ADMAF Inspiration Residency for Craftsmanship
Presented in partnership with the Institut français des Emirats arabes Unis and Manufactures nationales – Sèvres & Mobilier national
The Residency offers designers and artisans working in the field of contemporary creation the opportunity to immerse themselves in the ecosystem of French crafts. Designed as an exploratory journey rather than a production-based Residency, this experience is focused on techniques, cultures and people.
The resident will be immersed from 1 September 21 to September 2025, at the Mobilier national, home to a wide range of exceptional workshops, including:
• Wool Dyeing workshops for wool and its extensive colour chart of over 20,000 shades
• Restoration workshops (cabinetmaking, seat carpentry, chandelier-bronze work, restoration of carpets and tapestries, upholstery, decorative tapestry)
• Textile Creation Workshops (high and low warp)
The resident will meet also with artisans from the Ateliers de Recherche et de Création (ARC) and contemporary textile manufacturers, offering additional sources of inspiration for future work. The laureate will be fully immersed in the techniques, aesthetics, and spirit of French craftsmanship so that their future projects can mature and materalise.
Residency
The selected laureate will be awarded with:
A fully funded residency at Mobilier national, Paris from 1–21 September 2025. The residency includes access to expert workshops (wool dyeing, restoration, textile weaving), meetings with ARC artisans and textile manufacturers, artistic mentorship and guided cultural visits.
Timeline
Submissions Open 15-July-2025
Submissions Close 31-July-2025
31 July - 8 August 2025: Jury Evaluation
11 August 2025: Winner Announcement
1 - 21 September 2025: The ADMAF Inspiration Residency for Craftsmanship
The selected candidate will attend the residency at Mobilier national in Paris, engaging with master artisans and exploring the French craftsmanship ecosystem.
Programme Guidelines
Eligibility
- Open to Emirati nationals or UAE residents between the age of 18-35
- Applications must be submitted by individuals; group entries will not be accepted
- Proficient in English
Selection Criteria
Candidates must demonstrate strength in, and address, all the following criteria in their application:
- Creative Vision & Originality: Demonstrates a highly original and personal design identity with a unique and innovative perspective
- Understanding of Craftsmanship & Savoir-Faire: Shows deep appreciation and understanding of craftsmanship and savoir-faire; integrates traditional or manual techniques thoughtfully
Requested Documents
- Application Form (to be filled online)
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
- Portfolio showcasing 3–4 selected projects (maximum 10 pages)
Guidelines
By entering this call to application, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.
- The residency is free to enter.
- Applicants must be aged between 18-35 years old and have 5-10 years of experience.
- Only completed applications will be accepted.
- Residency entrants will not receive payment for their entries.
- The entries are only accepted by individuals not groups
- In entering the call to application, applicant warrants that their entry is completely original under his/her own creation, all content therein is accurate and lawful, and does not contain material that is harmful, libelous or defamatory to, or material that may infringe the right of, any person or entity in any nature. The applicant will be obliged to indemnify any damage ADMAF may suffer as a result of any inconsistency to the foregoing.
- Applicants will retain ownership of copyright for their entry. After submission to the competition, ADMAF has the right to use the nominated work in connection with the competition. ADMAF has the right to copy, display, publish and make available all nominated work in any format (whether online or in print or otherwise) in connection with the competition.
- The jury selects one candidate, and their decision is final.
- The candidate will ensure to be physically present to attend the timelines as stipulated above.
- While ADMAF & Institut français aux Emirats arabes unis will make travel arrangements for the winner to Paris, the winner must ensure they possess valid travel documents to France and will do so at their own merit.
- The winner agrees to appear in all photography and film associated with the award and will be requested to sign a waiver accordingly.
- The winner agrees to join the ADMAF and Institut français Alumni and contribute to the promotion of future editions of the residency.
- The applicant’s contact details will be added to the ADMAF and Institut français database to receive future updates from the Foundation.
- ADMAF reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not comply with these terms or is deemed inappropriate or not in the spirit of the competition.
- By entering, the applicant consents to ADMAF using their personal information in accordance with applicable data protection laws for the purposes of administering the competition and promoting future events.
- For the duration of their stay, residents will be housed at the Mobilier national in the Gobelins enclosure.
- The resident will be accompanied by a member of staff who will guide them throughout their stay.
- It is understood that in this residency the workshops of the Mobilier national are not available for the physical fabrication of any project.
