Qatar has the potential to become a regional hub for modern pieces of art due to its international mix of cultures and proximity to Europe and Asia, according to a Doha-based art connoisseur.
“Based on the international melting pot that we have in Doha, it will definitely help Qatar follow the steps of Dubai in the future. Qatar has access to Europe and Asia and it is the perfect point to bring this amazing combination," gallery owner Martha Blanco told Gulf Times on the sidelines of the live art exhibition and signing by French artist Christian Hévin at the Carrè d’artistes Doha by ArtFix Gallery in The Gate Mall.


Martha Blanco

“Art moves everywhere so definitely, in a couple of years, I see it happening in Qatar, especially at the rate the country is growing now,” she explained.
According to Blanco, the art scene in Doha “is growing” because of the variety of art-related events organised by both the public and private sector.
“People, in general, have more interest in art, and I have seen this change becoming evident, especially this year. I see more information, the combination of education with events, and a lot of different activities where art can be expressed.
“These events, which have been organised by both governmental and private entities, are growing. There is now more awareness on art because of these organisations,” Blanco pointed out.
After attending the ‘Art for Tomorrow’ conference she was very impressed by the calibre of people who were brought to the event in Doha. "In all of these events, the government is definitely making an effort to bring things like this to Qatar. This is how people start understanding art and this is how the government starts planting the seeds inside the younger generation in order for them to appreciate art now or in the future.”
Blanco said the gallery features 12 international artists, plus homegrown Qatari artist Ali al-Mulla. At least 70% of the artists are from Europe, mainly from France, she added.
“The idea is to combine these people with Qatari artists, like Ali al-Mulla. That is why we are inviting other Qatari artists to be part of our network, which has around 600 international artists,” she stressed.
Asked if it is possible to have more Ali al-Mullas in the future, Blanco said: “We have a couple of Qatari artists who are now in the pipeline but I still cannot disclose their names pending the approval of art curators involved in the selection process. In our network, we have around 200 artists applying every month and sometime only two or three get selected. But I am confident that these Qatari artists will get approved because they are very talented.”