The Design Council Abu Dhabi (DCAD) has announced its second residency cycle titled the DCAD Pottery & Ceramics Design Residency Programme. The initiative, developed with Gushcloud International, is presented in partnership with Italian porcelain house Ginori 1735 and will run for six months at the creative workshop MAKE in Abu Dhabi.

Under the chairwomanship of Her Highness Shaikha Shamsa Bint Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, DCAD continues to nurture the UAE’s design ecosystem through immersive programs that emphasise sustainability, innovation and Emirati cultural heritage. The council’s governance includes Undersecretary Rana El Khoury, Vice Chairwoman Nadine Maalouf, and advisory committee members Rym Al Falasy, Asma Al Fahim, Meera Al Suwaidi, and Rima Al Mokarrab.

The residency will see 10–15 UAE nationals and residents specialising in ceramics or pottery, providing training in both traditional and contemporary design techniques. The classes will combine studio practice, sustainability, design theory and masterclasses, including a special session led by Ginori 1735’s Creative Director.

Althea Lim, Group CEO and Co-Founder of Gushcloud International, commented: “We are proud to facilitate this partnership and continue fostering a world-class creative ecosystem in Abu Dhabi. This residency reinforces the region’s role in global design dialogue and offers real pathways for talent to emerge on the world stage.”

The programme will finish in 2026 with a Capstone Exhibition. Stay tuned to see the creations…