Latest news with #ADMAF
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, France's Manufactures Nationales to advance cultural exchange
23 July 2025 18:09 ABU DHABI (WAM)The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and Manufactures Nationales – Sèvres & Mobilier national – operating under France's Ministry of Culture – have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster deeper artistic and cultural dialogue through joint collaboration, innovation and educational partnership aims to support emerging talent, advance expertise among established artists and help preserve and evolve heritage agreement was signed on July 21, 2025 by Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and Abu Dhabi Festival, and Hervé Lemoine, President of Manufactures nationales, witnessed by Minister Rachida Dati, French Minister of Culture at the Ministry of Culture in Dati said, 'I am particularly pleased with the signing, at the Ministry of Culture in Paris, of this partnership between the Manufactures Nationales and ADMAF, a major foundation in the cultural scene of the UAE."This agreement marks a new stage in the relationship between France and the United Arab Emirates, where culture plays a key role. It also fits perfectly with the international outreach objective of the Manufactures Nationales: a public center of expertise that is absolutely unique in the world. Thanks to this partnership, the arts and crafts enrich the strategic cultural partnership that unites France with the United Arab Emirates, and Abu Dhabi in particular.'Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo said, 'Through this partnership between ADMAF and Manufactures Nationales, we are establishing the foundations of a long-term collaboration, built around three pillars: creation, innovation, and transmission. This commitment to upholding our roots while embracing modernity is shared by the United Arab Emirates and France.'She added, 'Together, we believe that the past is our bond, and the future our calling. Through this historic MoU, may our collective efforts support young talents, broaden their horizons, and advance excellence in craftsmanship.'Hervé Lemoine, President of Manufactures nationales, said, 'Through this unprecedented dialogue between our two institutions, we affirm that the future of the decorative arts lies at the intersection of tradition and bold innovation. This partnership with ADMAF opens a fertile ground for experimentation, where heritage craftsmanship meets contemporary imagination.'Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador of France to the UAE, said, 'I am truly thrilled by the signing of this ambitious agreement in Paris between ADMAF and the Manufactures nationales – Sèvres & Mobilier national, a partnership rooted in shared values of creation, innovation and transmission. This marks a meaningful new chapter in the deep and vibrant relationship between the UAE and France, where culture and education continue to play a vital role.'He added, 'Thanks to this agreement, artisans, designers, and institutions from both countries will have the opportunity to share their knowledge, celebrate their expertise, and champion excellence, sustainability and creativity in craftsmanship. ADMAF and the Manufactures Nationales – Sèvres & Mobilier national will proudly help nurture an ecosystem where tradition meets modernity, and where new ideas can flourish. Together with the UAE, we are planting the seeds that will inspire a new generation of artists, makers, and cultural leaders.'France and the UAE share a rich tradition of creativity and craftsmanship in ceramics, textiles and design. This landmark partnership between ADMAF and the Manufactures Nationales aims to build on that legacy by fostering cultural dialogue, and connecting heritage with modernity through residencies, exhibitions, and educational programmes that promote innovation and the collaboration has launched with an open call for the inaugural Inspiration Residency in Paris, giving UAE designers the opportunity to immerse themselves in France's creative ecosystem through access to workshops and design archives.A jury will convene in August 2025 to select a winner, with the first residency taking place in September to coincide with Paris Design artistic exchange, the partnership will explore new approaches to craftsmanship that integrate technology and sustainable practices, while co-developing educational resources to inspire young audiences and ensure the vitality of the decorative arts for generations to come. This collaboration builds on ADMAF's longstanding mission to promote access to arts education, and foster the UAE's creative industries while providing a global platform to showcase the excellence of French decorative arts.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and France's Manufactures nationales sign MoU to advance cultural exchange and enable artistic progress
Landmark agreement to advance artistic creation and innovation, support talent and preserve heritage crafts by building bridges between tradition and modernity 'Inspiration Residency' in France for UAE designers marks first initiative of the collaboration Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: In a strategic agreement to strengthen cultural exchange between the United Arab Emirates and France, the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and Manufactures nationales – Sèvres & Mobilier national – operating under France's Ministry of Culture – have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster deeper artistic and cultural dialogue through joint collaboration, innovation and educational initiatives. The partnership aims to support emerging talent, advance expertise among established artists and help preserve and evolve heritage crafts. The agreement was