Latest news with #CreativeEconomy
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
New Heritage Sector takes the spotlight at Make it in the Emirates
Traditional Emirati crafts reimagined for today's market and tomorrow's makers From daggers to handbags, heritage products find new life in the creative economy Abu Dhabi – For the first time, Make it in the Emirates features a dedicated Handcrafts sector, spotlighting the UAE's artisanal heritage and its role in today's creative economy. Around 50 craftspeople and heritage-based businesses take part daily, with workshops, cultural talks, and live sessions. Organised by ADNEC Group and hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, and held alongside strategic partners the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and ADNOC, this fourth and largest edition to date of Make it in the Emirates gathers industry leaders, investors, and policymakers, offering a global hub for innovation and advanced manufacturing. It runs from May 19 to 22, 2025 at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. At Make it in the Emirates, the Ministry of Culture signed a series of MoUs with national partners to establish a unified National Registry for Craftspeople. The agreements will help promote local craft products, encourage artisan registration, provide accurate data and market insights, and foster a supportive ecosystem for sustainable growth across the sector. The agreements included the following entities: General Women's Union Al Ghadeer Emirati Crafts Project, under the Emirates Red Crescent signed with the Ministry of Culture. Ghars Centre for Social Empowerment, under Fujairah Charity Association signed with the Ministry of Culture. Department of Antiquities and Museums – Ras Al Khaimah Among the exhibitors in the Heritage Sector is Al Ghadeer Emirati Crafts, a non-profit that trains women—many of whom have no prior skills—in the art of handcrafting goods using techniques like Talli, Khous, Sadu, and pottery. Al Ghadeer's work transforms ancient techniques into products such as handbags and home décor items, blending traditional design with modern functionality. The organisation has already trained over 470 women, and their creations, alongside live demonstrations, have travelled to international exhibitions in the UK, Italy, China, and beyond. Also on show is Khunair, the heritage brand of Beit Al Khunair, which produces handcrafted Emirati daggers, coffee pots, and other heritage items, preserving the UAE's legacy while creating items of enduring social and national value. One such item is a ceremonial sword crafted for H.E. Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his visit to Italy, reflecting the deep cultural and symbolic value of traditional Emirati craftsmanship. The team of artisans, including goldsmiths and metalsmiths, continues to handcraft Emirati symbols using traditional methods passed down through generations. Khunair is at Make it in the Emirates to revive interest in traditional Emirati craftsmanship and encourage greater local appreciation for heritage products. They see the event as a chance to showcase handmade items like the Khanyar dagger and ceremonial artefacts to a wider audience, connect with new customers, and highlight the cultural value of UAE-made goods in a market where many still look abroad for such pieces. Their goal is to position heritage crafts not only as symbols of identity but also as commercially viable products that deserve recognition and support. Dubai Culture and Arts Authority joins the Handcrafts sector to raise awareness about the value of traditional crafts and the need to keep them alive in everyday life, having been passed down through generations, but are now at risk of fading due to fast-paced, modern lifestyles. Their participation focuses on showing younger generations not only how these crafts are made, but also the meaning, time, and cultural identity behind them. Even within the same craft, such as palm weaving, techniques and colour choices can vary widely between families and regions, reflecting the diverse interpretations of a shared heritage. By blending traditional methods with modern design, like turning woven patterns into contemporary handbags or home décor, they hope to make these crafts more relevant and appreciated today. Meanwhile, Al Khaznah Leathers, a sustainable tannery based in Abu Dhabi, bridges heritage and innovation. Founded in 2003 as a vision of Sheikh Zayed, the company specialises in chrome-free, camel leather tanning using eco-conscious methods. From handbags to aviation upholstery, Al Khaznah's goods span multiple industries while remaining rooted in traditional leatherwork. Through its in-house studio and training initiatives, the company is helping to reimagine Emirati craftsmanship in a global, sustainable context. Together, these exhibitors represent a powerful narrative: that handcrafts are not just relics of the past, but a path forward, one that fosters cultural continuity, supports livelihoods, and champions UAE-made excellence on the world stage.
