H.E Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, President of Zayed University inaugurated the showCACE exhibition at Dubai Design District (d3). This exhibition features a display of animation design, graphic design, interior design and visual arts by 55 senior Dubai students from the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises (CACE).

The exhibition welcomed His Excellency Prof. Reyadh Almehaideb, Vice-President of ZU, alongside His Excellency Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al Marri, Director General of the Department of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, Dr. Marilyn Roberts, Zayed University Provost, and Ann-Maree Reaney, Dean of the CACE.

CACE reveled projects represented the outcome of research, innovative and creative problem solving, and rigorous critique sessions. Senior students have worked with both industry experts and faculty members at Zayed University to bring their work to a professional platform. 

The exhibition covered a variety of subjects, all of which relate to community & cultural development and contribute to the future aspirations of the UAE. Graphic and Interior Design students have responded to socio-cultural issues pertinent to their respective environments and the spirit of their generation, resulting in work that showcases the multifaceted applications of design and highlighting the student’s entrepreneurial spirits.

Animation Design and Visual Arts students have explored, through their own creative voice, components of their culture and heritage, personal histories and transformative landscapes. All the student projects reflect a commitment to innovation in art and design that is central to the mission of CACE.

Distinguished alumni Noura AlGhandi,  guest speaker at showCACE. Noura is one of Dubai’s youngest CEOs at just 23 and was honoured as the winner of the INDEX Design Entrepreneur of the Year Award for 2017. CEO of ALBAL Design Studio, Noura is a truly inspiring Emirati businesswoman and interior designer whose already firmly established brand not only has a sterling client list, but is also routinely offering a helping hand to local firms looking to get off the ground.

Ann-Maree Reaney, Dean of the CACE, said, “CACE graduates have demonstrated their exceptional level of ability and achievement by winning many awards, including the Gulf Capital ADMAF Creativity Award, Christo Award, the Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award, the Salama bint Hamdan Emerging Artists Fellowship program, and the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi’s Qasr al Hosn Cultural District Mosque Competition, to name but a few.”

“Our intensive and rigorous art, design, new media and exhibition programs are practice based and industry-engaged. The critical and professional guidance of faculty at CACE, underpinned by cutting-edge technology and an innovative learning environment, inspires a new generation of creative thinkers and builds a vibrant art and design community in the UAE.” 

She added that “This year CACE students and alumni have been fortunate to work with innovative educational partners such as ADMAF, Alserkal Avenue, d3 Dubai Design District, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Dubai Media, Abu Dhabi Housing, Vision Factory Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Dubai Design and Fashion Council, Van Cleef & Arpels, Dubai Culture and Dubai Municipality, Harper’s Bazaar Art, Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal to name only a few.”

“Art and design are major contributors to a nation’s creative economy and, in the establishment of a global identity, they are a country’s greatest export.”

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