signed on 21 July 2025 by Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and Abu Dhabi Festival, and Mr. Hervé Lemoine, President of Manufactures nationales, witnessed by Minister Rachida Dati, French Minister of Culture at the Ministry of Culture in Paris. Her Excellency Rachida Dati, Minister of Culture of France, said: 'I am particularly pleased with the signing, at the Ministry of Culture in Paris, of this partnership between the Manufactures nationales and ADMAF, a major foundation in the cultural scene of the United Arab Emirates. This agreement marks a new stage in the relationship between France and the United Arab Emirates, where culture plays a key role. It also fits perfectly with the international outreach objective of the Manufactures nationales: a public center of expertise that is absolutely unique in the world. Thanks to this partnership, the arts and crafts enrich the strategic cultural partnership that unites France with the United Arab Emirates, and Abu Dhabi in particular.' Her Excellency Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, said: 'Through this partnership between ADMAF and Manufactures nationales, we are establishing the foundations of a long-term collaboration, built around three pillars: creation, innovation, and transmission. This commitment to upholding our roots while embracing modernity is shared by the United Arab Emirates and France.' H.E. added: 'Together, we believe that the past is our bond, and the future our calling. Through this historic MoU, may our collective efforts support young talents, broaden their horizons, and advance excellence in craftsmanship.' H.E. Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador of France to the UAE, said: 'I am truly thrilled by the signing of this ambitious agreement in Paris between ADMAF and the Manufactures nationales – Sèvres & Mobilier national, a partnership rooted in shared values of creation, innovation and transmission. This marks a meaningful new chapter in the deep and vibrant relationship between the UAE and France, where culture and education continue to play a vital role.' H.E. added: 'Thanks to this agreement, artisans, designers, and institutions from both countries will have the opportunity to share their knowledge, celebrate their expertise, and champion excellence, sustainability and creativity in craftsmanship. ADMAF and the Manufactures nationales – Sèvres & Mobilier national will proudly help nurture an ecosystem where tradition meets modernity, and where new ideas can flourish. Together with the UAE, we are planting the seeds that will inspire a new generation of artists, makers, and cultural leaders.' Hervé Lemoine, President of Manufactures nationales said: 'Through this unprecedented dialogue between our two institutions, we affirm that the future of the decorative arts lies at the intersection of tradition and bold innovation. This partnership with ADMAF opens a fertile ground for experimentation, where heritage craftsmanship meets contemporary imagination. Together, we seek to invent new narratives, woven through innovation, transmission, and shared creation.' France and the United Arab Emirates share a rich tradition of creativity and craftsmanship in ceramics, textiles and design. This landmark partnership between ADMAF and the Manufactures nationales aims to build on that legacy by fostering cultural dialogue and connecting heritage with modernity through residencies, exhibitions and educational programmes that promote innovation and sustainability. Already, the collaboration has launched with an open call for the inaugural Inspiration Residency in Paris, giving UAE designers the opportunity to immerse themselves in France's creative ecosystem through access to workshops and design archives. A jury will convene in August 2025 to select a winner, with the first residency taking place in September to coincide with Paris Design Week. Beyond artistic exchange, the partnership will explore new approaches to craftsmanship that integrate technology and sustainable practices, while co-developing educational resources to inspire young audiences and ensure the vitality of the decorative arts for generations to come. This collaboration builds on ADMAF's longstanding mission to promote access to arts education and foster the UAE's creative industries while providing a global platform to showcase the excellence of French decorative arts. About the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF): Founded in 1996, ADMAF is one of the first cultural organisations in the Arabian Gulf. Pioneering new artistic practices, it seeks to deepen global cross-cultural dialogue and inspire a renewed interest in the creativity of the UAE and Arab world. Often in partnership with leading national and international institutions, it delivers multidisciplinary initiatives for people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities through the Abu Dhabi Festival, year-round youth platforms and community programmes. About Manufactures nationales: Resulting from the merger between the Mobilier national and the Cité de la Céramique – Sèvres & Limoges, the National Manufactures were established on January 1, 2025, to promote the excellence of French craftsmanship and highlight the richness of both tangible and intangible heritage through more than 53 artistic crafts practiced within its manufactures and workshops. Unique worldwide, this new public entity dedicated to decorative arts, crafts, and design combines heritage and creation to play a central role in implementing the national strategy in support of artistic crafts. Its mission is structured around six key priorities: education and training; research; creation; support for the fragile ecosystem of artistic crafts; heritage promotion; and the international outreach of craftsmanship.