Al-Ahram Weekly
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Empower Her Art Forum launches at the Grand Egyptian Museum - Visual Art - Arts & Culture
The third edition of the Empower Her Art Forum (EHAF), organised by Art Today, launched on Friday with a ceremony held at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Running until 20 May, the forum features over 200 female artists from over 35 countries. EHAF, which aims to empower women, held three panel discussions on its second day on various topics, such as Women Shaping Identity Through Art & Culture, Voices of Women Leading Transformation, and Women Disrupting the Creative Economy. This year, the forum's programme includes workshops on creativity, visual arts, psychology, painting and drawing, and various expressive techniques. Over 10 workshops will be held throughout the forum days, led by international artists from Spain, Germany, Ethiopia, Greece, Turkey, and Oman. It also features a series of exhibitions showcasing artworks by artists from Finland, Romania, Italy, Serbia, Spain, Bahrain, India, Qatar, and other countries. Palestine is on display through the works of Palestinian artists Amira Mannah and Dina Mattar, who shed light on the Palestinian experience by weaving stories of resilience, identity, and hope. Participants in the discussions and workshops can benefit from the knowledge and expertise of several Egyptian and international women artists. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Forbes
12-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Members-Only Event: Unlocking Capital, Visibility & Sustainability For Black Creators In Today's Economy
As co-founder of BOMESI (Black Owned Media Equity and Sustainability Institute) and founder/CEO of Her Agenda, Rhonesha Byng is championing a new generation of creatives and entrepreneurs. Join us June 3rd at 1 PM EST for an inspiring conversation on how Byng is scaling impact through BOMESI's growing accelerator, why she's betting on Black media when others are pulling back, and how Black creators can find access to capital, visibility, and long-term sustainability in the creator economy. Attend and learn all about: Ali Jackson-Jolley Ali Jackson-Jolley is an assistant managing editor at Forbes, where she leads diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and strategies aimed at achieving a newsroom that is reflective of the Forbes audience and society at large. Notably, Ali launched the Forbes HBCU Scholars Program (formerly the Forbes HBCU Fellowship Program), the Forbes + Gold House Business Journalism Accelerator, and the Forbes BLK editorial community. Prior to this, she worked as a journalist focused on issues related to race, ethnicity, diversity, and society, and in government relations on Capitol Hill, where she worked on issues involving women and underrepresented groups, enacting reform in government, business, and education. Rhonesha Byng Rhonesha Byng, CEO of Her Agenda, is a visionary entrepreneur and media thought leader. Guided by the philosophy N.E.S.H.A. – No one Ever Slows Her Agenda – she empowers millennial women through content and community. An Emmy award-winning journalist turned entrepreneur she is a sought-after speaker. Rhonesha champions diversity, equity, and media innovation. She's been recognized by platforms including Forbes 30 under 30, ESSENCE, BET, and NBC. Her impact extends through co-founding the Black Owned Media Equity and Sustainability Institute (BOMESI), reshaping narratives, and fostering change.
Zawya
28-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Lagos to get full-scale world-class arena by 2026 — FG
The Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa has disclosed that there will be a full-scale world-class Arena in Lagos State by 2026. She made this disclosure known to newsmen on Thursday in Lagos. This, according to her, will further project Nigerian music positively and attract foreign investment into the country. The Minister added that the arena will be extended to Abuja thereafter and some other parts of the country. Hannatu also disclosed that the Wole Soyinka Centre is almost being completed. She noted that the private sector is actively involved in bringing this to realization, noting that the business of government is to create the enabling environment. 'Arena is going to be delivered. There will be a full-scale world-class arena in Lagos first by next year and extended to Abuja. 'The Private sector is actively involved in this project and as we all know the business of government is to provide enabling environment for the creatives to thrive and we are doing all that. 'I also want you to know that the Wole Soyinka Centre is almost being completed. Meanwhile, The Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy Barrister recalled securing a $200 million financing facility with the African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim Bank) to support the growth of the country's creative industries. She explained that this partnership with the African Export-Import Bank is a crucial component of the Destination 2030 vision and one of the ministry's ambitious goals for the creative economy. She emphasized the critical role of global partnerships in driving the country's vision forward, stating that Destination 2030: 'Nigeria Everywhere', is the Ministry's roadmap to transforming Nigeria into a global cultural powerhouse and called on more stakeholders to invest in the vision.
Zawya
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Nigeria set to develop Diaspora City, attract foreign investors —Musawa
The Federal Government has launched the Motherland Africa 2025 Carnival to position Nigeria as a hub for African culture, investment, and tourism. Speaking at the event in Abuja, Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, emphasized the administration's commitment to attracting Nigerians in the diaspora, encouraging foreign investment, and curbing the 'Japa syndrome.' Musawa highlighted plans to develop Diaspora City as part of a broader strategy, Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere, aimed at leveraging Nigeria's rich heritage and economic potential for global engagement. She described the carnival as a catalyst for sustained connections between the diaspora, investors, and travelers, fostering deeper ties with Nigeria's dynamic experiences. The Minister also announced the 'See Motherland Through Your Eyes' competition, inviting participants to showcase Nigeria's landscapes, communities, and traditions through visual storytelling. She called on government agencies, ministries, and private sector partners to collaborate in shaping Nigeria's tourism and investment landscape, emphasizing that the initiative provides a strategic platform for long-term partnerships to drive economic growth and enhance global cultural exchange. Managing Director of Discover Motherland Africa, Mrs. Chidimma Nwankwo, described the initiative as a transformative movement reconnecting the Nigerian diaspora to their roots while unlocking cultural pride and investment opportunities. She urged the global diaspora to experience Nigeria not just as visitors but as active participants in a redefined vision of tourism. The initiative features cultural exchanges, business exhibitions, a travel hub, a citizenship-by-investment program, and a closing concert celebrating music and heritage.
