Doha:The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Qatar Museums, Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, has announced details for the upcoming Art Basel Qatar 2027. The event, themed "Between," will take place from January 28 to 30, 2027, and was unveiled during a press conference at Doha Design District in Msheireb Downtown Doha. The announcement was attended by notable figures including the Chairman of Qatar Tourism, Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, and various cultural and art dignitaries.
According to Qatar News Agency, the second edition of Art Basel Qatar is being organized in partnership with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), QC+, and Visit Qatar as the fair's lead partner. The event will showcase 80 new solo-artist presentations by 82 galleries from 37 countries and territories, all aligning with the theme "Between."
Sheikha Al Mayassa emphasized the importance of investing in the cultural and creative sectors as a fundamental element of Qatar National Vision 2030. She highlighted the strategic partnerships with Qatar Museums, Qatar Sports Investments, QC+, Visit Qatar, and Art Basel, which build upon Qatar's successful investment history in infrastructure and arts programs over the past five decades.
The Art Basel Qatar 2027 will feature a wide array of exhibitions and events across museums, galleries, and public spaces throughout the country. This includes more than 12 new exhibitions in museums and public spaces, showcasing the diversity and richness of both local and international art movements. Among the major events is the inaugural edition of Qatar's contemporary art quadrennial, set to launch on November 20 in celebration of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 atmosphere and the intersection of culture and sport.
Art Basel Qatar 2027 will also open the Doha Pavilion, featuring a major work by artist Gerhard Richter, alongside events related to the Doha Film Festival, the "Ceramic Route" exhibition, and the Handicrafts Forum. Additionally, international jewelry exhibitions will be held in collaboration with established jewelry houses.
Art Basel CEO Noah Horowitz outlined the key features of the 2027 edition, expressing hopes for it to be a milestone in nurturing local talent and connecting it with global markets. He revealed that over 30 galleries would be participating for the first time in Art Basel's history, including Alhosh Gallery, Taymour Grahne Projects, and others. Horowitz underscored Art Basel Qatar's ambition to establish a sustainable platform supporting future art collectors and patrons.
Wassan Al Khudhairi, Artistic Director of Art Basel Qatar 2027, interpreted the theme "Between" as reflecting the fair's evolving vision and its role as a global platform for artistic and cultural exchange. She noted that the theme explores space as a realm of interaction and fluidity rather than rigid definitions.
Christine Merz, CEO of QC+, spoke on the partnership with Art Basel and the vision of nurturing the region's creative economy. She noted that Doha Design District will serve as a central hub for upcoming events, hosting talks and panel discussions with artists, decision-makers, and collectors.
Chief Artistic Officer and Global Director of Fairs at Art Basel Vincenzo de Bellis stated that the ambition for Art Basel Qatar is to create a fair that resonates globally while being rooted in its regional context. The 2027 edition will also introduce "Collectors Majlis," a pilot masterclass program for emerging collectors.
The inaugural edition of Art Basel Qatar in February 2026 has become integral to Qatar's cultural scene, providing a platform for cultural exchange and art market development across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia regions. Art Basel Qatar continues to develop the regional art market with a year-round program complementing the annual fair.
Source Qatar News Agency