Sustainable Art Practices
Promoting eco-conscious creation and exhibition methodologies.
Cultural
Enterpreneur &
Visionary
Rashmi Agarwal is an internationally recognized cultural entrepreneur based in Qatar, with over two decades of impactful work in arts, innovation, youth empowerment, and cultural diplomacy.
As the Founder & President of MAPS International WLL and the Founder & CEO of Qatar International Art Festival, she has built transformative platforms that connect nations, empower youth, and position art as a tool for dialogue, sustainability, and global collaboration.
Her work aligns strongly with Qatar Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, integrating creativity with policy, diplomacy, education, and innovation.
Rashmi is known for her strategic thinking, large-scale execution, and her ability to bring together governments, embassies, cultural institutions, global artists, scientists, and innovators under one unified vision.
Building Cultural
Ecosystems
MAPS International is a Qatar-based creative enterprise focused on art & cultural programming, youth empowerment platforms, innovation-driven creative projects, international collaborations, and SDG-aligned initiatives.
Through MAPS, Rashmi designs long-term cultural ecosystems rather than standalone events, ensuring sustainability, growth, and global impact. Her strategic thinking and ability to execute large-scale projects brings together governments, embassies, cultural institutions, global artists, scientists, and innovators under one unified vision.
Royal &
Prestigious
Among the noblest commissions of her career, Rashmi Agarwal was honored to create exclusive hand-painted silk abaya designs for Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser for Qatar National Day and Qatar Sports Day celebrations (2018- 2019).
This prestigious work blended the ancient art of silk painting with contemporary Qatari elegance, representing a dialogue between Indian textile heritage and Arabian artistry. Each piece was meticulously hand-painted, reflecting months of dedicated artistry, cultural research, and profound respect.
The commission showcased the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern design sensibilities, honoring both cultural legacies while creating something entirely new and deeply personal.
"The best accessory was the sparkle in her eyes."
professional sectors & expertise
Rashmi's platforms serve as diplomatic bridges, fostering collaboration between the Middle East,
Africa,
Europe, Asia, and the Americas—connecting governments, embassies, cultural institutions, and
global artists.
Diplomatic Collaboration
Working closely with embassies, cultural ministries, and policy leaders to create meaningful cross-cultural dialogue.
Global Connection
Building bridges between continents, where art becomes dialogue and creativity becomes policy conversation.
Culture as Connection
Creating environments where culture becomes the universal language connecting diverse communities worldwide.
7
QIAF Editions
400+
Global Artists
70+
Countries
20+
years experience
The Journey
Key milestones in a life dedicated to Art, Culture, Education, Design and Space Science
01
2010–2011
Teens Youth Project
Founded and led a large-scale Youth Development & Creative Engagement Project, engaging over 160 Qatari and Arab students.
02
2014
MAPS International Founded
Established MAPS International WLL to create long-term cultural ecosystems, support artists, and promote art education.
03
2018
Royal Commission
Honored to create exclusive hand-painted silk abaya designs for Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser for Qatar National Day and Qatar Sports Day celebrations (2018–2019), blending Indian textile heritage with contemporary Qatari elegance.
04
2018
QIAF Launched
Founded Qatar International Art Festival, creating a global platform connecting 400+ artists from 70+ countries.
05
2019
Bharat Vastram
Presented with Qatar Foundation and cultural institutions — a powerful artistic fashion narrative celebrating Indian heritage through textile and contemporary presentation, strengthening India–Qatar cultural ties.
06
2021
Football Art Initiative
Launched Qatar Football Art Initiative, celebrating global unity through sports-inspired artistic expression.
07
2024
Space Science & Innovation
Launched Katara Space Science Program and Cosmic Canvas Exhibition, bridging art with science and youth education.
08
2025
Sustainability & SDG Advocacy
Rashmi integrates the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into her projects, demonstrating long-term commitment to responsible creative leadership.
Climate Awareness
Environmental themes through powerful artistic exhibitions.
Youth Climate Engagement
Empowering young voices in sustainability conversations.
Cultural Sustainability
Preserving heritage while fostering innovation.
Innovation-Driven Impact
Technology and creativity for sustainable solutions.
SDG-Aligned Programming
Every initiative mapped to UN sustainability goals.
