The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) will present an exhibition called Crafting Design Futures this fall which showcases the creativity of nine artists from Qatar and Morocco, two cultures rich in handcrafting traditions.

The exhibition, curated by Gwen Farrelly, will feature new works by designers from Qatar and Morocco, created during the Design Doha Residency Program 2024 Qatar | Morocco: Crafting Design Futures.

The residency is a long-term exchange of knowledge, craft and design practices under the auspices of Design Doha, a biennial event dedicated to creative innovation from the MENA region.

On view from November 30 to January 7, 2025, Crafting Design Futures is presented as part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture.

“The Years of Culture initiative calls on creative minds to forge profound partnerships transcending borders and cultures,” said Fahad Al Obaidly, Deputy Director of Design Doha.

“Crafting Design Futures demonstrates the transformative impact of finding inspiration through shared experiences that draw on the wisdom of our ancestors, our lifestyles and our deep-rooted connections with our societies, landscapes and environment – all of which collectively shape our unique perspectives, creative endeavours and shared narratives.

“Designing opportunities for creatives to engage in programmes that have the capacity for such deep experiences is crucial to nurturing talents within the MENA region.”

Gwen Farrelly, Curator for the Design Doha Exchange 2024 Qatar | Morocco: Crafting Design Futures, added: “Crafting Design Futures explores the confluence of traditional craft practices and contemporary modes of making and design.

“The significant works have emerged as a result of the exchanges of knowledge about traditional craft-making and the relationship of these to their current practices.

“The programme and exhibition reflect the deep commitment in both Qatar and Morocco to honour tradition while celebrating innovation and cutting-edge design and making.”

Based in Qatar, designers Nada Elkharashi, Reema Abu Hassan, Majdulin Nassrallah and Abdulrahman Al Muftah interpreted the traditional Moroccan craft-making skills learned during the exchange programme to design multifunctional installations, create modern functional products and artistic displays and draw attention to urgent cultural narratives.

In Morocco, Amine Asselman, Bouchra Boudoua, Amine El Gotaibi, Hamza Kadiri and Sara Ouhaddou focused on textiles, earthworks, wood craftsmanship, ceramic and glass installations and pottery.

Artworks created during the exchange will be on display at the Museum of Islamic Art’s Gallery 4 and a public art installation by Amine El Gotaibi will be on view in MIA’s courtyard.

Bespoke merchandise products created by the Qatar-based designers, inspired by their exchange in Morocco, will also be sold exclusively at MIA’s shop.

The residency offered a first-hand experience for participants to learn from expert artisans and craftspeople in each country.

The Moroccan artists participated in a two-week research residency in Qatar at the Liwan Design Studios and Labs and Torba Farm, immersing themselves in the local culture and traditions.

Participants from Qatar, in turn, travelled to Morocco, visiting studios and artisan schools in Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech and Fes to gain insights and inspiration from the rich Moroccan craft traditions.

“Interpersonal exchanges are crucial to establishing a network of designers across the region,” Fahad explained.

“To continue the tradition of collaboration, the designers will showcase the skills they learned from the programme through a series of workshops at the Liwan Design Studios and Labs in the fall.”

The Years of Culture initiative spearheads sustained cultural partnerships between Qatar and other nations. It exists to promote respect and understanding among diverse cultures and serves as a catalyst for bringing people together.

GO: Visit www.mia.org.qa for more information.