- Creative Initiative to Empower Designers to Explore Arabic Letterforms Through Contemporary Design
DUBAI: Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in partnership with Visual Synonyms, has launched an open call for its Arabic Typography Programme, offering talented design professionals an opportunity to explore the artistic and creative possibilities of Arabic letterforms through a combination of academic learning, practical training and experimentation.
The initiative is designed to broaden creative horizons for practitioners in contemporary design while encouraging innovative approaches to Arabic typography and its application in modern visual communication.
Programme Targets Experienced Design Professionals
The programme will be led by Dr Antoine Abi Aad, Associate Professor at the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises at Zayed University. It is aimed at working professionals with three to 10 years of experience, a strong working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and a demonstrated interest in developing their expertise in Arabic typography.
Applications will remain open from 31 August to 20 September, after which a committee of experts and artists will assess submissions and select participants who meet the programme’s eligibility and creative requirements.
Applicants are required to submit their CVs along with a creative portfolio showcasing their key artworks and completed design projects. Selected participants must also commit to attending all programme sessions, which will be held over one month beginning in mid-October.
Masterclasses, Workshops and Practical Training
The month-long programme will feature a comprehensive series of specialised masterclasses, mentorship sessions, interactive workshops and practical assignments, delivered either over two consecutive weeks or across five weekends.
Through these sessions, participants will gain opportunities to strengthen their technical skills, engage with contemporary design practices and develop new approaches to Arabic typography.
From Visual Research to Contemporary Arabic Typography
A key component of the programme will involve a process of research, experimentation and creative reinterpretation.
Participants will begin by analysing the visual language of Japanese identity marks before exploring ways to translate elements of that research into contemporary typographic expression. The programme will culminate in the creation of original works rooted in Arabic letterforms and reimagined through modern design approaches.
Advancing Dubai’s Creative and Cultural Landscape
The Arabic Typography Programme reflects Dubai Culture’s commitment to supporting creative talent, nurturing innovation and strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading global centre for culture and design.
By bringing together professional development, artistic exploration and contemporary design practices, the initiative aims to contribute to the evolution of Arabic typography while providing emerging and established practitioners with a platform to expand their creative capabilities.
BY: The Times Union
