Abu Dhabi Partnership Announced

 

 

 

Dear RISD Community,

The Division of Fine Arts, the Office of Global Partners & Programs (GPP) and Institutional Engagement are pleased to announce that RISD will expand its global reach and network through a pilot partnership with the Salama Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation in Abu Dhabi.

Beginning this fall, Fine Arts and GPP will work with the foundation to develop a fellowship program to provide training and mentorship to a select group of emerging Emirati artists interested in pursuing careers in the fine arts.

This initiative aligns with priorities outlined in the Teaching and Learning section of RISD’s 2012–2017 strategic plan Critical Making/Making Critical, supporting efforts to enrich curricula to address relevant opportunities and areas of specific interest to our creative community. In particular, the new partnership will foster dialogue and understanding among members of RISD’s community and Emirati students, artists and educators in the Middle East, which is a region that faculty and students have identified as increasingly significant for their fields.

RISD mentors will work with fellows engaged in the program during intensive, week-long workshops on site in Abu Dhabi, Providence and New York, and also via a series of online learning sessions. Through this new pedagogical model, RISD will explore innovative forms of course development and instruction that integrate digital and blended models with low-residency studio- and workshop-based intensives.

Academic Affairs wishes to thank the Fine Arts faculty who provided crucial input in developing this thoughtful partnership, including Interim Dean of Fine Arts Anais Missakian, Professor of Painting Holly Hughes, Illustration Department Head Robert Brinkerhoff and Ceramics Department Head Katy Schimert.

Best,

Gwen Farrelly

Director, Global Partners and Programs