“I have always been intrigued and fascinated by creativity. Design in particular has always appealed to me, whether on an emotional or a rational level,” says Cyril Zammit, Fair Director, Design Days Dubai to Oasis Magazine. As we interviewed Cyril to understand his vision for Design Days Dubai, the first fair in the Middle East entirely dedicated to collectible and limited edition furniture and objects, we discovered his pivotal role in one of the world’s most eminent design fairs, Design Miami. “My passion for design bloomed while working at HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) as the Sponsorship Manager. I created and developed the partnership between the bank and Design Miami for over three years. I like the rational but creative approach of the design world. Designers are also always accessible, they love sharing ideas with visitors and collectors.”
“The stars are the unique and rare objects brought by the galleries from around the world,” Cyril Zammit comments. The fair is concentrated on objects and the design itself for this first edition. Visitors are invited to be curious and ask about the process of production of the pieces showcased. Valued between EUR 500 and EUR 300,000, it is enlightening to understand the concept, the material and the rarity of the objects. Twenty-two galleries from 14 different countries will be present in Dubai. It is an amazing chance to discover new techniques and trends and also rediscover modern pieces of the 20th century. The majority of the galleries will showcase contemporary pieces.
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| Priveekollektie-Arik Levy |
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| SMO Gallery |
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| Gallery Seomi |
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| Mariam Al Nassar |
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| Southern Guild |
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| Southern Guild |
Oasis Magazine: What will be the fair’s role and what are the highlights?
Cyril Zammit: The fair will play the role of a regional platform where design galleries, designers and the public can meet and interact. Another facet of the Design Days Dubai will be a strong educational programme which aims to support emerging talent in the UAE and the region. Design Days Dubai’s educational programme will offer a wide range of activities from designers’ workshops to keynote lectures by leaders of the design and architectural circuit. The seminars will adopt a new format adapted to the region; they will be concise, interactive and organised in cooperation with the exhibiting galleries as well as international design institutions or brands.
Design Days Dubai will also showcase works of students from the College of Art, Architecture and Design (American University of Sharjah), VCUQatar (Doha), and ECAL (Lausanne, Switzerland), in addition to the launch ‘Arab Design Map,’ an initiative by Pink Tank and Fikra Design.
Read the full interview in Oasis Magazine's Spring 2012 issue (out very soon)
And stay posted for more updates on Design Days Dubai!
For the full program of events, visit: www.designdaysdubai.ae
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