British Council, Liberty, and Doha Design District Launch "Living in Pattern" Design Exchange

Doha, Qatar, 21 September 2026 — The British Council, Liberty London, Liberty Home Msheireb, and Doha Design District powered by Msheireb Properties today officially launched Living in Pattern: Fabrics Inspired by Qatari Heritage, a pioneering Qatar–UK design residency that will support emerging creatives in transforming Qatar's rich natural and cultural heritage into contemporary textile design.

The launch was marked by the signing of a strategic partnership agreement at Liberty Home Msheireb, signalling the beginning of a new international design exchange that connects local creative talent with one of the United Kingdom's most celebrated design institutions.

Delivered across three stages, Discover, Develop and Advance, the residency brings together up to ten Qatar-based artists and designers for an immersive research journey exploring Qatar's architecture, native flora, marine environments, museums, archives, and living cultural traditions. Following an assessment process, five participants will progress to an intensive development phase before undertaking a mentorship residency in London with Liberty's design team.

A key highlight of the initiative is the opportunity for up to two original artworks created during the residency to be selected for further development towards inclusion in Liberty London's 2028 Interior Fabric Collection, offering a rare pathway for Qatar-inspired design to reach global audiences through an iconic heritage brand.

The residency begins this week with a three-day induction programme introducing participants to Qatar's natural history, architectural traditions, and design methodologies. Through guided visits to leading cultural and educational institutions, participants will explore how local heritage elements, regional landscapes, and visual culture can inform modern textile design.

Mr. Hassan Al Emadi, Chief Commercial Officer, Msheireb Properties:

"At Msheireb, we believe that heritage remains one of our greatest sources of inspiration for the future. Through this partnership, we are creating opportunities for emerging creatives to engage deeply with Qatar's cultural and natural landscapes while connecting them to world-class expertise and international platforms. Living in Pattern reflects Doha Design District’s commitment to supporting talent development, celebrating Qatari identity, and positioning creative industries as an important contributor to a vibrant and knowledge-based economy."

Dr. Waseem Kotoub, Country Director, British Council Qatar:

"Living in Pattern reflects the British Council's commitment to creative skills development and the growth of Qatar's creative industries. Through collaboration with Liberty and Doha Design District powered by Msheireb Properties, the programme provides designers with access to mentorship, international networks, and hands-on learning opportunities that will help them thrive in the evolving creative economy. As we prepare for this year's Qatar-UK Creative Industries Skills Forum, the residency demonstrates how international partnerships can create meaningful pathways for talent development, creative exchange, and long-term life-changing sector growth."

Genevieve Bennett: Head of Design for Home & Interiors at Liberty:

“Doha represents an exciting new chapter in Liberty’s story. For over 150 years, we’ve been drawn to the meeting of different cultures and ideas, and in its first year Liberty Home Msheireb has become a meeting point between our British creative heritage and the richness of contemporary Qatari culture. Living in Pattern feels like a natural expression of that connection—bringing together the imagination of emerging designers with the wealth of Liberty’s archive, while drawing on Qatar’s culture and visual language, taking something with such a deep history and allowing it to evolve into part of a new creative conversation.”

The launch coincides with the first anniversary of Liberty Home Msheireb, marking one year since the iconic British design house established its first presence in the Middle East in Doha. Beyond its retail footprint, the space has established itself as a vibrant platform for cross-cultural collaboration.

By combining research, mentorship, and cross-cultural dialogue, Living in Pattern demonstrates how heritage can inspire contemporary design while building long-term creative capacity across both Qatar and the UK.

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