King’s College Doha Launches World-First Collaboration with Global Contemporary Artist Sassan Behnam-Bakhtiar
King’s College Doha is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Sassan Behnam-Bakhtiar, marking a world-first collaboration between a leading school and a global artist of his stature. Together, they have launched the Life Energy Mentorship Programme, a transformative mentorship and legacy programme designed to nurture creativity, balance, and well-being through the arts.
This visionary initiative was unveiled during a special Q&A session at King’s College Doha, hosted by Behnam-Bakhtiar and Principal Kate Jackson. The session introduced students to the power of artistic purpose and innovation, featuring interactive dialogue exploring how passion and perseverance shape success in art and beyond.
Running from January to June 2026, the six-month Life Energy Mentorship Programme will give selected students unparalleled access to the artist’s creative world. Under Behnam-Bakhtiar’s personal guidance, protégés will work both on campus and at his studios at the The Four Seasons, The Pearl Qatar, engaging in mentorship sessions focused on technique, conceptual development, and artistic voice.
One of the programme highlights includes a dinner for students and families during the innaguaral Art Basel Qatar, celebrating their achievements and connecting them with key figures from the global art scene.
“This collaboration represents the next frontier in creative education,” said Kate Jackson, Principal of King’s College Doha. “Our students will gain not only artistic skills but also a deep understanding of creativity as a force for balance, confidence, and innovation.”
Sassan Behnam-Bakhtiar added, “Through Life Energy Doha, we aim to inspire a generation of young creatives to think freely, create boldly, and build meaningful connections that last a lifetime.”
Life Energy Doha will operate as a mentorship course, open annually to a selection of King’s College Doha students chosen through portfolios and interviews. Participants will become part of a youth collective, producing collaborative projects such as public installations and digital works. Leveraging the artist’s global networks, students will gain exposure to galleries, museums, and cultural institutions worldwide.
Locally, the initiative is supported by the Four Seasons at The Pearl, Qatar. The programme aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, contributing to the nation’s growing creative economy and reinforcing its position as a global cultural leader.
The collaboration’s long-term goal is to establish King’s College Doha as a regional hub for art education, empowering students to pursue careers in the creative industries and showcasing Qatar’s cultural dynamism on the world stage.
Beyond student development, Life Energy Doha serves as a bridge between education and cultural diplomacy, enhancing constructive dialogue through international art exchange. The programme’s model aligns with initiatives such as the Years of Culture and supports the goals of Qatar Foundation in advancing education, creativity, and innovation.
Economically, this initiative reinforces Qatar’s commitment to diversifying its creative industries. Graduates of the programme will contribute to a thriving art ecosystem that fuels tourism, investment, and cultural infrastructure.
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