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Double J Collective

Fine Crafts and Concept Design Award
United Arab Emirates '24

[Time]

Based in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, we have built a reputation as a premier gallery for the best fine crafts and art from this global cultural hub.

Blending traditional crafts with contemporary approaches from the Arabian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea.

Expanding creativity and present high-quality inspiring works. We believe in art's transformative power and societal enrichment.

About Us

Double J Collective is the first project based in Dubai exclusively dedicated to exhibit, promote and sell fine craft and design creations. Our mission is to champion and nurture talented international and Emirati artists, designers and crafters, who push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

Through curated exhibitions and commissioned projects, we showcase authentic, one-of-a-kind fine craft and design pieces. We are committed to developing projects that highlight the fusion of fine craft and design, creating exquisite environments that celebrate the beauty and ingenuity of craft.

In order to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation process for the Award, a distinguished panel of judges, or jury, will be nominated to assess the submissions. This jury will be composed of individuals with expertise and experience in the relevant design fields.
‍
The jury's primary responsibility is to meticulously review each submission based on predetermined criteria. Their diverse perspectives and discerning judgment will collectively contribute to the selection of winners who exemplify exceptional talent and ingenuity in design.

Curatorial Excellence

The gallery is committed to curatorial excellence, offering carefully curated exhibitions that showcase the best in fine crafts and conceptual design. Each piece reflects both exceptional craftsmanship and innovative vision, creating an inspiring visual experience for visitors.

Showcasing Fine Crafts

The gallery offers a platform for talented artisans to showcase meticulously crafted works, spanning traditional and contemporary techniques in ceramics, glass, textiles, wood, metal, and sculpture. This focus highlights the beauty of handmade art and the dedication of its creators.

Exploring Concept Design

The gallery highlights concept design, showcasing innovative works that blend creativity and functionality. From conceptual furniture and lighting to product design and interactive installations, these pieces challenge traditional ideas of form and function, inspiring visitors to rethink everyday objects.

Educational Programs and Workshops

The Double J Collective Gallery serves as an educational hub, offering workshops, masterclasses, and artist talks to promote fine craft and concept design. These programs engage visitors with artists, providing insights into techniques and materials, fostering a deeper connection between the audience and the art.

Retail Space

The Double J Collective Gallery includes a retail space where visitors can purchase exquisite artworks, limited-edition pieces, and design objects. This supports the fine craft and concept design industries, allowing visitors to acquire unique, handmade items that showcase quality craftsmanship.

Digital Presence and Online Store

The gallery expands its reach with a strong online presence, featuring a website that showcases its collection, details upcoming exhibitions and events, and offers an online store for global art enthusiasts. Virtual exhibitions also allow a wider audience to experience the gallery's offerings remotely.

Regional and European Art & Design Events

The gallery will present the fine craft artists and designers in regional events like Dubai Design Week and World Art Dubai, as will be present in the European events that showcases the best in the fine craft and design concept.

Awards 2024

Participants should create original works that combine traditional techniques with a modern aesthetic, reflecting their technical skill, creativity, and visual sensitivity.

The designs must align with the theme
"Reinvented Tradition: Exploring the Potential of
Fine Craft in Contemporary Times".

Challenge Description

Participants are required to create a design piece that celebrates artisanal tradition while incorporating elements of innovation and contemporary relevance. This challenge invites them to blend traditional techniques with modern design principles to create something both classic and forward-thinking.

Participants are required to create a design piece that celebrates artisanal tradition while incorporating elements of innovation and contemporary relevance. This challenge invites them to blend traditional techniques with modern design principles to create something both classic and forward-thinking.

They are encouraged to explore various materials and craftsmanship techniques, such as weaving, ceramics, woodworking, and metallurgy. By applying these methods in innovative and imaginative ways, participants can push the boundaries of conventional design while honoring traditional craftsmanship.

We encourage to explore materials and craftsmanship techniques, such as weaving, ceramics, woodworking, and metallurgy. By applying these methods in innovative and imaginative ways, participants can push the boundaries of conventional design while honoring traditional craftsmanship.

Assessment Criteria

(01)

Originality

Proposals must be original and reflect the designer's personality and creative voice.

