Overview
Discover the rich heritage of Qatari and Islamic crafts through the Herfah program at Al Khater House.
The tradition of artistic crafts developed in the Arab and Islamic world represents an invaluable cultural legacy. The program aims to nurture these timeless traditions and engender an appreciation for heritage and cultural identity.
The immersive 1-year experience is held at Al Khater House, a unique heritage site at the heart of Education City, and delivered by The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, who bring their expertise in teaching and preserving traditional crafts.
Visit the registration page to sign up for the 1-year program or contact us at herfati@qf.org.qa.
Learn MoreCore Courses
This introductory geometry class familiarizes students with the principles and language of traditional geometry, starting from nature’s creative principles and seeing how these inform traditional arts universally.
Geometry 1
Starting with an overview and exploration of the formal language of stylized flower and plant forms in Islamic art, this course prepares students to recognise and develop the principles and forms that are prevalent in the art of biomorphic design.
Nabati Ornamentation: Motifs
This class introduces students to skills of observational and analytical drawing. Students learn to stylize and refine drawn elements to reveal universal principles that are present within the particularities of our observed surroundings.
Drawing for Designers
This course introduces the processes of refinement and preparation. Learning to transform the raw materials of earth, stones, plants, and resins into paint gives the artist profound respect for the nature of their materials.
Methods & Materials
The second level of geometry courses develops the students’ drawing skills and understanding in pattern construction and composition. Students will extend their investigations into symmetry families of the Square Root 2 and 3, as well as the basic Golden Mean grids.
Geometry 2
This course incorporates the visual vocabular and skills introduced in Nabati Ornamentation: Motifs, introducing students to principles of compositional design as applied in various craft contexts.
Nabati Ornamentation: Composition
For students who wish to create their own designs for application in specific media, this course supports students in adapting both geometric and biomorphic designs to various craft contexts, including painting, woodworking, gypsum, textiles, and ceramics.
Design Project
Electives
Ceramics are an artform that can be either decorative, utilitarian, or architectural, requiring students to thoughtfully integrate design and craft skills in order to achieve successful outcomes. Students will explore painted vessels, geometric tiles, and other ceramic skills.
Ceramics
A range of courses are included under this topic, including Contextual Decorative Design, Methods and Materials, Egg Tempera Painting, and Gilding and various traditional painting techniques found in the region and its neighbouring areas.
Decorative Painting
The field of textiles includes some of the earliest artforms practiced by the human race. These courses closely unite an understanding of materials given to us by the natural world with practical craft skills and careful handiwork.
Textiles
There are many different ways of engaging with the warm, living material of wood. A range of courses will offer students the opportunity to explore both geometric and biomorphic designs in wood, drawing on a variety of traditional techniques.
Woodwork
Gypsum is a traditional material that is widely used as a decorative element in the interiors and exteriors of many historic buildings. This course will teach students how to correctly mix and pour gypsum, as well as carve geometric and biomorphic patterns into its surface.
Gypsum
FAQ
Herfah at Al Khater House is a program focused on reviving and promoting traditional crafts that are deeply rooted in Qatari and Islamic culture. This 1-year immersive experience is designed to build foundational skills in traditional Islamic crafts, with participants engaging in both core courses and specialized electives, guided by expert tutors. Held at Al Khater House, Herfah is delivered by The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, who bring expertise in teaching and preserving these crafts.
The program is open to residents of Qatar who have a passion for traditional crafts. No prior experience is necessary, but a commitment to the full 1-year program is required.
The fee for the program is QAR35,000. This cost covers all core courses, elective options, and materials provided throughout the program. There are also flexible payment options available with a 50% discount or a full scholarship, subject to approval.
The program runs from October 2024 to June 2025, with daily classes held Sunday to Thursday from 3pm to 9pm.
The program is divided into three terms, covering core courses in traditional crafts, as well as electives in areas like ceramics, woodwork, textiles, and more.
Yes, participants can choose from a selection of electives in addition to the core courses. Electives allow participants to specialize in a specific craft of their interest.
Participants will receive guidance from experienced tutors, access to workshop facilities, and all necessary materials for the courses. You can reach out to herfati@qf.org.qa for any support or questions.