Istituto Marangoni Dubai and partners host SCIN sustainable creativity meet
- 4 hours ago
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Hosted by Istituto Marangoni Dubai in collaboration with IEREK, Abu Dhabi University (ADU) and Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, the international conference Sustainable Creative Art: Inspiration from Nature (SCIN) opened on April 22 at the Museum of The Future, Dubai. Running till April 24, SCIN brought together global thought leaders, educators, designers, artists and students, to explore the role of nature and sustainability across the creative industries.
The meet was inaugurated by Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. The event spanned three key venues across Dubai, the Museum of the Future, Abu Dhabi University’s Dubai campus and Istituto Marangoni Dubai, offering a valuable programme of keynote talks, academic presentations, and creative masterclasses.
Participants explored the evolving role of sustainability in creative education and practice, celebrating nature as a powerful source of inspiration for the next generation of artists and designers.
The opening day featured speeches from prominent academic and institutional figures, including Prof. Barry O’Mahony, Provost of Abu Dhabi University; Roberto La Iacona, Istituto Marangoni Dubai Institution Director; Dr. Mohamed El Kaftangui, EDMSET Chair & Associate Professor at Abu Dhabi University; Dr. Paolo Caratelli, SCIN Chair, Head of Research, Istituto Marangoni Dubai; Francesco Fioretto, Honorary Chair, Research and Education Director, Istituto Marangoni Group; and Dr. Mourad Amer, CEO and Founder of IEREK.
Their presentations were followed by keynote speeches from Ross Lovegrove, designer and artist, Istituto Marangoni Mentor 2024-2025; Giovanni Pungetti, Former Margiela Global CEO and business advisor; Prof. Lorenzo Imbesi, President Cumulus Association and President, SID Italian Society of Design; Prof. Paolo Petrocelli, Head of Dubai Opera and Prof. Gabriele Goretti, Associate Professor at University of Pisa. Speakers addressed the growing importance of ecological consciousness in shaping innovation across architecture, design, visual culture, and the performing arts. Hala Badri said that “sustainability in the cultural and creative industries goes beyond materials or techniques — it is a mindset grounded in purpose, heritage, and responsibility.
“At Dubai Culture, we believe that nature is not only a source of inspiration but a guide for regenerative forms of artistic expression. This conference is a powerful reflection of how education, creativity, and ecological awareness can come together to shape a more resilient cultural future.” Roberto La Iacona said that “the conference is a celebration of ideas and research from creatives and academics around the world. We are honoured to welcome an extraordinary lineup of keynote speakers, researchers, and industry experts, who engage with an audience of students, academics, and the wider community.
“At Istituto Marangoni Dubai, we see it as part of our core mission as an academic institution to promote dialogue around impactful topics such as creativity and sustainability. These conversations are essential to shaping a more conscious and innovative future. I look forward to the diverse perspectives that will emerge.” The afternoon programme featured a series of expert-led masterclasses, offering participants an immersive and practical exploration of sustainability in the creative process, ranging from Sustainable Thinking in the Creative and Writing Process of a Film to Biophilia: Merging Creativity and Science for Wellbeing.
Discussions examined how creative disciplines, from architecture and fashion to photography and mural art, can integrate nature-inspired approaches and sustainable practices without compromising on aesthetic quality. Across circular fashion models, biophilic design and emotionally driven visual storytelling, SCIN highlighted how sustainability can be a catalyst for artistic expression and responsible innovation. Istituto Marangoni Dubai’s commitment to sustainability and creative excellence was reflected in the scope and ambition of the SCIN programme. As a globally recognised fashion and design school, the institute plays an active role in how emerging creatives respond to the environmental challenges of today and tomorrow.
Istituto Marangoni was founded in 1935 as Istituto Artistico dell’Abbigliamento Marangoni in Milan and has over 85 years of experience in shaping fashion, art, and design expertise. It has educated students from 5 continents over four generations and launched the careers of over 45,000 luxury professionals, including Domenico Dolce, Alessandro Sartori, Paula Cademartori, Gilda Ambrosio, Julie de Libran, and Nicola Brognano. It was founded by Giulio Marangoni and became a Scuola Professionale Artistica or “professional art school” in 1942. At first the school trained mainly pattern makers and seamstresses; in the 1970s and 1980s, it turned towards fashion design, product development and marketing.
A London branch was opened in 2003, and a Paris branch opened in 2006. A branch in Florence opened in 2016. In China, branches were opened in Shanghai in 2013, and in Shenzhen in 2016. In India, a Mumbai campus opened in July 2017. The first school in the United States opened in the Miami Design District in 2018. According to a recent Doxa survey, Istituto Marangoni has an impressive employability rate of 91 per cent, which demonstrates the high quality of its educational programmes and the career readiness of its graduates. It welcomes around 5,000 students annually from 108 different countries across its schools and has been ranked among the top 100 universities in the world in its disciplines, according to the QS World University Ranking 2024.
A creative melting pot of Italian heritage, UAE traditions and international influences, Istituto Marangoni Dubai is one of the leading private higher education institutions for fashion and design in Dubai. A bridge between cultures, it aims to promote local development and cultural diversity while empowering women and inspiring next-gen talent to explore new and global business opportunities.