On the evening of March 22nd, we had the pleasure of attending a thought-provoking roundtable discussion hosted by AlHosh Gallery, held in conjunction with their ongoing exhibition “Deen: The Art of Faith.” The discussion brought together a distinguished panel of curators, collectors, and consultants who are deeply engaged in shaping the art landscape of Qatar and the wider MENA region.

A Thoughtful Conversation at the Intersection of Art and Faith

The roundtable, moderated by Dr. Neelima Jeychandran, featured key voices from Qatar’s art and curatorial community:

Dr. Jochen Sokoly – Curator and art historian
Tariq Al Jaidah – Collector and cultural advocate
Leenima – Curator
Zahra Khan – Curator and art consultant
Jennifer Bishop – Art consultant
Mohammed Al Emadi – Collector and cultural strategist

The panel explored the possibilities of curating and collecting art outside formal institutional settings, highlighting how exhibitions like “Deen” play a critical role in expanding the boundaries of engagement with art in Qatar.

Why Events Like This Matter for the Qatari Art Ecosystem

In Qatar’s rapidly evolving cultural landscape, independent art spaces like AlHosh Gallery serve as essential platforms for dialogue, experimentation, and collaboration. Events like this roundtable discussion go beyond showcasing art — they create a space where artists, curators, collectors, and art lovers can engage in meaningful conversation about the role of art in society.

Here’s why this matters:

1. Diversifying Narratives and Access

The discussion emphasized the need to decentralize art from museums and major institutions and bring it into community-driven spaces. This approach allows for more diverse voices and themes—such as faith, identity, and personal experience—to emerge.

2. Building Local and Regional Networks

By bringing together curators and collectors who are active in both Qatar and the broader MENA region, AlHosh fosters connections that strengthen the regional art ecosystem. This collaboration helps elevate local artists and opens up new opportunities for cross-border cultural exchange.

3. Encouraging Critical Thinking and Cultural Dialogue

Events like this help audiences explore how art intersects with cultural, spiritual, and social themes, encouraging a deeper appreciation of artistic expression in context.

4. Supporting Emerging Artists

Independent exhibitions provide vital exposure for emerging and mid-career artists. They also offer alternative models for showcasing and selling work, often without the constraints of institutional gatekeeping.

AlHosh Gallery: A Catalyst for Cultural Conversation

AlHosh Gallery continues to prove its role as a cultural catalyst in Qatar, nurturing artistic dialogue and bringing underrepresented perspectives to the forefront. The “Deen” exhibition and the accompanying roundtable discussion are just the latest examples of how grassroots initiatives are shaping the future of art in Qatar — one conversation, one exhibition, and one connection at a time.

Final Thoughts

As Qatar continues to invest in its creative economy, platforms like AlHosh and events like this roundtable discussion are vital to building a sustainable, inclusive, and globally connected art ecosystem. We look forward to seeing more initiatives that spark conversation, connect communities, and celebrate the rich artistic tapestry of Qatar and the wider GCC/MENA region.

If you’d like to explore more of Qatar’s art scene or learn how to support local artists, visit ArtQart — a curated platform dedicated to showcasing artists from the region.