• Access to Artisans: House of Artisans will connect participants with artisans who specialize in the production of the artist/designer’s chosen handicraft element. This collaboration will allow participants to gain first-hand knowledge of traditional Emirati techniques.
• Mentorship and Educational Resources: Each participant will be paired with a dedicated mentor and educational specialist in the field of traditional Emirati handicrafts. This support will provide practical guidance and valuable educational resources to enhance your craft.
• Exclusive Studios and Classes at MAKE Abu Dhabi: Participants will gain access to top-tier studio spaces and specialized classes at MAKE Abu Dhabi, enhancing their skills and offering hands-on experiences with expert instructors.
• Studio Space & Supplies: House of Artisans will assist participants by connecting them with suppliers specializing in traditional tools and materials, such as looms, yarn, palm fronds, and other key materials necessary for production. This support ensures participants have everything they need to bring their designs to life.
• 10 finalists will have the opportunity to have their designs produced for Mubadala’s offices. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your work in a prestigious setting and bring your vision to life!

We want to see how you can reinterpret traditional Emirati craftsmanship in a modern context. Your design should:

• Pay homage to traditional Emirati techniques (e.g., woodwork, metalwork, weaving, pottery, etc.).
• Incorporate innovative and sustainable elements.
• Show creativity and functionality in your approach.

 There are two main categories for submissions:

• Furniture Design (e.g., carpets, sofas, chairs, light fixtures, desk designs, storage designs)
• Product Design (e.g., tableware, ceramics, indoor installations, mixed media, and more)

Designs must be intended for indoor use only.

• Submission Phase: Submit your design concept and portfolio through our online application form.
  
• Concept Development Programme: 20 participants will have almost 2 months to fully design and produce their final pieces, with the support provided throughout this phase.
• Prototyping and Final Production: Once prototypes have been produced, final production will begin. This process, based on material requirements, will take up to 1 month. Once completed, pieces will be delivered to House of Artisans for a private viewing by the selection jury.
  
• Final Evaluation and Acquisition: The jury will evaluate the final pieces and select a maximum of 10 designs to be acquired by Mubadala and produced for their offices.

Concept Proposal
Applicants will be asked to provide the following details:

• 250-word description of your design concept: Please describe your design concept in up to 250 words. What is the inspiration behind your design, and what makes it unique?
• Connection to Emirati craftsmanship and design: Explain how your design draws inspiration from traditional Emirati craftsmanship. How does it pay homage to the cultural heritage while introducing modern or innovative elements?
• Materials to be used: List all materials you wish to use for your design. Have you worked with these materials before? If yes, how have you experimented with them in your past work? If not, why are you curious to explore these materials, and what excites you about using them?
• Functionality and Innovation: How does your design balance functionality with artistic expression? What innovative techniques or approaches are you using in your design process?

Criteria of Selection
The following criteria will be used to evaluate applications for the House of Artisans Design Competition. Each submission will be scored based on the following:

• Concept & Design (25%) The design should integrate traditional Emirati craftsmanship while introducing innovative, modern elements. 
• Craftsmanship & Quality (25%) The design must exhibit excellent craftsmanship, reflecting precision, skill, and a mastery of materials and techniques. 
• Relevance to Emirati Heritage (20%) The piece should honor and reflect traditional Emirati crafts, incorporating cultural symbols, techniques, and materials. 
• Feasibility & Practicality (15%) The design should be functional and applicable in real-life contexts, such as in modern furniture or functional art. The design must also be feasible within the time and resource constraints of the competition.
• Creativity & Innovation (10%) The design must showcase creativity and originality. 
• Presentation & Communication (5%) The submission should be clearly presented, with high-quality visual materials (sketches, renders, mockups) and a well-written concept brief.

If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out to us at:
houseofartisans@qasralhosn.ae