(02)

Innovation

Participants should demonstrate an innovative approach by using traditional craftsmanship techniques in a unique and surprising manner.

(03)

Functionality

The design piece must be functional and practical, suitable for use in the specified context.

(04)

Sustainability

We strongly encourage the use of sustainable materials and innovative eco-friendly production practices whenever possible.

(05)

Contextualization

Participants are encouraged to contextualize their pieces within the current landscape of design and contemporary culture.

15
th
September

Submission Guidelines

Open to recent graduates (within the last five years) from recognized design schools or programs. Participants must be between the ages of 21 and 30. Each participant can submit only one design entry.

The designs must align with the theme "Reinvented Tradition: Exploring the Potential of Fine Craft in Contemporary Times" and fall into one of these categories: product, interior, fashion, packaging.

Open to recent graduates (within the last five years) from recognized design schools or programs. Participants must be between the ages of 21 and 30. Each participant can submit only one design entry.

The designs must align with the theme "Reinvented Tradition: Exploring the Potential of Fine Craft in Contemporary Times" and fall into one of these categories: product, interior, fashion, packaging.

Descriptive Memory

Detailed description of the design piece, including inspirations, materials used, techniques employed, and the production process. (up to 300 words).

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Images

Drawings, sketches, and digital drawings of the piece in high resolution, displaying different angles and details. Optionally, a short video (up to 3minutes) highlighting the creation process and features of the piece.

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Mock-Ups

A physical or digital mock-up (if available): a three-dimensional model or a visual representation of the product's design, allowing designers and stake holders to evaluate its appearance and functionality.

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Deadline

Participants must submit their works projects within the stipulated deadline and in accordance with the provided guidelines.

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Selection Process

In order to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation process for the Award, a distinguished panel of judges, or jury, will be nominated to assess the submissions. This jury will be composed of individuals with expertise and experience in the relevant design fields.

The jury's primary responsibility is to meticulously review each submission based on predetermined criteria. Their diverse perspectives and discerning judgment will collectively contribute to the selection of winners who exemplify exceptional talent and ingenuity in design.

In order to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation process for the Award, a distinguished panel of judges, or jury, will be nominated to assess the submissions. This jury will be composed of individuals with expertise and experience in the relevant design fields.
‍
The jury's primary responsibility is to meticulously review each submission based on predetermined criteria. Their diverse perspectives and discerning judgment will collectively contribute to the selection of winners who exemplify exceptional talent and ingenuity in design.

Marina Peres
(Co-Founder of Studio Invicta)

As co-founder of Studio Invicta, Marina Peres leverages strategic design and social innovation to connect brands with individuals.

With a PhD in Design and extensive experience, she drives sustainable growth through thoughtfully crafted brands and services.

She has taught Strategic Design Management, Design Thinking, and Data Visualisation at universities across Europe, Hong Kong, Macau, and the UAE. As a researcher at ID+ Research Institute for Design and Innovation, her focus is on sustainability and visual communication for social impact.

Passionate about using design for positive change, Marina is dedicated to creating meaningful impact.

Marie-Claire Bakker
(Expert in Ethnology & Museum Ethnography)

Marie-Claire Bakker received her MPhil in Ethnology & Museum Ethnography from the University of Oxford and an MA in Arabic Language and Literature from Edinburgh University.

She consults as an area specialist in material culture and higher education for the culture sector and creative industries in the region. Since 2014, she has taught at Zayed University Abu Dhabi in the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises, reintroducing material culture into the curriculum.

Marie-Claire is dedicated to collaborative educational initiatives, developing culturally responsive pedagogical models, and integrating traditional Emirati craft skills into the art and design curriculum. Her research focuses on social change through dress and jewellery in the Arabian Peninsula, and her creative practice includes talli braiding, palm leaf weaving, free form willow weaving, and living willow structures.

She has also served as Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, overseeing student well-being and strategic planning. Currently, she focuses on curriculum development, supporting at-risk students, fostering community partnerships, and mentoring recent graduates.

Goffredo Puccetti
(Director of A&H Visual Design Lab)

Goffredo Puccetti is an Associate Professor of Practice and Director of the A&H Visual Design Lab at NYUAD, specializing in corporate identity and branding.

