Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and France's Manufactures nationales, comprising S¨vres and Mobilier national under the Ministry of Culture, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at promoting cultural dialogue through collaboration, innovation, and educational initiatives. This agreement intends to aid emerging talents, enhance skills among established artists, and preserve the evolution of heritage crafts.
According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement was formalized on July 21, 2025, by Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and Abu Dhabi Festival, and Herv© Lemoine, President of Manufactures nationales, with Minister Rachida Dati, French Minister of Culture, witnessing the event at the Ministry of Culture in Paris. Minister Dati expressed satisfaction with the partnership, emphasizing its role in strengthening the cultural ties between France and the UAE, aligning with the international outreach goals of the Manufactures nationales.
Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo highlighted the collaboration as a long-term commitment centered on creation, innovation, and transmission. She emphasized the shared values between the UAE and France, aiming to support young talents and advance craftsmanship excellence through this historic MoU.
Herv© Lemoine remarked on the dialogue between the institutions, focusing on the intersection of tradition and innovation in decorative arts. He noted that the partnership provides a platform for experimentation, where heritage craftsmanship meets contemporary imagination.
Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador of France to the UAE, lauded the agreement for its alignment with shared values of creation, innovation, and transmission. He highlighted the opportunities for artisans, designers, and institutions from both countries to share knowledge and celebrate expertise, fostering an ecosystem where tradition and modernity coexist.
The partnership aims to build on the rich tradition of creativity and craftsmanship in ceramics, textiles, and design shared by France and the UAE. It will facilitate cultural dialogue and connect heritage with modernity through residencies, exhibitions, and educational programs promoting innovation and sustainability.
The collaboration has already initiated its first project with an open call for the Inspiration Residency in Paris, offering UAE designers a chance to immerse in France's creative ecosystem. The residency, coinciding with Paris Design Week, will select a winner in August 2025.
Beyond artistic exchange, the partnership will also explore craftsmanship approaches integrating technology and sustainable practices while developing educational resources to inspire future generations and sustain the vitality of decorative arts.
This collaboration reinforces ADMAF's mission to promote arts education access and support the UAE's creative industries, providing a global platform to showcase the excellence of French decorative arts.