Abu Dhabi's Design Council Launches Innovative Pottery & Ceramics Residency Program
The Design Council Abu Dhabi (DCAD) has recently unveiled its second residency initiative, aptly named the DCAD Pottery & Ceramics Design Residency Programme. This groundbreaking initiative, in collaboration with Gushcloud International, is being supported by the esteemed Italian porcelain manufacturer Ginori 1735. Operating over a span of six months, the program will take place at the creative workshop MAKE in Abu Dhabi, enhancing the local design landscape.
Under the distinguished leadership of Her Highness Shaikha Shamsa Bint Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the DCAD has been a key player in cultivating the design ecosystem of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The council’s strategic governance, consisting of influential figures such as Undersecretary Rana El Khoury, Vice Chairwoman Nadine Maalouf, and advisory members including Rym Al Falasy, Asma Al Fahim, Meera Al Suwaidi, and Rima Al Mokarrab, aims to bolster innovation, sustainability, and the preservation of Emirati cultural heritage through immersive programming.
The residency program is designed to accommodate 10 to 15 UAE nationals and residents with a specialization in ceramics or pottery. Participants will receive hands-on training that focuses on a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design methodologies. The curriculum is structured to encompass a robust understanding of studio practice, sustainable techniques, and contemporary design theory. Furthermore, it includes masterclasses, one notably led by the Creative Director of Ginori 1735, promising invaluable insights into the world of ceramic artistry.
Althea Lim, Group CEO and Co-Founder of Gushcloud International, expressed her enthusiasm for this collaborative venture. “We are proud to facilitate this partnership and continue fostering a world-class creative ecosystem in Abu Dhabi. This residency reinforces the region’s role in global design dialogue and offers real pathways for talent to emerge on the world stage,” Lim stated. Her acknowledgment of the program’s significance underscores the broader goal of positioning Abu Dhabi as a vital contributor to international design conversations.
This residency not only serves as a training ground for local talent but also emphasizes the importance of sustainability in design. The intersection of tradition and innovation is particularly salient in the context of the UAE, where there is a concerted effort to harmonize modern advancements with age-old practices that define the region’s cultural identity.
As the program progresses towards its completion in October 2026, participants will have the opportunity to showcase their work at a Capstone Exhibition hosted by the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation. This exhibition will serve as a platform to celebrate the creative outputs of the residency, providing participants with exposure to the public and the chance to connect with art enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
The decision to spotlight ceramics and pottery is particularly timely, as these art forms have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity across the globe. Collectors and art enthusiasts increasingly value handmade items for their uniqueness and the craftsmanship involved. The DCAD’s initiative aligns with this burgeoning interest, enabling participants to contribute to a rich tapestry of global design while rooting their creations in the cultural context of the UAE.
As Abu Dhabi continues to bolster its cultural and artistic credentials, the DCAD Pottery & Ceramics Design Residency Programme stands as a testament to the emirate’s commitment to nurturing local talent and preserving its cultural heritage. By marrying traditional techniques with contemporary design practices, the residency aims to empower emerging artists and strengthen the UAE’s position within the global design community.
In conclusion, this initiative is more than just a program; it is a strategic effort to enrich the artistic landscape of Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE. As creativity flourishes within the region, observers around the world will be watching closely, eager to see how these new designers will interpret their cultural heritage and contribute to the global dialogue on art and design.
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