The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), in collaboration with L’ÉCOLE Middle East School of Jewelry Arts, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, proudly announces the winner of the prestigious ADMAF Design Fund Award – IV Edition 2024. This award is dedicated to empowering the cultural industries and nurturing young designers from the UAE, offering them an unparalleled opportunity for artistic excellence and professional growth.
A Vision for Cultural Empowerment: The ADMAF Design Fund Award
Launched in 2019, the ADMAF Design Fund Award aims to provide a transformative platform for emerging jewelry designers and mid-sized jewelry businesses within the UAE. The partnership with L’ÉCOLE Middle East has cultivated an environment where creativity meets tradition, allowing participants to refine their skills through bespoke collaborations and extensive training opportunities. This initiative is pivotal in creating future-leading jewelry brands that blend traditional Emirati craftsmanship with contemporary design, elevating the UAE’s position in the global jewelry market.
Celebrating Emirati Heritage Through Design: The 2024 Award Winners
This year’s award recognized exceptional talent in the field of jewelry design. Shamma Al Hammadi from the University of Sharjah emerged as the winner with her outstanding project titled “Al Dana wa Al Khawasa”, a work deeply rooted in the rich cultural tapestry of the UAE. The title, which translates to “The Pearl and the Diver”, eloquently captures the essence of Emirati heritage, showcasing the historical significance of pearl diving and traditional craftsmanship.
Shamma Al Falasi from Zayed University in Dubai and Alya Al Zaabi from Zayed University in Abu Dhabi were the finalists, each demonstrating remarkable creativity and a deep understanding of cultural symbolism in their designs. These participants have not only pushed the boundaries of jewelry design but have also managed to bring a piece of Emirati history into the modern world.
“Al Dana wa Al Khawasa”: A Tribute to Emirati Culture
The winning design, “Al Dana wa Al Khawasa,” is a magnificent representation of the UAE’s cultural legacy. “Al Dana” (The Pearl) symbolizes the beauty and value associated with the UAE’s rich pearl diving heritage, while “Al Khawasa” (Handcraft) reflects the resilience and artisanal skill of Emirati craftsmen. This piece masterfully combines a central lustrous pearl, representing the heart of the UAE’s maritime history, with intricate metalwork patterns inspired by traditional Emirati wickerwork. Accented with high-quality diamonds, this design is not only an artistic masterpiece but also a homage to the enduring spirit of the Emirati people.
Empowering Young Designers: The Journey of the Finalists at L’ÉCOLE Middle East
The three finalists of the ADMAF Design Fund Award 2024 participated in a comprehensive 5-day program at L’ÉCOLE Middle East in Dubai Design District (d3), beginning on September 4th. This immersive experience was designed to enrich the participants’ knowledge and skills, offering courses that spanned the history of jewelry, gemstone identification, and the intricate techniques involved in jewelry-making. Guided by esteemed lecturers and master craftsmen, the finalists gained invaluable insights into the artistry and heritage of jewelry design, further refining their craft.
A Grand Prize with Global Exposure and Learning Opportunities
The top winner, Shamma Al Hammadi, will receive a 50,000 AED prize aimed at supporting her burgeoning career in jewelry design. In addition to the financial reward, Shamma will embark on an exclusive 5-day educational trip to Paris in November, where she will attend a specialized program at L’ÉCOLE France & Europe’s new campus, Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau, located on the historic Grands Boulevards. This unique opportunity will allow her to expand her expertise under the tutelage of world-renowned jewelry professionals.
Moreover, the winner’s work will be showcased at the Abu Dhabi Festival 2025, offering her a prestigious platform to present her designs to an international audience. This exposure is a critical step in her journey, positioning her as a significant contributor to the evolving landscape of Emirati jewelry design.
The Significance of Supporting Cultural and Creative Industries in the UAE
The ADMAF Design Fund Award is more than a competition; it is a testament to the UAE’s commitment to nurturing its cultural and creative industries. By supporting young talents like Shamma Al Hammadi, ADMAF and L’ÉCOLE Middle East are playing an instrumental role in preserving and promoting the country’s artistic heritage. This initiative aligns with the broader vision of the UAE to become a global hub for culture and creativity, fostering a new generation of designers who are rooted in tradition yet unafraid to innovate.
The Role of L’ÉCOLE Middle East in Shaping the Future of Jewelry Arts
Since its inception, L’ÉCOLE Middle East has been dedicated to sharing the culture of jewelry through education. Their collaboration with ADMAF underscores their commitment to the professional development of emerging designers in the region. By providing access to world-class education and hands-on training, L’ÉCOLE is not only enhancing the skills of young designers but also elevating the standards of jewelry arts within the UAE.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Jewelry Design in the UAE
The 2024 edition of the ADMAF Design Fund Award has set a new benchmark for the UAE’s jewelry design industry. The innovative approaches of the finalists reflect a deep connection to their heritage while embracing contemporary design techniques. As these young talents continue to evolve, they are poised to make a lasting impact on the global stage, redefining the art of jewelry design through a distinctly Emirati lens.
Conclusion
The ADMAF Design Fund Award, in partnership with L’ÉCOLE Middle East, represents a significant milestone in the UAE’s journey towards becoming a cultural powerhouse. By investing in the next generation of designers, this initiative is helping to preserve traditional crafts while fostering innovation. As the winners of the 2024 award move forward in their careers, they carry with them not just the legacy of their heritage, but also the promise of a bright future for Emirati jewelry design.
