Doha, Qatar - March 20, 2012

The Pearl-Qatar, the most glamorous address in the Middle East, is set to become one of the major hubs for the region's contemporary artists with the opening of Anima gallery and lounge on 26th of March 2012.

Anima gallery & lounge, is a concept gallery that targets people in search of artistic inspiration. The gallery is linked to an upscale lounge offering its visitors the chance to interact, watch art videos and read art magazines and books. Moreover, the gallery will schedule art and sculpture classes in collaboration with Qatar's prominent universities and colleges.

The opening ceremony of Anima gallery and lounge will take place on March 24, 2012 when the gallery will open its doors for its opening exhibition "Together We Connect". The exhibition will showcase the works of international artists; Jason Martin, Billy Childish, Tracey Emin, Bernard Frize, Tom Sachs, as well as works by renowned regional artists Hassan Hajjaj, Mohamad-Said Baalbaki 'Baal' and Abdulrahman Katanani.  The inaugural exhibition will also feature three pioneering Qatari artists - Yousef Ahmed, Ali Hassan and Amal Al-Aathem. 

Twelve other artists represented by Anima gallery and lounge will also be at the event to talk about future exhibitions. The artists are Charbel Aoun, Emmanuel Guiragussian, Elie Bourgely, Faraj Dham, Jean-Marc Nahas, Jean-Paul Guiragossian, Jehad Al Ameri, Manuella Guiragossian, Mayak, Mohamad Al Amri, Najia Mahadji and Nuno De Matos.

The St. Regis Doha, Qatar's newest luxury hotel, will serve as official home for international artists attending the events.

"Qatar has established itself as the cultural capital of the Middle East. I wanted to create a space where local, regional and international artists can show their work. The gallery will also act as an art education center where people can enjoy talks as well as art lessons." Ghada Sholy - owner of Anima Art Gallery and lounge - said. "The Pearl-Qatar is the natural destination for Anima gallery and lounge, as it has become the centre for Doha's thriving urban and multicultural community."

-Ends-

About Anima
Anima gallery and lounge is located at the breath taking manmade Island, The Pearl-Qatar.  The space covers and area of 570m2 in 30 La Croisette Porto Arabia on the beach front.  The gallery features local, regional as well as international contemporary art.  Anima is hosting artists and collectors to give talks and introduce art works; lessons in painting and sculpture will also be given in cooperation with universities and artists in Qatar.

The gallery is attached to a lounge which services light food and is a trendy place where people can gather; watch art videos and read art magazines and books.

About The St. Regis Doha
The St. Regis Doha features 336 luxurious guest rooms including 70 suites - all offering spectacular sea views and custom-made furnishings.  The hotel is geared to set new standards in service and luxury in Qatar with the legendary St. Regis Butler Service provided to all guests. The hotel will also feature 10 restaurants and lounges, 4,000 square metres of meeting space, an Olympic swimming pool, the first Remede spa in the Middle East, 10 luxury cabanas and a private beach.

For more informaiton or to make a reservation please contact the reservations department at +974 4446.0000, or visit our website at www.stregisdoha.com 

About The Pearl-Qatar
The Pearl-Qatar is a unique and innovative urban development in Doha, Qatar.  A masterpiece of private and modern living on an island spanning over 4 million square-meters of land, The Pearl-Qatar offers a tailored range of residential solutions to meet the highest of standards available in the Gulf.  Furthermore The Pearl-Qatar plays host to the latest retail and hospitality offerings from the world's leading brands and restaurants.

Developed by United Development Company (UDC), the island is located 350 meters offshore of Doha's prestigious West Bay District and is one of the largest real-estate developments in the Gulf.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
UDC Marketing & Communications
corporatecommunications@udcqatar.com

© Press Release 2012