Sustainable Design Showcase - Seat at the Table

About the Project

A curatorial initiative, showcased at Abu Dhabi Art 2023 and COP28 as the second project of Weaving Alliances, featuring a collaboration between skilled artisans from the UAE and Rwanda. The installation embodied the urgent need for greater diversity and collective inclusion in the global climate conversation, while highlighting themes of representation, advocacy, and cultural heritage preservation. Through this partnership, the rich traditions of both regions were woven together to create a powerful statement that sparked dialogue, highlighted craftsmanship, and reinforced collaboration.

The Process

I was invited by Weaving Alliances to curate their second project, which I envisioned as ‘Seat at the Table’, a powerful statement on the urgent need for greater diversity and inclusion in the global climate conversation. The concept stemmed from my belief that addressing the complexities of climate change requires more than policies and technology; it demands a collective and inclusive approach, where every voice matters. To bring this vision to life, I collaborated with skilled artisans from the United Arab Emirates and Rwanda, blending their rich traditions to create an installation that was both visually compelling and deeply meaningful.

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Each seat in the installation was meticulously crafted by Rwandan artisans using locally sourced agave and papyrus, symbolizing themes of representation and participation. These seats stood as a reminder of the importance of making space at the table for those often excluded from the climate discourse. Beneath them, a khous carpet, handwoven by UAE artisans, symbolized a gathering place for dialogue and collaboration.

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"The rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship woven into every detail serve as a reminder that our response to climate change must be rooted in a collective and holistic understanding of the world we share."

The Impact

Showcased at Abu Dhabi Art 2023 and COP28, the installation attracted over 5,000 visitors, driving awareness on sustainability, cultural heritage preservation, and social impact through creative crafts while also providing an income for women artisans. Through this installation, we aimed to amplify the voices of these communities, who possess invaluable knowledge, insights, and resilience, while offering a platform for dialogue and collaboration that transcends boundaries and challenges preconceptions. The rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship woven into every detail serve as a reminder that our response to climate change must be rooted in a collective and holistic understanding of the world we share.

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About Weaving Alliances

Weaving Alliances is a nonprofit platform founded by UAE-based Advisor & Social Strategist Mourad Ben Ayed to develop social impact projects centered around collaboration, creativity and innovation with the objective of generating further income and raising awareness about artisanal heritage and environmental issues.