Tourism & Hospitality | Monday 29 April, 2019 11:53 pm |

L’ÉCOLE Van Cleef & Arpels, the Paris-based School of Jewelry Arts, successfully closes its second edition to date after a tremendous two week program of inspiring courses, captivating conversations and fascinating exhibitions.  The school raised over AED 300K for Dubai Cares in funds garnered through the classes for adults and children and was well received by His Excellency, Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Directors - Dubai Cares.  

The second Middle East edition of the nomadic L’ÉCOLE Van Cleef & Arpels engaged over 3,000 visitors throughout the two week program. This one–of-its-kind global educational and cultural platform, interacted with audiences of every age and level, immersing them into the world of jewelry and design. Having commenced on the 29th of March at In5 at Hai d3, in Dubai Design District, this year’s program featured four eclectic exhibitions, 14 adult courses, six workshops for children and teens, six evening conversations with experts and six Cinemas under the Stars, all of which were inspired by jewelry.

Commenting on the closure of the Middle East campus for L’ÉCOLE Van Cleef & Arpels, Marie Vallanet-Delhom, President of L’ÉCOLE Van Cleef & Arpels said, “It was a pleasure to witness the willingness from our students and visitors from all over the Middle East. Our creative students were keen to embark on a creative journey and deepen their knowledge of the mastery of jewelry through personal experiences.”

“At L’ÉCOLE, we strive to collaborate with cultural and educational partners that support us in our fundamental mission of sharing our passion for craftsmanship and highlighting the local history of jewelry arts in the region,” she added.

“It is always an honor to work with organizations that are committed to supporting vital causes that help advance humanity. We are happy to partner with L’ECOLE Van Cleef & Arpels for another year and offer the community a chance to support a great cause while enjoying the creative workshops on offer,” said His Excellency, Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Directors - Dubai Cares.

The two week program encompassed evening conversations with art historians from L’ÉCOLE and local experts who discussed different chapters of the world of jewelry. The four Exhibitions covered Hidden Treasures: Jewelry from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Pearl Merchants: A rediscovered Saga between the Gulf and France at the dawn of the 20th Century, Precious Art Deco Objects and The Fabulous Destiny of Tavernier’s Diamonds. The 14 adult courses were organized around three main themes; Art History of Jewelry, The Universe of Gemstones and Savoir – Faire. The six creative workshops for children and teens helped develop creativity while discovering a new world of jewelry design. And while cinema brings people together, Cinema Akil engaged with the audience, taking them on a cinematic journey with movies inspired by the world of jewelry.

L’ÉCOLE offered an immersive experience for those interested in design, history, jewelry and contemporary culture.

The partners who helped support the second edition of L’ÉCOLE Van Cleef & Arpels to the Middle East are Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, as cultural partner, and Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, an agency of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing as destination partner.

L’ÉCOLE’s educational, cultural and creative supporters include: Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), Dubai Design District (d3), Dubai Opera, Dubai Culture, Dubai Cares, Dubai Tourism,  Art of Heritage, Alliance Francaise, Institut français des Emirats arabes unis - Cultural department of the French Embassy, Lest We Forget, supported by the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, Sharjah Art Foundation, Tashkeel, The Cultural Office of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Zayed University.