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Nitaj residency has born from the collaborative efforts of Isola, the digital and physical platform for independent designers, and Sama Design, the leading design firm based in Jeddah, envisioning an immersive journey tailored for creatives from diverse corners of the globe.
In its inaugural edition, the residency is dedicated to fostering a dynamic exchange between designers from Italy and Saudi Arabia, intertwining their distinct perspectives, cultural nuances, and boundless creativity to spark modern craftsmanship in design.
The aspiration of this residency is to curate a collection of captivating lighting products, serving as tangible embodiments of the shared experiences and collaborative spirit nurtured within the program. A selection of these bespoke creations will be showcased at the Wasl Gallery in Jeddah, during an event dedicated to celebrate the initiative and the designers involved.
Designers taking part in the residency will experience:
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engage with designers from diverse backgrounds, fostering innovative and cross-disciplinary projects.
In its inaugural edition, the residency is dedicated to fostering a dynamic exchange between designers from Italy and Saudi Arabia, intertwining their distinct perspectives, cultural nuances, and boundless creativity to spark modern craftsmanship in design.
The aspiration of this residency is to curate a collection of captivating lighting products, serving as tangible embodiments of the shared experiences and collaborative spirit nurtured within the program. A selection of these bespoke creations will be showcased at the Wasl Gallery in Jeddah, during an event dedicated to celebrate the initiative and the designers involved.
Designers taking part in the residency will experience:
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engage with designers from diverse backgrounds, fostering innovative and cross-disciplinary projects.
- Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and contemporary influences of Italy and Saudi Arabia.
- Professional Development: Receive mentorship and guidance from industry experts to refine your skills and expand your creative horizons.
- Networking Opportunities: Build lasting connections with fellow designers and establish international professional networks.
Interested? download the full brief
6 Designers
For the Nitaj residency, we select 3 designers from Italy and 3 from Saudi Arabia to partake in this unique opportunity. Designers with a background in contemporary design who are adept at storytelling through their creations and are physically involved in the production process of their designs.
2 COUNTRIES
Participants will have the opportunity to learn from masters various traditional techniques and distinguish the importance of materiality in design. They will delve into the rich heritage of Italian design knowledge, production, and materiality, as well as the craft heritage of Saudi Arabia.
43 days
Nitaj includes a 10-day inspirational period in Milan from June 16th to 25th, 2024, followed by a 33-day residency in Jeddah from November 10th to December 13th, 2024. The Milan phase will feature masterclasses, workshops, and visits to museums to gather inspiration for the projects. In Jeddah, the residency extends for a longer stay, allowing participants to further explore inspiration, delve into technical details, and allocate time for production.
The program
The residency Nitaj is more than just a program; it's a platform for collaboration and inspiration. We believe in the power of collective creativity and the exchange of ideas. Throughout the residency, participants are encouraged to share their individual paths, exchanging feedback, comments, and suggestions for innovative ideas and outputs.
- Nitaj ensures a rich and supportive environment with the involvement of 3 exceptional tutors who will accompany the process of designing and developing lighting project ideas.
- Alongside studio time, sight visits to landmarks and museums are incorporated, offering cultural immersion. Collective are incorporated, offering cultural immersion. Collective networking dinners provide opportunities for informal exchange.
- Local and international design experts will be invited to follow the participants, enrich the experience, providing insights into the industry and access to resources for project development.
- Local design experts will be invited to follow the participants in residence, stimulating the creative process and encouraging exchange and dialogue.
- Alongside studio time, sight visits to landmarks are incorporated, offering cultural immersion. Collective networking dinners provide opportunities for informal exchange.
- The last 20 days of the residency will be allocated for the production of the masterpieces of the lighting objects inspired by the two countries.
- At the end of the residency, there will be a vernissage on the 15th of December in Jeddah, inaugurating one month of exhibition of the final pieces. (Date subject to change)
Expected Outputs
- Lighting Design Objects: Inspired during the visit in Italian and Saudi Arabian heritage, we're seeking lighting design objects that capture the essence of both cultures.
- Sculptural Contemporary Pieces of Art: Craft a masterpiece that intertwines contemporary aesthetics with elements of Saudi Arabian heritage and hallmark excellence of Italian craftsmanship. These pieces should not only be visually stunning but also adaptable to market-ready, utilizing top-notch materials.
