The Best Is Yet To Come

Dearest QAI Friends,

We wanted to share a note of thanks for your support, along with an update on our most recent news and developments.

In these challenging times, we are reminded of what matters to us the most: You.

We at the Qatar-America Institute (QAI) are truly honored and appreciative of your continuous desire and enthusiasm to be part of our growing community. As an independent nonprofit organization, your trust, support, and contributions are what empower us to fulfill our mission and have a positive impact. Together, we are able to further accentuate the cultural ties between Qatar and America.

Since QAI’s inception three years ago, we have experimented with many different ventures and opportunities to find what you value the most. From photography competitions to food festivals and interfaith dinners to art exhibitions, we learned to listen as we grew as an organization. Over the past eight months, we have been actively reflecting on these experiences and planning our next chapter.

QAI evolved from a 501(c)(4) civic organization that focused on political, economic, and social issues to a 501(c)(3) public charity focused on cultural activities that further the arts, education, and charitable community-focused pursuits. To accompany this evolution and further its aims, QAI welcomed a new Board of Directors that has invaluable expertise and prestige in the worlds of culture, art, business, and academia. Collectively, our new Board of Directors and staff are excited to make these new changes to better serve you. We are happy to announce that the Qatar-America Institute (QAI) is officially embarking on a new path forward as the Qatar America Institute for Culture (QAIC).

To help us deliver on our vision, we are in the process of relocating to a grand historic building situated at the heart of Washington DC’s DuPont Circle neighborhood. Our new space will be a unique destination in the nation’s capital evoking history, curiosity, beauty, and serenity. Our ‘Bayt,’ Arabic for home, provides ample space for artists, creatives, designers, and storytellers from the United States, Qatar, and the wider Arab and Islamic world to both create and showcase their work. To complement our renewed focus on culture, we are revamping both the style and substance of our brand identity, including our logo, digital properties, and social media channels. Furthermore, we are refining and redesigning our programs to align with the values and mission we strive to reflect.

Last but not least, we are offering new professional opportunities to further grow our team.

We hope this message has sparked your interest and excitement to be part of this change. We recognize how the pandemic has presented the arts and culture sector with a new reality, but with your support and our new cultural identity, we are confident that we will be able to genuinely create a difference together. We are eager to reveal more details over the coming months as we continue on this journey. Thank you again for being part of our community, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, ideas, or potential partnerships by using the contact form below.

With Gratitude,

The Qatar America Institute for Culture