Upholding its role as a support system for artists and designers, and reflecting its firm commitment towards nurturing the UAE creative and cultural industries, Tashkeel is delighted to launch Make Works UAE. This comes on the cusp of Tashkeel’s 10-year anniversary.
The first Make Works initiative outside Europe, Make Works UAE is a non-profit initiative. The open-access online directory aims to facilitate accurate and efficient connections between creative practitioners and UAE-based fabricators and manufacturers. The new interactive platform invites artists and designers who are looking to connect with reputable producers and crafts people in the UAE.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, Deputy Director of Tashkeel said, “As the first Make Works platform outside Europe, Make Works UAE seeks to strengthen the bridge between the creative and cultural industries and the manufacturing sector. By increasing the range and number of products designed and produced in the UAE through collective collaboration, we hope to not only contribute to the growth of a sustainable economy but also inspire excellence through innovation. Tashkeel looks forward to building this important information resource for the benefit of makers, manufacturers and consumers.”
Founded in 2012 by Fi Scott in Scotland, Make Works was initiated to encourage local manufacturing, reduce environmental impacts and sustain local economies and communities. This also underscores the aim of Tashkeel’s Tanween programme, which seeks to stimulate cultural and economic development in addition to facilitating dialogue within the local design, craft and manufacturing community. The relationship between the two organisations was established in 2015 when Fi Scott was invited to mentor Tanween participants. Jumana Taha, an alumnus of the Tanween programme, has been appointed as Project Coordinator of Make Works UAE.
Manufacturers and skilled makers are listed for free. Interested parties will be required to register via the website and demonstrate that they fit the criteria. The Make Works UAE team will then arrange a site visit to assess the quality of work.
The website will be unveiled today at Dubai Design Week by way of a presentation, live demonstration and panel discussion featuring UAE-based creative practitioners Lewis Adams (MadeByNative), Darshan Soni (Apical Reform) and Aya Al Bitar (Aya).
The Make Works UAE talk takes place today from 5pm-6pm at Building 4, DIDI Space (mezzanine), Dubai Design District (d3)