Dubai Culture Launches First Edition of 'Talent Atelier' to Empower Emirati Designers
The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has unveiled the inaugural edition of the 'Talent Atelier' programme, designed to nurture and elevate the skills of Emirati designers in the field of jewellery making. The programme, launched in collaboration with L’ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts, and supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, is part of Dubai Culture’s broader mission to strengthen the cultural and creative industries in the emirate.
Running from September 2 to November 30, 2024, the programme will focus on three core themes: the history of jewellery, gemstone knowledge, and expert jewellery-making techniques. A group of 12 Emirati designers will participate in a series of intensive courses and workshops at L’ÉCOLE Middle East’s campus in Dubai Design District. These sessions will provide hands-on training in jewellery arts, giving participants the opportunity to experiment with tools, techniques, and gemstones, under the guidance of seasoned professionals.
The programme culminates with a special opportunity for six standout designers to travel to Paris in November. Selected based on their creativity and mastery, these designers will attend a five-day educational programme at L’ÉCOLE France & Europe’s campus, Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau.
Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, praised the programme as a reflection of Dubai’s global leadership in design. "The Talent Atelier programme embodies our commitment to supporting and empowering Emirati designers, fostering innovation, and enriching Dubai's vibrant creative landscape," Dr. Kharbash said.
Sophie Claudel, Director of L’ÉCOLE Middle East, emphasized the cultural exchange aspect of the programme, stating, “This initiative is about building bridges between cultures and supporting the next generation of Emirati talents.”
Participants will also have access to Dubai’s Al Safa Art and Design Library, which now houses L’ÉCOLE Middle East’s first offsite library corner, offering a vast collection of resources on jewellery and gemmology
