The highly anticipated winner will be revealed during the exhibition’s opening on May 29. The recipient will receive a €50,000 award, chosen by a jury of 13 experts in design, architecture, and museum curation. This prestigious prize continues to recognize outstanding craftsmanship while elevating contemporary artisans on a global stage.

Celebrating Tradition and Innovation

Sheila Loewe, president of the LOEWE FOUNDATION, highlighted the prize’s role in reshaping how craft is perceived. “Year on year, it gives me such pleasure to see the LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize provide a platform for extraordinary talent and change the perception of craft internationally. Over the past decade, we have seen the Prize transform lives, careers, and build a global community. It is my great privilege to continue my family’s legacy.”

Founded in 2016 by creative director Jonathan Anderson, the award honors LOEWE’s heritage as a craft-based house. It recognizes artists who push boundaries while maintaining artistic excellence. Last year’s winner, Mexican ceramic artist Andrés Anza, impressed the jury with I Only Know What I Have Seen (2023), a striking spiked columnar sculpture.

A Global Celebration of Craft

The 2025 shortlist features a diverse range of disciplines, including ceramics, woodwork, textiles, and metalwork. These artists showcase exceptional skill while introducing fresh perspectives to traditional techniques. Their works will be on display in Madrid, offering visitors a unique chance to explore groundbreaking craftsmanship.

For those eager to witness the future of contemporary craft, this exhibition presents a rare opportunity. Stay tuned for the winner’s announcement as the LOEWE FOUNDATION continues its mission to support artistry and innovation in craftsmanship.

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USM Modular Furniture partners with designer Armando Cabral to launch the NKYINKYIM collection, celebrating African symbolism and modular design. The collection features functional pieces like a bookshelf, bed, chairs, end table, and valet tray. Cabral blends African cultural elements with modern furniture, creating designs that tell unique stories.

The NKYINKYIM collection reflects Cabral’s artistic vision and commitment to honoring his heritage. Each piece incorporates symbols that represent resilience, movement, and life’s journey. The furniture offers practical solutions for various spaces while showcasing artistic and cultural expression. With this collection, USM expands its reach by merging global aesthetics with its renowned modular design philosophy.

The collection’s standout piece, a modular bookshelf, exemplifies versatility and elegance. Customers can adapt the design to fit personal needs. The valet tray and end table add functional sophistication, perfect for modern living spaces. Each piece combines durable materials with intricate details, highlighting the craftsmanship behind the collection.

Cabral’s collaboration with USM represents a meeting of innovation and tradition. By introducing African-inspired designs, he offers a fresh perspective to modern interiors. The NKYINKYIM collection serves as a testament to the fusion of art, culture, and functionality.

USM’s partnership with Cabral aims to redefine modular furniture, combining versatility and cultural depth. This collection appeals to design enthusiasts who value meaningful stories in their living spaces. The NKYINKYIM modular furniture collection is now available through USM’s distribution channels.

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Ashton Desouza, the Founding President of the UoBD Space Society and team lead, highlighted the motivation behind their success. “Space has become a priority in the global industry, and the UAE’s milestones inspire us to become a part of this exciting field. Though my team members and I have done mechanical or computer science engineering and not aerospace engineering, we learnt about software designing and manufacturing techniques… all online from our UK counterparts — special thanks to Joseph Ward. We had zero experience before doing this and winning it. This entailed a lot of research, haunting and emailing more experienced people in this field. Ultimately, the payoff was pretty good,” said Desouza.

The UAE student-led rocket traveled approximately 500 meters from the Midlands Rocketry Club in the UK. Desouza explained, “Youth groups from across the United Kingdom go there and launch their rockets as part of the competition. There were many preliminary safety tests to be done before the launch. It had to pass all the checks by the safety range officer.”

The UoBD students won the award with their novel rocket design, successfully demonstrating its launch, recovery, and relaunch on the same day. They were notably the only team to accomplish this feat at the competition.

Another team member, Muhammed Mirza Villantakath, elaborated on their rocket’s features. “Our rocket that weighs 600-700g is a recoverable rocket, which means once you launch it, it has a parachute inside for safe recovery. Otherwise, it becomes ballistic and unsafe. That was one of the requirements of the competition. We prepared our initial design outline and payload preparation in December 2023. The rocket was ready by March.”

