Dubai Culture Debuts Talent Atelier To Elevate Emirati Jewellery Designers

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has introduced the inaugural 'Talent Atelier' programme in partnership with L’ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels. This initiative aligns with Dubai Culture's mission to bolster cultural and creative industries, positioning the emirate as a global cultural hub and creativity incubator.

The programme, running from 2nd September to 30th November 2024, aims to broaden the skills of creatives in jewellery making. It emphasises three core areas: jewellery history, gemstone knowledge, and jewellery-making techniques. Participants will gain expertise through various courses and workshops at L’ÉCOLE Middle East's campus in Dubai Design District.

Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, highlighted Dubai's success as a design destination attracting emerging talents. He stated, "The Talent Atelier programme embodies the Authority's cultural commitments and responsibilities aimed at supporting and empowering Emirati designers and entrepreneurs, encouraging them to unleash their talents and contribute to enriching the creative scene in the emirate."

The top six designers from the programme will be selected based on creativity, material exploration, and application of learning. These designers will travel to Paris for five days in November to participate in an educational programme at L’ÉCOLE France & Europe’s new campus, Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau on the Grands Boulevards.

Sophie Claudel, Director of L’ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts, commented on the initiative: "This initiative is about building bridges between cultures, dialogues between different arts disciplines, fostering creativity, and supporting the next generation of Emirati Talents."

Comprehensive Learning Experience

The five-week programme includes over 10 jewellery arts courses and workshops totalling more than 40 hours. Professional jewellers, gemologists, and art historians will guide participants. Additionally, visits to Al Safa Art and Design Library in Dubai are included to access L’ÉCOLE Middle East’s first offsite library corner with extensive resources on jewellery making and gemmology.

Dubai Culture aims to develop the skills of 12 Emirati designers through this comprehensive programme. The initiative seeks to refine their expertise in jewellery making while enriching their knowledge in this field.

This effort underscores Dubai Culture's commitment to nurturing local talent and enhancing the emirate's reputation as a thriving hub for creativity.

With inputs from WAM