Doha Design District Launches Public Art Open Call to Shape the Future of Creative Placemaking in Doha

• Submissions are open now until 14 May 2026, with the creative community invited to submit proposals via the Doha Design District website

Doha, Qatar, April 14, 2026: Doha Design District (DDD), the creative hub at the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha, has announced its Public Art Open Call, inviting artists, designers, and creatives to submit proposals for innovative public artworks.

The initiative positions public art as an integral part of the public realm, enhancing everyday urban life while reinforcing the district's identity and enriching the overall visitor experience. Through this program, the District continues to advance its role as a leading platform for creativity and cultural exchange, contributing to broader cultural and urban development goals while shaping the district into an active, engaging, and innovative destination.

The Public Art Open Call is designed to support placemaking by integrating art into key urban spaces to define character and strengthen a sense of place, while also celebrating cultural expression by showcasing local narratives and Qatari identity alongside fostering regional and international dialogue. It further aims to encourage public engagement through meaningful, everyday interaction with art, promoting accessibility and shared ownership, while enabling creative collaboration and opportunities for artists and interdisciplinary practitioners. In parallel, the initiative emphasizes sustainability, calling for durable, context-appropriate works that deliver long-term public value.

Dana Kazic, Director of Doha Design District, said: 'Public art plays a transformative role in shaping how people experience and connect with a place. Through this open call, we invite creatives to contribute to Doha Design District's evolving identity, while reinforcing our commitment to supporting artistic innovation and positioning Doha as a vibrant, globally connected cultural hub. We invite artists to be part of this initiative and contribute to our mission to transform our downtown into a dynamic artistic neighborhood, while showcasing their creativity to the wider community.'

Submissions will be open until 14 May, with the competition welcoming a broad spectrum of participants, including urban designers, architects, landscape architects, artists, designers, creatives working in public space, as well as community organizations and interdisciplinary collectives. Emerging professionals and students are also encouraged to apply, provided they are supported by a mentor or institutional endorsement. Proposals may be submitted across a range of categories, including sculptural landmarks and gateways, functional and interactive installations, educational and community-oriented spaces, as well as murals and other surface-based interventions.

All proposals must be submitted digitally via the Doha Design District website in either English or Arabic and should include a visual presentation panel, a project description of up to 1,000 words outlining the concept, sustainability approach, spatial adaptability and materiality, along with relevant applicant information such as biographies, portfolios and contact details. Multiple submissions per individual or team are permitted. Applicants may also include optional supporting materials, and are encouraged to refer to the official website for full submission guidelines and detailed requirements.

Submissions will be evaluated by a selection committee against key criteria, including originality and artistic vision, responsiveness to the urban and cultural context, potential for public engagement, environmental responsibility, and overall feasibility in terms of technical execution, budget alignment and deliverability within the project timeline.

Doha Design District reaffirms its commitment to fostering a dynamic creative ecosystem, inviting the local, regional and international creative community to play an active role in shaping the public realm and contributing to Doha's evolving cultural landscape.