He is interested in the interactions between visual communications and policy-making. Before joining NYUAD in 2011, he worked in Italy, the UK, and France for international clients such as Axa, Louvre, Mars, and Pirelli. As the first faculty of Visual Design at NYUAD, he has developed courses on Cross-cultural design, Calligraphy and Type Design, Brand Identity, Wayfinding, and inclusive design.

Puccetti collaborates with philosopher Roberto Casati on the design observatory www.designerrands.com and led a notable project filming the Burj Khalifa's shadow to demonstrate the earth's rotation.

He has won numerous international awards for logo design, including the Wolda, MarCom, and B2BEurope Awards. Puccetti co-authored the bilingual play The Acting Class/La Lezione di Teatro and the show La Divina Coppia.

He is also a motorcycle enthusiast and author of a bestseller book on Moto Guzzi, published by Mondadori in 2007.
LinkedIn

Majid Al Mail
‍(Leader in Real Estate Innovation)

With over two decades of experience and a career spanning multiple influstries, sectors, and geographies, Majid Al Mail has a unique background and diverse skill set, coupled with experience in investments, real estate, and public service.

Majid is currently managing the development and operation of 300Ksqm first of its kind in the region brown field redevelopment and regeneration of a unique mixed use, nation-building real estate project worth over $1b in the heart of Abu Dhabi Island.

In his current role, he has led growth planning and fundraising efforts as well as the creation of multiple strategies to ensure financial sustainability thorough the development of centres of excellence approach.

This wealth of knowledge and experience coupled by his entrepreneurial perspectives have paved the way to the co-founding of Taraf as a reflection of his deep belief in a better human experience and a more refined approach to living.

Sunaina Misra
(Founder of Artiste Culture)

Sunaina, founder of Artiste Culture, has over 12 years of experience in the contemporary art industry.

She holds an MA in Design Management from Northumbria University and has honed her curation and management skills through work in India and Germany, acquiring artwork for architects and designers. In 2020, she founded Artiste Culture to foster a vibrant and inclusive artistic community, promoting cultural diversity and meaningful discourse through visual art.

In October 2023, Sunaina launched The Art Bridge magazine, exploring contemporary art and its global intersections. Her global exposure and extensive network help manage artists worldwide, creating tailored opportunities and promoting cultural diversity.

Artiste Culture reflects her commitment to diverse perspectives, becoming a beacon of creativity and inclusivity in the art world.
LinkedIn

Jorge Pinto
(Leader in Cultural Development)

Jorge is a renowned leader in global cultural development, recognized for his visionary approach and expertise in fostering cultural collaboration.

With a portfolio of over 50 cultural assets, including fine craft and design projects across Europe and the GCC, he blends tradition with contemporary expression.

Jorge's international experience spans consulting, teaching, and advising in creative industries, cultural tourism, and policy development. As a partner in the Double J Collective since 2022, he enhances both artistic and managerial dimensions.

His career reflects a commitment to artistic enrichment, sustainable development, and international cooperation, establishing him as a distinguished figure in the cultural sector.
LinkedIn

Prizes

First Place

(01)
Acquisition of the piece by Double J Collective with a maximum value of 10.000AED.
(02)
Exhibition of the project at Double J Collective Gallery during Dubai Design Week 24.
(03)
Interview in an International Art / Design Publication.
(04)
Exhibition of the final piece in February 2025.

Finalists

(01)
Exhibition of the project at Double J Collective Gallery during Dubai Design Week 24.
(02)
Publication of the finalist projects of each category in an International Art / Design Publication.
Fine Crafts and Concept Design Award '24 — United Arab Emirates
Fine Crafts and
Concept Design Award
Dubai, UAE
Dubai Design District
(+971) 4 451 0467
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© 2024
[25.18.87.42.6. 55.29.53.35.7]
info@doublejcollective.com
Dubai Design District, Building 7, store R06
Dubai, UAE
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Dubai Design District, Building 7, store R06
Dubai, UAE
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Mon - Fri  —  11:00am - 7:00pm
Sat  —  By Appointment
Sun  —  Closed
Mon - Fri  —  11:00am - 7:00pm
Sat  —  By Appointment
Sun  —  Closed