Abu Dhabi’s House of Artisans is set to showcase its traditional crafts at the London Design Biennale in June 2023. The art center will display a range of Emirati crafts, including the traditional Bedouin weaving technique known as Sadu, which was added to UNESCO's list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding” in 2011.
The theme for this year’s London Design Biennale is “The Global Game: Remapping Collaborations,” and the House of Artisans is excited to participate in this global event. The center hopes to shed light on the traditional art of Emirati weaving and to showcase the unique techniques practiced by Emirati women.
The House of Artisans pavilion will showcase various weaving items, such as wool and spindle, and will provide a detailed explanation of the Sadu weaving technique. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the intricate process of weaving and to appreciate the skill and precision required to create these beautiful pieces.
The traditional art of Sadu weaving has been a significant part of Emirati culture for centuries. Historically, the Bedouin people used this technique to create functional items such as tents, bags, and clothing, but in recent years, it has become increasingly popular in the world of fashion and design.
The House of Artisans, established in Abu Dhabi in 2018, aims to preserve and promote traditional Emirati crafts. The center provides a platform for artisans to showcase their skills and to sell their products, ensuring the continuation of these traditional crafts for generations to come.
The London Design Biennale will run from 1st – 30th June 2023, and the House of Artisans’ pavilion is expected to attract a lot of attention. The center hopes that this exhibition will not only showcase their traditional crafts but also foster collaborations with designers and artisans from around the world.
“We are thrilled to participate in the London Design Biennale and to showcase our traditional crafts to a global audience,” said a spokesperson for the House of Artisans. “We hope that this exhibition will highlight the importance of preserving traditional crafts and inspire collaborations between artisans from different cultures.”
The organization’s participation in the London Design Biennale is an exciting opportunity to showcase Emirati traditional crafts to the world and to promote collaboration between artisans from different cultures. With the Sadu weaving technique being added to UNESCO's list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding,” this exhibition is a crucial step towards preserving this traditional craft for future generations.
