Design Council Abu Dhabi Launches Pottery and Ceramics Design Residency

The Design Council Abu Dhabi (DCAD) has announced the launch of its second residency cycle: the DCAD Pottery & Ceramics Design Residency Program, a pioneering initiative focused on heritage-driven product design and cross-cultural creative exchange.

Developed and produced by Gushcloud International, this six-month residency is presented in partnership with Italian porcelain brand Ginori 1735 and will be hosted at the Abu Dhabi-based workshop MAKE.

Under the chairwomanship of Her Highness Shaikha Shamsa Bint Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, DCAD continues to foster design excellence in the UAE by empowering emerging designers through immersive educational programs rooted in sustainability, innovation, and Emirati cultural heritage.

The governance of DCAD includes Undersecretary Rana El Khoury, Vice Chairwoman Nadine Maalouf, and advisory committee members Rym Al Falasy, Asma Al Fahim, Meera Al Suwaidi, and Rima Al Mokarrab.

The new residency program will welcome 10-15 UAE nationals and UAE residents, male and female, specializing in ceramics or pottery, who will undergo training in both traditional and contemporary ceramic design techniques.

Through a curriculum that combines studio practice, sustainability, design theory, and masterclasses – including a two-hour special session led by Ginori 1735 Creative Director – participants will develop original ceramic collections inspired by regional and Italian craft traditions.

The program will culminate in a public Capstone Exhibition in late2026, where residents will showcase their work to press, patrons, and collectors. Select top talents will also be awarded a prestigious internship opportunity at Ginori 1735’s Florence headquarters in late 2026.

This new initiative not only supports the UAE’s growing creative economy but also highlights Abu Dhabi’s position as a global destination for cross-cultural design dialogue. The partnership with Ginori 1735, a legacy brand known for its craftsmanship and contemporary artistry, bridges centuries-old ceramic heritage with the next generation of design leadership.

Applications and full program information are available at: www.dcad.ae