L’Ecole, School of Jewelry Arts, established in 2012 with the backing of Van Cleef & Arpels, has opened its doors in the UAE’s creative hub, Dubai Design District (d3). As only the fourth permanent international location– after Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai– the school’s debut coincides with a captivating exhibition entitled “Garden of Emeralds,” which delves into the enigmatic world of the coveted green gemstone. The exhibition, which saw the presence of notable dignitaries, is slated to run until April 2024, setting the stage for the grand unveiling of L’Ecole’s complete program of in-person courses and talks this spring.
The new Dubai campus, designed by the renowned French designer Constance Guisset, adds a touch of sophistication to the region’s creative landscape. Dedicated to promoting jewelry culture through an extensive program of in-person courses and talks, the new venue caters to both beginners and collectors. Additionally, it offers free-to-attend temporary exhibitions, publications, and research programs.
The school’s presence aligns with the commitment to providing learning opportunities and platforms for creatives, contributing to the aspirations outlined in the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Commenting on the opening in d3, Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District, says: “Strategic partnerships are essential to the growth of d3 and Dubai’s creative community and economy. L’Ecole’s opening in our district is a result of this commitment, and it represents the growing learning opportunities and platforms available to creatives in d3, whether they are enthusiasts or professionals. The school will bring exceptional new creative experiences, expertise and talent to our community and region, furthering the ambitions of the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. We are eager to continue attracting world-class creative companies from the world over and secure Dubai as the global address for the creative industry.”
The Dubai campus marks L’Ecole’s fourth permanent location after Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Starting from Spring 2024, the institution will offer hands-on workshops and insightful courses led by a diverse group of lecturers, including art historians, gemmologists, jewelers, and craftspeople. These courses, catering to both adults and children, will be open to all.
Additionally, enthusiasts can anticipate monthly online talks accessible to the public for free.
It’s not the school’s first trip to the Middle East– in 2019, L’Ecole Van Cleef & Arpels, which was founded in 2012, offered local creatives a two-week long program of courses, workshops, and talks, following a successful 2017 debut.
For more information on courses, workshops, and exhibitions, visit the L’Ecole Middle East website: L’ÉCOLE Middle East.
