When thinking of design on a global level, Amman might not be the first city to come to mind. But with the emergence of Amman Design Week, the Middle Eastern capital is quickly weaving its way towards international recognition for its creative industries.
Having launched only two years ago, the biannual event has already brought in 89,000 attendees, 160 exhibitors and 50 participating studios, cementing it as a hallmark in the region. At this rate, its significance might reach global heights soon.
Spearheaded by Jordanian Queen Rania Al Abdullah, the third edition is on its way with a host of large-scale exhibitions, workshops, panels, and city-wide cultural programmes to look forward to, with a particular focus on the relationship between sustainability and tradition.
The nine-day event, which is set to take place next month, will kick off with The Hangar exhibition at Ras El Ain Gallery. Curated by Noura Al Sayeh-Holtrop, the show will display the work of local and regional designers, from architecture and furniture, to graphic and product design.
Amman Design Week’s most anticipated exhibition, entitled the Crafts District is back by popular demand, this time taking place at the hidden corner of Jabal Amman in Kabariti Village. The pop-up puts a focus on craftsmanship, from weaving and embroidery to ceramics and pottery, inviting audiences to question and understand the connections that exist between the traditional and the contemporary.
As for the future, the programme looks to the future of food. In collaboration with local non-profit, Greening the Camps, an open-air exhibition entitled Future Food / Future City reimagines the concept of city life with consideration to the current climate crisis, re-designing rooftops, gardens, streets and schools as green spaces, as well as presenting innovative technology that’s set to revolutionize the way food is produced, processed, transported and consumed. The exhibition will take place at Al Hussein Cultural Center.
And when it comes to the world of fashion, this year’s edition of Amman Design Week puts a focus on textiles with an exhibition titled The Material Innovation, introducing the work of designers using sustainable and alternative materials and methods in textile-making.
Amman Design Week, October 4 -12, Amman, Jordan
ammandesignweek.com
