In its pursuit to assist with the career development of UAE National artists and designers, Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, ADMAF, invites interested parties to take part in its latest programme "ADMAF Design Fund".
Developed in support of L’ECOLE Van Cleef and Arpels, the initiative utilises ADMAF’s global and local connections and partnerships across art, design, and business to take start-ups and medium-sized design-focused businesses on a transformative journey that offers creative design talents the opportunity to grow their businesses and showcase their creativity.
The winner, announced in May 2019, will be awarded the ADMAF grant of AED50,000, to be used to further develop their business across areas including marketing, public relations, production and sales. In addition to mentoring sessions led by industry experts who will guide the designer’s journey to market, the award will include a fully funded 10-day visit to the L’ECOLE School of Jewellery Arts. Supported by Van Cleef and Arpels in Paris, this opportunity will provide the winning designer with a more comprehensive understanding of jewellery design and creation.
Speaking on the occasion, Huda Ibrahim Alkhamis, Founder of ADMAF and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, said, "ADMAF’s new Design Fund was developed to support young Emirati designers and innovators, to hone their skills, maximising their market potential, adding value to a knowledge-based economy in the fields of architecture, fashion, applied arts, technology and jewellery design, which we have chosen as the focus this year.
"With a significant monetary award at stake, as well as the unique experience of one-to-one mentoring by the world’s foremost jewellery experts at the home of L’ecole Van Cleef and Arpels in Paris, this is a perfect springboard for a young Emirati designer. This forward thinking cross-cultural programme will encourage international dialogue between our own up-and-coming jewellers and long-established masters of their crafts."
Marie Vallanet-Delhom, President of L’ÉCOLE Van Cleef & Arpels, commented, "At L’ÉCOLE Van Cleef & Arpels, it is our mission to support local talent, share culture, and to foster the growth of education of jewelry arts."
The winner’s journey will conclude with a showcase of their work to international and national attendees at Abu Dhabi Festival in March 2020, where the physical representation of the winning piece will be shown. Serving as a platform for feedback, partnerships, and potential seed funding opportunities, the event will provide the winner with the opportunity to further grow and scale their design business and reach new and wider audiences.
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