Architects and designers are to be given an unmissable opportunity to build working relationships with some of the country’s most skilled and traditionally-trained craftspeople, with the launch of a new feature area at INDEX 2018.
For the first time in its history, INDEX will host a section of its show floor dedicated to local craftsmen – making it easier than ever for designers to meet the as yet undiscovered artisans behind many of the region’s most historical and treasured design methods.
Made in UAE’ will feature upholsters, glass artists, furniture makers, sculptors, metalsmiths and more, and will be a central part of the Middle East’s biggest interior design exhibition.
Samantha Kane-Macdonald, INDEX event director, said: “Our ultimate goal every year is to provide our
ever-expanding design community with a fully-rounded interiors experience: one that offers inspiration, a one-stop shop for product resourcing and networking, and a chance to learn how to enhance a design business further. With Made in UAE, we truly grow the influence of the show in its role in uniting designers of all backgrounds and disciplines.
“Over the last year we’ve learned that many designers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in particular often feel they have to travel abroad to meet and work with craftspeople when it comes to the creation of bespoke pieces. Knowing the Gulf’s rich design and manufacture history, we conducted our own vast research into a local market of artisans that we’d soon discover was being too often overlooked.
“We spent weeks travelling throughout the Emirates and found dozens of different craftspeople specialising across the spectrum of design-associated disciplines. We’re now incredibly excited about welcoming these masters of their crafts to the show, and creating a lively feature area that we hope can bring these creators closer to our internationally renowned interior designers, architects and product manufacturers, answering their demand and making these craftspeople their go-to contacts.”
Made in UAE will feature live demonstrations by a number of craftsmen throughout its four days, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Center, March 26-29th.
