Art Basel Qatar 2027 reveals ‘between’ as its new curatorial theme

Art Basel Qatar 2027 is preparing for a new chapter with between, a curatorial theme exploring connections between cultures, histories, and artistic perspectives. Returning to Msheireb Downtown Doha from 28 to 30 January, the fair’s second edition will bring together 80 solo-artist presentations by 82 galleries from 37 countries. With its newly announced exhibitor lineup and an expanded programme for collectors, Art Basel Qatar is taking shape as an important meeting point for contemporary art from the region and around the world.

Art Basel Qatar 2027 returns with a new curatorial direction

Following its inaugural edition in February 2026, Art Basel Qatar returns with a new artistic direction. While the first edition explored transformation and identity through Becoming, Iraqi curator Wassan Al-Khudhairi introduces the theme between / بين for 2027.

The fair will retain its distinctive solo-presentation format, allowing galleries to spotlight individual artists. Exhibitions will take place across M7 and the Doha Design District, alongside public art projects throughout Msheireb Downtown Doha.

Art Basel Qatar Preview Days are scheduled for 26 and 27 January, ahead of the public opening on 28 January. These early viewing opportunities are especially valuable for collectors planning gallery appointments and a longer cultural stay in Doha.

Following its inaugural edition in February 2026, Art Basel Qatar returns with a new direction.

What does ‘between’ mean at Art Basel Qatar 2027?

The Art Basel Qatar 2027 theme, between / بين, explores what happens when different cultures, experiences, and ideas meet. Rather than treating the space between two things as a division, Al-Khudhairi sees it as a place for new possibilities. The concept encourages artists and visitors to explore connections that may not fit neatly into established categories.

This can be understood in several ways:

• Between cultures: Explore artistic exchanges linking the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and the wider world.
• Between generations: Consider how inherited traditions influence contemporary creative practices.
• Between artistic disciplines: Create opportunities for artists working across different materials, mediums, and forms of expression.

For visitors, between offers an open-ended way to explore the exhibition. Each presentation can reveal a different interpretation, encouraging connections between works that might initially appear unrelated.

Meet Wassan Al-Khudhairi, the curator behind ‘between’

Wassan Al-Khudhairi brings international curatorial experience and strong ties to Qatar’s art scene. A former founding director of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, she has also worked at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis and contributed to major exhibitions, including the Gwangju Biennial and Hawai‘i Triennial.

Her experience across museums, exhibitions, and international art communities provides an interesting foundation for the 2027 edition.

Al-Khudhairi is particularly interested in creating opportunities for people to connect through art. Beyond gallery presentations, she has emphasised the importance of conversations, shared experiences, and hospitality in bringing different creative communities together.

Meet Wassan Al-Khudhairi, the curator behind ‘between’.

Art Basel Qatar 2027 galleries and artists to watch

The newly announced Art Basel Qatar 2027 exhibitors programme reflects the fair’s growing international reach. Approximately half of the participating artists come from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, while more than one-third of the galleries operate spaces in the region.

The Art Basel Qatar 2027 galleries lineup includes internationally recognised names alongside established regional galleries and newcomers participating in their first Art Basel fair.

Several confirmed presentations are particularly worth watching:

The selection highlights the fair’s ambition to bring together artists with different backgrounds, generations, and creative approaches. Regional galleries such as Green Art Gallery, The Third Line, Athr, and Lawrie Shabibi will also participate, reinforcing the importance of artistic voices from the Middle East and neighbouring regions.

For collectors, the solo-presentation format provides an opportunity to explore individual artistic practices in greater depth. Rather than moving between large group exhibitions, visitors can spend time understanding each artist’s ideas, techniques, and wider body of work.

Art Basel Qatar 2027 galleries

Beyond the galleries: Art Basel Qatar’s expanding Special Projects

Art Basel Qatar 2027 will expand its Special Projects programme beyond traditional gallery spaces, bringing immersive installations, site-specific works, and creative interventions to public areas across Msheireb Downtown Doha.

These projects offer another interpretation of between, exploring how art interacts with architecture, public spaces, and audiences. Works displayed outside conventional galleries can create new connections between visitors and their surroundings.

Curator Wassan Al-Khudhairi also hopes to encourage visitors to gather, exchange ideas, and experience art together, extending the fair’s curatorial vision into a more interactive and shared experience.

Collectors Majlis: A new experience beyond Art Basel Qatar

Another significant development for 2027 is Collectors Majlis, a new year-round initiative designed to strengthen connections between collectors, galleries, and cultural institutions.

The invitation-only programme will bring together approximately 30 to 40 emerging and developing collectors through masterclasses, workshops, collection visits, and opportunities to learn from art professionals. Participants will gain insights into the art market, collection building, and gallery relationships.

For Art Basel Qatar collectors, Collectors Majlis extends engagement beyond the fair itself. It also supports Qatar’s ambition to develop a sustainable art ecosystem by connecting international expertise with growing interest in collecting and contemporary art in Qatar.

Experience Art Basel Qatar 2027 with MA Hospitality Group

With its new curatorial direction and international galleries, Art Basel Qatar 2027 highlights Doha’s growing art scene. Visitors seeking VIP access should plan ahead, as Preview Days and invitation-only programmes have specific requirements. The fair can also be combined with museum visits, cultural experiences, and fine dining across the city.

MA Hospitality Group can assist with VIP access and hospitality enquiries for leading art events. Our team can also coordinate luxury accommodation, private chauffeurs, restaurant reservations, personalised cultural itineraries, and dedicated concierge support.

Get in touch with us to plan your Art Basel Qatar 2027 experience.

See more: Art Basel Miami Beach VIP access

Inquire Now