Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation Partners With France’s Manufactures Nationales For Cultural Exchange

The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and France's Manufactures nationales – Sèvres & Mobilier national have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement, signed on 21st July 2025, aims to enhance artistic and cultural dialogue through collaboration, innovation, and educational initiatives. The partnership seeks to support emerging talent, advance expertise among established artists, and preserve heritage crafts.

Rachida Dati, French Minister of Culture, expressed her satisfaction with the signing of this partnership in Paris. "I am particularly pleased with the signing, at the Ministry of Culture in Paris, of this partnership between the Manufactures nationales and ADMAF, a major foundation in the cultural scene of the UAE. This agreement marks a new stage in the relationship between France and the United Arab Emirates, where culture plays a key role. It also fits perfectly with the international outreach objective of the Manufactures nationales: a public center of expertise that is absolutely unique in the world. Thanks to this partnership, the arts and crafts enrich the strategic cultural partnership that unites France with the United Arab Emirates, and Abu Dhabi in particular."

Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador of France to the UAE, highlighted shared values as central to this collaboration. "I am truly thrilled by the signing of this ambitious agreement in Paris between ADMAF and the Manufactures nationales – Sèvres & Mobilier national, a partnership rooted in shared values of creation, innovation and transmission. This marks a meaningful new chapter in the deep and vibrant relationship between the UAE and France, where culture and education continue to play a vital role."

Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo from ADMAF emphasised their commitment to long-term collaboration. "Through this partnership between ADMAF and Manufactures nationales, we are establishing the foundations of a long-term collaboration, built around three pillars: creation, innovation, and transmission. This commitment to upholding our roots while embracing modernity is shared by the United Arab Emirates and France."

Hervé Lemoine from Manufactures nationales spoke about blending tradition with innovation. "Through this unprecedented dialogue between our two institutions, we affirm that the future of decorative arts lies at the intersection of tradition and bold innovation. This partnership with ADMAF opens a fertile ground for experimentation, where heritage craftsmanship meets contemporary imagination."

The collaboration has already initiated an open call for its first Inspiration Residency in Paris. This programme offers UAE designers access to workshops and design archives within France's creative ecosystem. A jury will select a winner in August 2025 for residency during Paris Design Week.

Cultural Exchange Through Residencies

This initiative aims to connect heritage with modernity through residencies, exhibitions, and educational programmes promoting sustainability. The focus extends beyond artistic exchange by integrating technology into craftsmanship practices while developing educational resources for young audiences.

The partnership builds on ADMAF’s mission to promote arts education access while showcasing French decorative arts excellence globally. By nurturing an ecosystem where tradition meets modernity, it seeks to inspire future generations of artists.

France and UAE share rich traditions in ceramics, textiles, and design. This landmark agreement aims to build upon these legacies by fostering cultural dialogue through innovative approaches that ensure decorative arts' vitality for future generations.

With inputs from WAM