Al Etihad
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
ADMAF, UAE Pavilion hosts Abu Dhabi Festival's ‘Art @Embassies' Talk at Expo 2025 Osaka
16 July 2025 22:16 ABU DHABI (WAM)Held under the founding honorary patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Founding Honorary Patron of Abu Dhabi Festival, and the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the 'Abu Dhabi Festival's Art @Embassies Talk' was presented at the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka on 15th by the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) in collaboration with the UAE Pavilion, the panel brought together Emirati artists and their Japanese counterparts for a cultural dialogue exploring identity, materiality, memory, and pace of discussion is part of a broader series under ADMAF's Abroad Programme, promoting human connection through the of ADMAF and the Abu Dhabi Festival, Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo, said the initiative, now in its third year, is a continuation of ADMAF's mission to foster global artistic exchange.'In collaboration with the UAE Embassy in Japan and as part of the UAE National Pavilion programme at Expo Osaka, we present a dialogue featuring young Emirati artists Shaikha Al Ketbi and Sarah Al Mehairi, in conversation with Chiaki Soma of Tokyo University of the Arts,' she noted that the talk explored contemporary themes of place and memory, contrasting slowness and acceleration in life.'This initiative has previously travelled to London, Paris, and Seoul, and aims to deepen friendship, cooperation and cultural dialogue between artists from the UAE and Japan, this year's Guest Country of Honour,' she Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Shihab Alfaheem, said art serves as a powerful medium of empathy, dialogue and praised the Art @ Embassies initiative for highlighting the UAE's creative spirit and strengthening international Commissioner General and Creative Director of the Pavilion, Shaikha Al Ketbi, said the space was dedicated to amplifying Emirati voices and celebrating the potential of cultural diplomacy through initiatives like Art @ panel reflected the UAE Pavilion's Earth to Ether theme, which emphasises how heritage informs Pavilion, situated in the Empowering Lives Zone, was designed by the Earth to Ether Collective—an international team led by the UAE Expo addition to the panel, ADMAF and the UAE Pavilion are hosting several cultural initiatives at Expo 2025 Osaka. In April, Emirati calligrapher, Mohamed Mandi, and Japanese master, Juichi Yoshikawa, created a collaborative work blending Arabic and Japanese calligraphy.A rolling residency titled 'Guest Artists Takeover' features Emirati artists Asma Al Remeithi, Aisha (Yoshi) Al Ali, Sarah Al Mehairi and Moza Almatrooshi, who are transforming the Pavilion's creative space through workshops and live August, ADMAF and NYU Abu Dhabi's The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award 2025 winners, Sara Farha and Khaled Shalkha, will lead innovation-focused workshops at the Pavilion, encouraging artistic experimentation and cultural dialogue. Through these programmes, ADMAF and the UAE Pavilion are showcasing the UAE's artistic voice and promoting Abu Dhabi's cultural vision to a global audience.
