Under the chairwomanship of Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Design Commission Abu Dhabi (DCAD) has launched the DCAD Pottery and Ceramics Residency, a six-month programme developed in partnership with renowned Italian porcelain brand Ginori 1735. The residency reflects DCAD’s continued commitment to advancing design-led innovation, preserving cultural heritage, and cultivating a future-ready creative economy through international collaboration and applied learning.
Running until 27 June 2026, the landmark residency welcomed ten UAE resident participants, all selected for their creative potential and interest in ceramics as a medium for contemporary cultural expression.
Hosted, facilitated and co-delivered by MAKE, a community makerspace in Abu Dhabi, the immersive curriculum will combine studio practice, sustainability, material research, and design theory, and focus on translating heritage-informed craft into contemporary product design.
Dedicated to hands-on making, material experimentation, and skills development, the residency began with an exclusive masterclass led by Ginori 1735 Collection Director Annalisa Tani and the brand’s in-house artist Giovanni Murtas. The session offered participants direct insights into Ginori 1735’s creative processes, artistic approach, and centuries-long legacy of porcelain craftsmanship and innovation.
Following the conclusion of the residency, participants will then present their capstone collections to the press, patrons, collectors, and the wider creative community at an Exhibition in September 2026 at Bassam Freiha Art Foundation.
As part of the programme’s long-term development pathway, top-performing participants will also be awarded a three-month internship at Ginori 1735’s headquarters in Italy in January 2027, providing them with an exclusive chance to receive hands-on professional experience within an international luxury manufacturing and design environment.
The residency is delivered in partnership with MAKE as operational and programme delivery partner alongside creator management and licensing company Gushcloud International.
Additional strategy and knowledge support to DCAD has been provided by Abu Dhabi Retail, the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Abu Dhabi University, Al Ain Educationa, Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, Al Khaznah Leathers, Al Ghadeer Emirati Crafts, Inovartic Investment, Geek OUT UAE and Reuter Ventures.
Chaired by the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the Board of DCAD comprises Nadine Maalouf, Executive Vice Chairwoman; Rana Kuzayli El Khoury, Undersecretary; and advisory and board members, Asma Al Fahim, Rym Al Falasy, Rima Al Mokarrab, Meera Al Suwaidi, and Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani. Their collective expertise reflects a shared commitment to advancing design, driving innovation, and promoting economic diversification in the UAE's creative economy. Together, this leadership underscores the commission’s role as a catalyst for cultural and economic transformation.
The DCAD Pottery and Ceramics Residency forms part of the commission’s broader strategy to position Abu Dhabi as a world-class producer and owner of globally relevant art and design, and strengthen the local creative ecosystem through international exposure, skills transfer, and access to global networks. By embedding cultural production within applied learning, the residency reinforces DCAD’s role in shaping sustainable pathways for emerging design talent.
