12-05-2025
Talent Atelier Programme, a Unique Platform to Foster Dialogues Between Creative Arts Disciplines and the Art of Jewellery
Dubai Culture and L'ÉCOLE Middle East announce the open call for the second edition
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced the open call for the second edition of 'Talent Atelier,' organised in partnership with L'ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels. The initiative offers participants an opportunity to expand their understanding of jewellery arts through in-class learning, hands-on practice and mentorship with industry experts. It aligns with Dubai Culture's mission to support the cultural and creative industries and strengthen Dubai's position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.
Emirati and UAE-based practitioners across multiple arts disciplines, such as visual arts, graphic and interior design, architecture and jewellery arts are invited to apply for the programme, which falls under the umbrella of the Dubai Cultural Grant, an initiative under the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy. Six selected designers will be chosen to attend a series of trainings and workshops in three phases: Phase 1: Dubai – from 30 June to 11 July 2025 at L'ÉCOLE Middle East's campus in Dubai Design District (d3). The sessions will explore the history and cultural evolution of jewellery, provide insights into gemstones and their properties, and introduce key methods used in fine craftsmanship. Participants will also develop their concepts into detailed sketches and initial proposals.
Phase 2: Paris –from 1 to 7 September 2025 at L'ÉCOLE's France & Europe campus, located at the Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau on the Grands Boulevards, to deepen their understanding of jewellery arts through courses and immersive experiences.
Phase 3: Showcase of conceptualised projects in Dubai displaying proposed adaptations expressing knowledge and know-how.
Applications are open until 1 st of June 2025. Submissions will be reviewed by a jury of industry professionals, who will assess each applicant's background, artistic approach, engagement with different media, and commitment to completing all stages of the initiative. Evaluation will be based on criteria, including material use, artistry, and the ability to produce original and distinctive work.
The Talent Atelier programme aims to broaden the horizons of the UAE's creative talents and to enrich their knowledge of the forms of jewellery arts. The programme symbolises the strength of Dubai Culture and L'ÉCOLE Middle East's ongoing partnership, reflecting their shared goal of cultivating a vibrant cultural and creative ecosystem within the UAE and internationally, fostering a cross-cultural collaboration, elevating the UAE's talents and skills on the global artistic stage.
About Dubai Culture & Arts Authority:
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is committed to enriching Dubai's cultural scene based on the UAE's heritage, and is building bridges of constructive dialogue between various cultures to enhance Dubai's position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.
Dubai Culture is keen on reviving and preserving the emirate's historical heritage and developing the regulatory frameworks for the cultural and creative sector in line with its strategic roadmap 2020 – 2025.
The Authority also seeks to empower the enablers that support talent and stimulate active public participation by investing in the various assets under its remit, including the management of five heritage sites, five museums, Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, 17 archaeological sites and nine Dubai Public Library branches, all of which help contribute to creating an economic system that invigorates the cultural and creative industries. The Authority also offers 8 services and 26 sub-services.
About L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts:
Established in 2012 with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels, L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts aims to introduce the public to all aspects of jewelry culture through various activities: courses, workshops, conversations, exhibitions, research, books and podcast.
Activities at L'ÉCOLE cover three main areas: the history of jewelry, the world of gemstones and the savoir-faire of jewelry-making techniques. The courses are open to everyone, with no prerequisites: complete beginners as well as enlightened amateurs, collectors and those with a curiosity for the world of jewelry. Students experiment with gestures, skills and tools, guided by their lecturers – art historians, gemologists and craftsmen.
L'ÉCOLE now has four permanent addresses: in Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Dubai. The Middle Eastern campus was established in Dubai at d3 in April 2024.
All proceeds from L'ÉCOLE Middle East's public courses and talks are donated to Dubai Cares to support youth education programs, underscoring the school's commitment to social responsibility and youth empowerment.
Moreover, since its inception, L'ÉCOLE regularly travels abroad, in Europe, America, Asia and the Middle East, for talks, exhibitions or travelling course programs that can last one to three weeks. L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts therefore contributes to the promotion and visibility of jewelry culture on an international scale.