Gulf Today
12-07-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Hannan Arshad wins The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award 2025
Under the patronage of Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), in partnership with Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), has announced the winning project for The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award 2025. The winner of the thirteenth edition of The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award is Hannan Arshad, under the mentorship of Assistant Professor at the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at the American University of Sharjah (AUS), Christianna Bonin. Hannan is a UAE-based Indian artist and graphic designer, who explores storytelling through materials, fabrication and historical research. Focused on political dialogue and cultural memory, her work includes installation, print and digital media, film and photography. Hannan Arshad is inspired by Mughal history. Her interest in Mughal history and materiality began during visits to the Raza Library in Rampur and the Bada Imambara in Lucknow, in India. It later developed into Safekeeping Stories during her senior studio with Assistant Professor Amparo Baquerizas Carreras, at AUS. The project has since expanded to encompass larger sculptural and architectural references along with imagery and text, reimagining the past as something tactile, participatory, and alive. Safekeeping Stories is an interactive installation that aims to preserve Mughal architectural and cultural knowledge. The artist recreates traditional Lakhori bricks, alongside nearly-forgotten brick and mortar Mughal techniques, that incorporate edible materials. Each brick is etched with the artist's own interpretation of Mughal miniature paintings, which transforms a historical building block into a medium for visual and written archiving. The bricks are arranged to resemble a library, inviting viewers to engage with history by physically removing each 'book' from the structure. Inspired by the urgent need to protect cultural heritage from political and environmental threats, the project highlights the contemporary relevance of historic building practices. The artist plans to expand the installation and collaborate with communities in the UAE and beyond, using art to spark conversations around memory, identity, and preservation. Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo. Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder, ADMAF and Abu Dhabi Festival, said: 'We congratulate Hannan Arshad, the winner of the Award, now in its thirteenth year, under the supervision of Assistant Professor Christianna Bonin from the College of Architecture, Art and Design at the American University of Sharjah. We commend her focus through her winning work Safekeeping Stories, on documenting the rich history of human civilisations, and her dedication to studying and preserving endangered cultural and architectural knowledge, and attempting to revive it through environmentally and nature-friendly building practices.' Executive Director of The NYUAD Art Gallery and the University's Chief Curator, Maya Allison, said that 'Safekeeping Stories exemplifies the power of art to bridge memory, place, and material tradition. At the NYUAD Art Gallery, we are committed to nurturing emerging artists through mentorship and resources that help bring ambitious ideas to life. This installation is a poignant response to cultural loss, and a compelling example of how historical narratives can be reimagined through contemporary public art.' Bada Imambara, Lucknow, India. The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award Director Emily Doherty said: 'We couldn't be more delighted to welcome Hannan Arshad as winner of The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award 2025. The Selection Committee was captivated by her beautiful and thoughtful work. Hannan now enters the production part of her artistic journey with the full support of the professional curatorial, technical, and logistics teams at the NYUAD Art Gallery, along with her nominated mentor, Dr. Christianna Bonin, at AUS. We are looking forward to unveiling Safekeeping Stories at the entrance to Abu Dhabi Art in November this year.' Jeanne-Claude (left) and Christo. The selection committee included Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo; Maya Allison; Dyala Nusseibeh, Director of Abu Dhabi Art; Azza Al Qubaisi, Emirati jewellery artist, product designer and sculptor; Awam Amkpa, Dean of Arts and Humanities and Professor of Drama, Social and Cultural Analysis at NYUAD; and guest juror Nadine Maalouf, Vice Chairwoman of Design Council Abu Dhabi and Advisory Committee Member of the NYUAD Art Gallery. Running annually since 2013 under the patronage of Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, presented by NYUAD in partnership with ADMAF and produced in collaboration with NYUAD Gallery, The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award serves as a launch pad for artists across the Emirates. It encourages new artwork and offers winners insight into professional life as an artist, from commission to exhibition. The programme is open to UAE-based students and recent graduates. Raza Library, Rampur, India. Established in 2014, the NYUAD Art Gallery is among the only university galleries in the region with a programme of scholarly and experimental museum exhibitions. A book publication programme and an auxiliary venue, the Project Space, which is an exhibition laboratory for UAE-based artists and curators, are also among its core initiatives. For half a century, internationally acclaimed artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude created highly celebrated works of art around the world. Together, they changed the concept of 'public art' by creating temporary works that were transitory by design. They were artists noted for their large-scale, site-specific environmental installations. They refused grants, scholarships, donations or public money; they financed their work through the sale of their own artwork. Jeanne-Claude passed away in 2009 and Christo moved on in 2020. Founded in 1996, ADMAF is one of the first cultural organisations in the Arabian Gulf. Pioneering new artistic practices, it seeks to deepen global cross-cultural dialogue and inspire a renewed interest in the creativity of the UAE and Arab world, in partnership with leading national and international institutions. The Abu Dhabi Festival hosts year-round youth platforms and community programmes.
