A pioneering design residency titled 'Living in Pattern: Fabrics Inspired by Qatari Heritage' has officially launched in Doha. This project aims to support emerging creatives in transforming Qatar's rich cultural and natural heritage into modern designs in collaboration with the British Council, Liberty London, Liberty Home Msheireb, and the Doha Design District managed by Msheireb Properties.
Project Details and Phases
This project is designed in three phases: 'Discovery', 'Development', and 'Advancement', bringing together up to 10 artists and designers based in Qatar. Participants in this residency will embark on an in-depth research journey that explores the country's architecture, native plants, marine environments, museums, and living cultural traditions.
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After a thorough evaluation process, five participants will advance to the intensive development phase and then attend a consultancy residency in London alongside the renowned design team from Liberty.
Global Opportunities for Qatari Designers
One of the highlights of this initiative is the opportunity to select up to two original artworks created during the residency to be included in Liberty London's fabric collection in 2028, providing a rare opportunity for designs inspired by Qatar.
The residency began with a three-day program that introduced participants to Qatar's natural history and architectural traditions. Through guided visits to advanced cultural and educational institutions across the country, designers examined how local landscapes and visual culture can directly influence modern fabric designs.
Hassan Al-Amadi, Business Director of Msheireb Properties, emphasized the importance of utilizing local history for modern innovation. He stated, "At Msheireb, we believe that heritage is one of our greatest sources of inspiration for the future. Through this collaboration, we provide opportunities for emerging creatives to engage deeply with Qatar's cultural and natural landscapes and connect them to global expertise and international platforms."
Developing International Collaborations
Dr. Wasim Khatoub, Director of the British Council in Qatar, highlighted the importance of this program in providing access to international networks and hands-on learning. He remarked, "As we prepare for the Qatar-Britain Creative Industries Skills Forum this year, this residency demonstrates how international collaborations can create meaningful pathways for talent development, creative exchange, and sustainable growth in this sector."
The launch of this residency coincides with the first anniversary of Liberty Home Msheireb in Doha, celebrating a year of the physical presence of this historic British design house in the Middle East. Genevieve Bennett, Head of Design for Home and Decoration at Liberty, described the location as a "meeting point" between British creative heritage and contemporary Qatari culture.
She said, "Doha represents an exciting new chapter in Liberty's story. For over 150 years, we have been drawn to meeting different cultures and ideas. 'Living in Pattern' feels like a natural expression of that connection, merging the imagination of emerging creatives with the wealth of Liberty's archive while drawing on Qatar's culture and visual language.
This project showcases how heritage can inspire contemporary design and create long-term creative capacity in Qatar and Britain.
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