Abu Dhabi Introduces a Pottery & Ceramics Residency

Shaping Stories in Clay: DCAD Launches Pottery & Ceramics Design Residency

Abu Dhabi’s creative pulse continues to grow stronger with the launch of the DCAD Pottery & Ceramics Design Residency Program, a six-month initiative that reimagines heritage through design while opening new doors for cross-cultural exchange.

Presented by the Design Council Abu Dhabi (DCAD) in collaboration with Italian porcelain house Ginori 1735, and produced by Gushcloud International, this second residency cycle positions the capital as a meeting point between tradition and innovation. Hosted at the creative workshop MAKE, it brings together the craftsmanship of the Emirates with the timeless artistry of Italy.

“We are proud to facilitate this partnership and continue fostering a world-class creative ecosystem in Abu Dhabi,” shares Althea Lim, Group CEO and Co-Founder of Gushcloud International. “This residency reinforces the region’s role in global design dialogue and offers real pathways for talent to emerge on the world stage.”

Guided under the chairwomanship of Her Highness Shaikha Shamsa Bint Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, DCAD remains committed to empowering a new generation of designers. Its programs are rooted in sustainability and innovation while celebrating the UAE’s cultural heritage a balance between legacy and modernity that defines the region’s creative identity.

This new residency invites 10–15 UAE nationals and residents, men and women, who are already practicing or exploring ceramics and pottery. Over six months, participants will immerse themselves in a curriculum spanning studio practice, sustainability, design theory, and masterclasses. A highlight includes a two-hour session with Ginori 1735’s Creative Director, offering insights into the Italian house’s approach to design excellence.

The program is more than training it is a journey of storytelling through clay. Each resident will create an original ceramic collection inspired by both Emirati and Italian traditions, a dialogue between two cultures shaped into tangible form.

The journey culminates in a Capstone Exhibition in late 2026, where works will be unveiled to the press, patrons, and collectors. For select residents, the opportunity extends beyond Abu Dhabi with an internship at Ginori 1735’s headquarters in Florence, a chance to step into the heart of European craftsmanship.

With governance led by Undersecretary Rana El Khoury, Vice Chairwoman Nadine Maalouf, and advisory members including Rym Al Falasy, Asma Al Fahim, Meera Al Suwaidi, and Rima Al Mokarrab, DCAD’s commitment is clear: nurturing creative talent while positioning Abu Dhabi as a global stage for design.

The residency is not only a step forward for the UAE’s creative economy, it is a reminder that design is as much about heritage as it is about the future. And in the hands of the next generation of ceramicists, stories will continue to be told, shaped, and preserved in clay.

Applications for the program are now open at www.dcad.ae.