Doha: Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), a Qatar Foundation partner university, has opened registration for its 2026 Summer Art and Design Programs offering preparatory courses for students aged 16-18, alongside programs for middle school students.
According to Qatar News Agency, the programs, held at the VCUarts Qatar campus from July 12 to August 6, span four weeks and cover a variety of techniques, including 3D modeling and printing, digital artwork, virtual reality spatial design, visual storytelling, and portfolio development. For students aged 16-18, the first week introduces them to art and design fundamentals such as drawing, model-making, illustration, and artistic expression. Students will also learn about VCUarts Qatar's core majors: Graphic Design, Interior Design, Painting and Printmaking, and Kinetic Imaging.
In subsequent weeks, students can delve deeper into a discipline of their choice through coursework based on the University's art curriculum, experiencing campus life and studio-based practice. An optional fourth week is dedicated to portfolio development for university applications. For students aged 11-15, the Summer Children's Program features two courses, Creative Chronicles and Beyond the Layer: From Digital Models to Physical Artifacts.
The courses integrate traditional visual storytelling and artmaking with modern creative tools, providing foundational technical instruction and problem-solving. In Creative Chronicles, participants will develop fictional characters, storylines, and digital artworks, transforming their ideas into immersive Virtual Reality experiences using tools like Tilt Brush and Open Brush. The course concludes with VR walkthroughs, recorded experiences, and short presentations.
The Beyond the Layer course introduces students to 3D modeling and printing, guiding them in turning digital ideas into physical artifacts through hands-on experimentation. Participants will create original 3D designs using beginner-friendly modeling software and explore techniques like mold-making and resin casting. Throughout the course, students enhance their creative problem-solving skills while exploring the link between digital design and tactile making.
Program Manager for Community and Continuing Education at VCUarts Qatar, Rasha Alkasab, highlighted the importance of early exposure to interdisciplinary art and design education for understanding creative potential and future pathways. She emphasized that the programs aim to mirror the academic depth and exploratory nature of the undergraduate experience, equipping participants with technical skills, critical thinking, and creative confidence.