Selection criteria and submission
Applicants should have a background in product design, preferably lighting, who are adept at storytelling through their creations and are physically involved in the production process of their designs. It is required to include:
After receiving the proposals, the selection committee may request an assessment interview with the candidates, which will also be conducted via video call. The selected designers will receive communication via email.
Candidates must submit the application only via the online form underneath.
The deadline for the application is May 26th.
- Resume
- Portfolio
- Showcase of the creative process (images, videos…)
After receiving the proposals, the selection committee may request an assessment interview with the candidates, which will also be conducted via video call. The selected designers will receive communication via email.
Candidates must submit the application only via the online form underneath.
The deadline for the application is May 26th.
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Get further info
Residency in Milan:
Designers from Saudi Arabia will be hosted by Sama Design free of charge in Milan, Atelier Kondakji.
Designers from Italy will be able to participate in the residency program free of charge; however, accommodation costs are the responsibility of the participant.
*All the sight visits and networking dinners will be provided by Sama Design.
Residency in Jeddah:
Designers from Italy will be hosted by Sama Design free of charge in Jeddah, WASL.
Designers from Saudi Arabia will be able to participate in the residency program free of charge; however, accommodation costs are the responsibility of the participant.
*All the sight visits and networking dinners will be provided by Sama Design.
Want to look over the details?
- Flights of Saudi Arabian designers to Milan and accommodation
- Tours, sight visits and networking dinners
Designers from Saudi Arabia will be hosted by Sama Design free of charge in Milan, Atelier Kondakji.
Designers from Italy will be able to participate in the residency program free of charge; however, accommodation costs are the responsibility of the participant.
*All the sight visits and networking dinners will be provided by Sama Design.
Residency in Jeddah:
- Flights of Italian designers to Jeddah and accommodation
- workspaces,materials and the basic technical equipment necessary according to the needs for the creation of the projects that will be created during the residency.
Designers from Italy will be hosted by Sama Design free of charge in Jeddah, WASL.
Designers from Saudi Arabia will be able to participate in the residency program free of charge; however, accommodation costs are the responsibility of the participant.
*All the sight visits and networking dinners will be provided by Sama Design.
Want to look over the details?
Sama is a venture at the forefront of the Saudi art and design sector.
Since its inception in 1993 by Hamza Serafi, Sama has epitomized creativity across diverse disciplines, from bespoke art and design products and projects to immersive workshops and curated exhibitions in collaboration with private clients and public institutions alike.
What began as a personal artistic outlet has blossomed into a dynamic enterprise, continually evolving within the realms of art, design, and craftsmanship as a whole.
Now, with an eye on the future of the local design scene, Sama has leveraged it’s deep-rooted understanding of art, local heritage, and the collective expertise of its team by launching exclusive lines of interior design products and offering specialized consultancy services tailored to the cultural landscape.
Since its inception in 1993 by Hamza Serafi, Sama has epitomized creativity across diverse disciplines, from bespoke art and design products and projects to immersive workshops and curated exhibitions in collaboration with private clients and public institutions alike.
What began as a personal artistic outlet has blossomed into a dynamic enterprise, continually evolving within the realms of art, design, and craftsmanship as a whole.
Now, with an eye on the future of the local design scene, Sama has leveraged it’s deep-rooted understanding of art, local heritage, and the collective expertise of its team by launching exclusive lines of interior design products and offering specialized consultancy services tailored to the cultural landscape.
Isola is the first all-in-one curated digital platform offering visibility to emerging designers, design studios, and independent designers around the world, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
Isola also organizes an in-person event, Isola Design Festival, that takes place four times a year, during Milan Design Week, our first adventure, to London Design Festival, Dutch Design Week Eindhoven, and Dubai Design Week, hosting dozens of exhibitions, hundreds of exhibitors, and thousands of visitors.
Isola also organizes an in-person event, Isola Design Festival, that takes place four times a year, during Milan Design Week, our first adventure, to London Design Festival, Dutch Design Week Eindhoven, and Dubai Design Week, hosting dozens of exhibitions, hundreds of exhibitors, and thousands of visitors.
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Have doubts or questions?
Our team will get back to you. Contact us at hello@isola.design, writing “Nitaj call for designers” as the subject.