Al Etihad
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi: The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award names winning project of 13th edition
11 July 2025 13:34 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), in partnership with Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), has announced the winning project for The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award winner of the thirteenth edition of The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award is Hannan Arshad, under the mentorship of Assistant Professor at the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at the American University of Sharjah (AUS), Christianna Bonin. Hannan is a UAE-based Indian artist and graphic designer, who explores storytelling through materials, fabrication, and historical research. Focused on political dialogue and cultural memory, her work includes installation, print and digital media, film, and interest in Mughal history and materiality began during visits to the Raza Library in Rampur and the Bada Imambara in Lucknow. It later developed into Safekeeping Stories during her senior studio with Assistant Professor Amparo Baquerizas Carreras, at AUS. The project has since expanded to encompass larger sculptural and architectural references, reimagining the past as something tactile, participatory, and work preserving Mughal architectural and cultural knowledge. The artist recreates traditional Lakhori bricks, alongside nearly-forgotten brick and mortar Mughal techniques, that incorporate edible materials. Each brick is etched with the artist's own interpretation of Mughal miniature paintings, which transforms a historical building block into a medium for visual and written archiving. The bricks are arranged to resemble a library, inviting viewers to engage with history by physically removing each book from the by the urgent need to protect cultural heritage from political and environmental threats, the project highlights the contemporary relevance of historic building practices. The artist plans to expand the installation and collaborate with communities in the UAE and beyond, using art to spark conversations around memory, identity, and Excellency Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and Abu Dhabi Festival, said: 'Under the generous patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, and through ADMAF's partnership with NYU Abu Dhabi, The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award continues to celebrate the artist's legacy by honouring winners in the creative industries, supporting innovation in the fields of fine arts, sculpture and public art.'We congratulate Hannan Arshad, the winner of the Award, now in its thirteenth year, under the supervision of Assistant Professor Christianna Bonin from the College of Architecture, Art and Design at the American University of Sharjah. We commend her focus through her winning work, Safekeeping Stories, on documenting the rich history of human civilisations, and her dedication to studying and preserving endangered cultural and architectural knowledge, and attempting to revive it through environmentally and nature-friendly building practices.'The continuation of civilisation and the renaissance of humanity are based on our appreciation of our cultural memory and heritage, and our celebration of its tangible and intangible masterpieces, from sculpture and architecture to customs, traditions, and values. By preserving them throughout history, we inspire generations, express our close connection to the past and our hopeful outlook on the future.'Executive Director of The NYUAD Art Gallery and the University's Chief Curator Maya Allison said: Safekeeping Stories exemplifies the power of art to bridge memory, place, and material tradition. At the NYUAD Art Gallery, we are committed to nurturing emerging artists through mentorship and resources that help bring ambitious ideas to life. This installation is a poignant response to cultural loss, and a compelling example of how historical narratives can be reimagined through contemporary public art.'The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award Director Emily Doherty said: 'We couldn't be more delighted to welcome Hannan Arshad as winner of The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award 2025. There was strong competition among the shortlisted proposals; every year, the standard of applications is increasingly elevated. But ultimately, the Selection Committee was captivated by her beautiful and thoughtful work. Hannan now enters the production part of her artistic journey with the full support of the professional curatorial, technical, and logistics teams at the NYUAD Art Gallery, along with her nominated mentor, Dr Christianna Bonin at AUS. We are looking forward to unveiling Safekeeping Stories at the entrance to Abu Dhabi Art in November this year.'This year's selection committee convened in Abu Dhabi to select a winner. On the panel were HE Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo; Maya Allison, Executive Director of The NYUAD Art Gallery and Chief Curator; Dyala Nusseibeh, Director of Abu Dhabi Art; Azza Al Qubaisi, Emirati Jewelry Artist, Product Designer and Sculptor; Awam Amkpa, Dean of Arts and Humanities and Professor of Drama, Social and Cultural Analysis at NYUAD; and guest juror Nadine Maalouf, Vice Chairwoman of Design Council Abu Dhabi and Advisory Committee Member of the NYUAD Art Gallery. Running annually since 2013 under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, presented by NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), in partnership with Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, and produced in collaboration with the NYUAD Art Gallery, The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award serves as a launch pad for artists across the Emirates. It encourages new artwork and offers winners insight into professional life as an artist, from commission to exhibition.
