Resident Artist - Pottery and Ceramics

The Design Commission Abu Dhabi (DCAD) Pottery and Ceramics residency is a six-month creative development program, running from January to June 2026, designed to bridge Emirati and regional craft heritage with contemporary design practices.

Residents will engage in intensive studio training, mentorship, and exhibition preparation, culminating in a final capstone collection presented in Abu Dhabi.

The program is developed in partnership with Ginori 1735, Italy's leading porcelain house, offering cross-cultural learning.

Core Functions

1. Participate in structured studio modules covering:

• Clay science, hand-building, wheel-throwing, and glazing.
• Surface design, kiln firing, and mold-making techniques.
• Business and branding for creative practitioners.

2. Produce and present a cohesive final collection for public exhibition.

3. Maintain a personal process journal documenting research and experimentation.

4. Collaborate with peers and mentors during critiques and masterclasses.

5. Participate in public and educational programming under DCAD.

Minimum Qualifications

• While formal education in ceramics is not mandatory, applicants should possess basic practical experience, such as hand-building, wheel-throwing, or glazing and a general understanding of ceramic processes. The program is open to artists, designers, makers, whether self-taught or formally trained
• Must be based in or hold residency within the UAE
• Comprehensive artist portfolio, showcasing craftmanship, creativity and conceptual thought
• Availability to attend weekly in-person sessions in Abu Dhabi throughout the six-months period (January- June 2026)

Nice to haves:

• Prior participation in art residencies, workshops, exhibitions
• Strong portfolio with 10-15 pages and visual storytelling skills
• Experience working in collaborative studio environments
• Background in design, fine arts, or related creative fields