Departments
Art History
The Department of Art History at VCUarts Qatar offers a distinctive undergraduate program in Islamic art within a global framework. Departing from a traditionally Western-centric curriculum, the program embraces a multicultural approach that highlights Qatar’s historical connections to the broader Islamic world and regions beyond the Arabian Peninsula.
Learn about the programThe department hosts the biennial Hamad bin Khalifa Symposium on Islamic Art, making innovative scholarship accessible to scholars, artists, designers, and the broader public. Beyond Islamic art, the curriculum encompasses visual cultures across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, fostering a comprehensive understanding of global artistic traditions. With a strong emphasis on museum practice, students gain both theoretical insight and practical experience to critically engage with the evolving role of museums. The department is committed to challenging Eurocentrism, nurturing cross-cultural dialogue, and amplifying underrepresented perspectives — deepening students’ understanding of humanity’s shared artistic and cultural heritage.
