Crafting Design Futures is an exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art showcasing the work of nine makers from Qatar and Morocco. Curated by Gwen Farrelly, the exhibition features new works created during the Design Doha Residency Program 2024. The residency program is part of Design Doha, a biennial event focused on creative innovation in the MENA region. Crafting Design Futures will be on display from November 30, 2024, through January 7, 2025, as part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture.
Deputy Director of Design Doha, Fahad Al Obaidly, highlighted the importance of the Years of Culture initiative in fostering partnerships across borders and cultures. Crafting Design Futures aims to showcase the transformative impact of shared experiences and traditions in shaping the creative endeavors of the designers. By providing opportunities for creatives to engage in deep experiences, the program aims to nurture talents within the MENA region.
Curator Gwen Farrelly described Crafting Design Futures as an exploration of the intersection between traditional craft practices and contemporary design. Designers from Qatar and Morocco have collaborated to create works that blend traditional craft-making skills with modern design practices. The program and exhibition reflect the commitment in both countries to honor tradition while embracing innovation and cutting-edge design.
In Qatar, designers Nada Elkharashi, Reema Abu Hassan, Majdulin Nassrallah, and Abdulrahman Al Muftah have interpreted traditional Moroccan craft-making skills to design installations, products, and displays. In Morocco, artists focused on various mediums such as textiles, wood craftsmanship, ceramic and glass installations, and pottery. The artworks created during the exchange will be displayed at the Museum of Islamic Art, with a public installation by Amine Al Gotibi in MIA’s courtyard.
The exchange program also involved a two-week research residency in Qatar for the Moroccan artists, allowing them to immerse themselves in local culture and traditions. Participants from Qatar visited studios and artisan schools in Morocco to gain inspiration from the rich craft traditions of the country. The designers will continue to showcase the skills they learned through workshops at Liwan Design Studios & Labs in the fall, contributing to the establishment of a network of designers across the region.
Crafting Design Futures exemplifies the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration in the creative industry. By bringing together designers from Qatar and Morocco, the exhibition highlights the value of shared experiences, traditions, and knowledge in shaping artistic visions. Through programs like Design Doha, the MENA region continues to foster creativity, innovation, and design excellence, contributing to the growth and development of the creative sector in the region.