The students transported the completed rocket model, which passed all airport security checks. Their UK supplier provided items they couldn’t bring on the plane, such as the phenolic tube, parachute, and rail guides. Arjun Sailesh, the Vice President of the space club and a team member, explained their unique approach. “Conventionally, model rockets use a black-powder ejection charge for parachute recovery. However, due to the need for preliminary safety checks on our recovery system and local regulations prohibiting the commercial use of black powder, we researched and designed an alternative electronic recovery system.”

As a university space club, students engage passionately in various activities, including international competitions, field visits, conferences, and exhibitions, while collaborating with their UK campus.

Meanwhile, another team of six members from UoBD won the UKSEDS Olympus Rover Competition this July. Team lead Sriya Konduparti shared their journey. “Inspired by a visit to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), where we encountered a model of the Mars Rover, then my team and I embarked on designing our six-wheel rover in November 2023.”

After seven months of relentless effort and innovation, they completed the design in May 2024. “As a Computer Science student, I had to dive into new realms, mastering fusion and PCB design along with some other concepts that we required for the same,” she added. Despite the many redesigns and learning challenges, the students’ enthusiasm and perseverance led them to build a 3kg rover that they are proud of today.

Egyptian expat Jana Khalifa highlighted the challenges they faced. “One challenge we encountered was acquiring all the necessary materials. We sourced them from various electronic suppliers in Dubai and Sharjah, assembled them locally, and received some from the university. Transporting the rover to the UK was another hurdle. We had to find a battery that met the airline’s requirements, which meant it had to be under 12 volts and depleted before the flight. Ultimately, it was all worth it when we won,” added the 20-year-old.

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Weaving: The Art of Al-Sadu

The Tradition

Al-Sadu is a traditional form of weaving practiced by Bedouin women in the UAE. This intricate craft involves creating geometric patterns on fabric using wool and cotton. Historically, Al-Sadu was essential for making tents, rugs, and clothing, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle of the Bedouins.

Keeping the Tradition Alive

Modern artisans are reviving Al-Sadu by incorporating its designs into contemporary fashion and home décor. Workshops and cultural programs, often supported by organizations like the UAE’s Ministry of Culture, are helping to preserve this art form. These initiatives not only teach the traditional techniques but also encourage innovation to make Al-Sadu relevant in today’s market.

Pottery: The Craft of Al-Fukhari

The Tradition

Pottery in the UAE dates back thousands of years, with Al-Fukhari being one of the most enduring forms. Traditionally, Emirati potters created functional items such as water jugs, storage jars, and cooking pots using locally sourced clay. These items were often decorated with simple, yet elegant, geometric patterns.

Keeping the Tradition Alive

Today, Emirati potters are blending ancient techniques with modern aesthetics. Artisans are creating pieces that serve both functional and decorative purposes, often showcased in galleries and cultural festivals. Educational programs and pottery studios are also instrumental in teaching the younger generation the skills needed to continue this ancient craft.

Jewelry Making: The Art of Al-Sarm

The Tradition

Jewelry making, or Al-Sarm, has been a significant part of Emirati culture, symbolizing social status and wealth. Traditional Emirati jewelry is characterized by intricate designs and the use of precious metals and gemstones. Pieces such as bangles, necklaces, and rings often feature motifs inspired by nature and Islamic art.

Keeping the Tradition Alive

Artisans are preserving the legacy of Al-Sarm by creating jewelry that combines traditional designs with contemporary trends. Many designers are gaining international recognition for their work, which pays homage to Emirati heritage while appealing to modern tastes. Additionally, exhibitions and jewelry-making classes help sustain interest and skill in this traditional craft.

Supporting the traditional Emirati Artisans

Cultural Institutions and Initiatives

Numerous cultural institutions and initiatives in the UAE are dedicated to preserving traditional crafts. The Sharjah Institute for Heritage, for instance, plays a crucial role in documenting and promoting these art forms. Festivals like the Al Ain Cultural Festival provide platforms for artisans to showcase their work, fostering a greater appreciation for Emirati heritage.

The Role of Modern Technology

Technology is also aiding in the preservation and evolution of traditional crafts. Digital platforms enable artisans to reach a global audience, while online tutorials and virtual workshops make learning these crafts more accessible. This blend of tradition and technology ensures that these ancient art forms can thrive in the modern world.

Conclusion

Traditional Emirati crafts like weaving, pottery, and jewelry making are vital aspects of the UAE’s cultural heritage. Through the dedication of modern artisans and the support of cultural institutions, these crafts continue to flourish. By embracing both tradition and innovation, the UAE is ensuring that its rich cultural legacy is preserved for future generations.

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