is the next frontier in human connection, and it was incredible to share the secrets to AR success with the talented students at VCUarts Qatar,' said Joseph Darko, Global Head of AR Developer Relations at Snap Inc. 'This workshop showcased how AR can amplify creativity, drive innovation across industries, and create tangible career opportunities for aspiring developers. At Snap, we're committed to building experiences that connect people and brands in authentic, meaningful ways, and we're proud to support talent in MENA – a region where we see enormous potential for AR to transform all sectors.' The partnership between Snap and VCUarts Qatar underscores the importance of experiential learning and industry collaboration in preparing students for the future of work. Students who attended the workshop left with a deeper understanding of how AR is already reshaping industries like fashion, sports, tourism, culture and AI—sectors in which Snap is leading the charge in leveraging AR for branding and consumer engagement. Lejla Niksic, Director of Strategic Engagement at VCUarts Qatar, said, 'This collaboration with Snap empowers our students to explore innovative technologies like AR, allowing them to bridge the gap between creativity and the rapidly evolving digital landscape, ensuring they are equipped to lead in a future driven by innovation.' Niksic further emphasized, 'For VCUarts Qatar, collaborating with Snap enhances our positioning as a key player in fostering cutting-edge creative practices that align with industry needs and technological advancements, ultimately preparing our students to thrive in a world where digital engagement is central to various design fields. The alignment of our shared commitment to creativity and innovation makes this partnership a natural fit, ensuring that our students not only gain valuable skills but also embody the forward-thinking and entrepreneurial spirit that both VCUarts Qatar and Snap strive to cultivate.' Varvera Guljajeva, VCUarts Qatar Associate Professor of Kinetic Imaging, brought her entire class to the Snap workshop at Web Summit Qatar and expressed how meaningful it was for students to hear directly about new developments that they can explore and learn. According to Guljajeva, one of her students already has plans to incorporate Lenses into their current class project to make it more interactive. As AR continues to redefine consumer experiences across industries, the MENA region is poised for an accelerated demand for skilled AR developers. By supporting initiatives like the VCU workshop, Snap is not only cultivating the next generation of AR creators, but empowering students to explore new, exciting career possibilities within the immersive world of Augmented Reality.
Mid East Info
05-03-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Snap Inc. and Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar empower the next generation of AR talent at Web Summit Qatar 2025
Hosting a workshop exclusively for the university's Foundation year and Bachelor of Fine Arts students, Snap's Global head of AR Developer Relations showcased the future of Augmented Reality and career pathways at Snap Middle East, March 2025 — Dedicated to empowering the next generation of Augmented Reality (AR) innovators, Snap Inc. teamed up with Virginia Commonwealth University School of Arts Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) to host an exclusive AR workshop for 50 Foundation year and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) students at Web Summit Qatar. The workshop, titled 'Building a Snapchat Lens, Building Your Career,' provided students with a unique opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge from industry leaders, equipping them with the tools needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving AR landscape. The session, led by Joseph Darko, Snap Inc.'s Global Head of AR Developer Relations, was designed to showcase both the creative and technical potential of AR technology. Augmented Reality is digitally overlaid onto the real world, which Snap believes is the healthiest, most compelling way to communicate. Over the years, Snap's AR technology has evolved significantly, transitioning from fun, playful lenses to a powerful tool for both personal expression and business innovation. Globally, Snapchat sees over 6 billion AR Lens plays every day on average, and in the MENA region, more than 85% of daily users interact with Lenses each day. Committed to empowering the next generation, Snap taught students how to build their own Snapchat Lens, while also introducing them to practical strategies for succeeding in the AR developer community. Through its longstanding investments in AR, Snap is not only shaping the future of communication but empowering the next generation of developers in the region, aligning with the digital transformation agendas of the Middle East. 'Augmented Reality is the next frontier in human connection, and it was incredible to share the secrets to AR success with the talented students at VCUarts Qatar,' said Joseph Darko, Global Head of AR Developer Relations at Snap Inc. 'This workshop showcased how AR can amplify creativity, drive innovation across industries, and create tangible career opportunities for aspiring developers. At Snap, we're committed to building experiences that connect people and brands in authentic, meaningful ways, and we're proud to support talent in MENA – a region where we see enormous potential for AR to transform all sectors.' The partnership between Snap and VCUarts Qatar underscores the importance of experiential learning and industry collaboration in preparing students for the future of work. Students who attended the workshop left with a deeper understanding of how AR is already reshaping industries like fashion, sports, tourism, culture and AI—sectors in which Snap is leading the charge in leveraging AR for branding and consumer engagement. Lejla Niksic, Director of Strategic Engagement at VCUarts Qatar, said, 'This collaboration with Snap empowers our students to explore innovative technologies like AR, allowing them to bridge the gap between creativity and the rapidly evolving digital landscape, ensuring they are equipped to lead in a future driven by innovation.' Niksic further emphasized, 'For VCUarts Qatar, collaborating with Snap enhances our positioning as a key player in fostering cutting-edge creative practices that align with industry needs and technological advancements, ultimately preparing our students to thrive in a world where digital engagement is central to various design fields. The alignment of our shared commitment to creativity and innovation makes this partnership a natural fit, ensuring that our students not only gain valuable skills but also embody the forward-thinking and entrepreneurial spirit that both VCUarts Qatar and Snap strive to cultivate.' Varvera Guljajeva, VCUarts Qatar Associate Professor of Kinetic Imaging, brought her entire class to the Snap workshop at Web Summit Qatar and expressed how meaningful it was for students to hear directly about new developments that they can explore and learn. According to Guljajeva, one of her students already has plans to incorporate Lenses into their current class project to make it more interactive. As AR continues to redefine consumer experiences across industries, the MENA region is poised for an accelerated demand for skilled AR developers. By supporting initiatives like the VCU workshop, Snap is not only cultivating the next generation of AR creators, but empowering students to explore new, exciting career possibilities within the immersive world of Augmented Reality.
