VCU School of the Arts in Qatar
By Haupt & Binder

The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of the Arts in Qatar is a private, art school exclusively for women. Founded in 1999 – initiated by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned through the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development she headed – the VCU Qatar evolved in collaboration with the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, USA. Following a period of basic training in the visual arts, the women students specialize in fashion, graphic design and interior design.

In April of 2004, when we were invited to the lectures at the VCU Qatar, we immediately noticed its warm and friendly atmosphere. The students verified this impression: "There’s no distance here between students and professors. You have the feeling the faculty members are more like friends with whom you can even discuss personal problems. The VCU is like a second family."

In the two interviews that we are publishing here, among other qualities one recognizes the extent to which the school’s directorship strives to combine academic standards with such a feeling of protection.

Interviews

Christina Lindholm Dean, VCU School of the Arts in Qatar

Richard E. Toscan Dean, VCU School of the Arts, Richmond

Haupt & Binder
Gerhard Haupt and Pat Binder. Publishers of Universes in Universe - Worlds of Art; co-publishers and editors-in-chief of Nafas Art Magazine. Based in Berlin, Germany.

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