Qatar Academy Doha Highlights Mexican Folk Traditions in Vibrant Cultural Event with VCUarts Qatar

A key feature of the event was an online session titled “Papel Picado: The Art of Celebration in Mexican Folk Traditions,” led by Diego Arturo Mendoza Sanchez, a VCUarts Qatar graduate and co-director of Full Special Studio, the UAE’s only commercial risography studio.

The day began with a presentation for 119 third-grade students, many of whom wore traditional Mexican clothing. With the Mexican Cultural Attaché Pedro Márquez and other embassy representatives present, students were introduced to elements of Mexican folk art, including papel picado and Lotería cards. The session provided a meaningful opportunity for students to learn about cultural expression through visual storytelling.

Following the presentation, students participated in a virtual workshop led by Mendoza Sanchez, who joined virtually from Abu Dhabi. He guided them through the process of designing their own Lotería cards, turning classrooms into creative workspaces. The workshop offered a practical introduction to design while showing how technology can support interactive learning across distances.

This event adds to a series of collaborations between QAD and VCUarts Qatar’s CCE program. Earlier this year, they completed a visual arts program for Grades 4 and 5 focused on animation and documentary production. Final projects from that program will be exhibited at the VCUarts Qatar Gallery in Fall 2025.

Over the past year, the partnership has also delivered workshops in graphic design, interior design, printmaking, and more, tailored for various grade levels. Initiatives such as Vinyl Artistry and PAPR programs under the Creative Chronicles umbrella continue to expand creative learning opportunities for students.

“The bond between VCUarts Qatar and QAD has been long-standing,” said Rasha Alkasab, Program Manager for Community and Continuing Education. “Our goal is to integrate art and design across educational levels and subjects, providing students with experiences that stay with them. We look forward to working with more schools in Doha as part of this mission.”

VCUarts Qatar’s CCE department will also offer its annual Summer Art & Design Program from July 13 to August 7, 2025. Open to children and high school students, the program includes hands-on workshops designed to encourage creative exploration. Registration is now available through the VCUarts Qatar website.