Qasimi's Debut Talent Incubator 'Qasimi Rising' Announces Five Finalists
Understanding the monumental pressure faced by designers today, the Arab-British brand Qasimi answered young artists prayers by launching their very own talent incubator at the start of 2023.
Understanding the monumental pressure faced by designers today, the Arab-British brand Qasimi answered young artists prayers by launching their very own talent incubator at the start of 2023.
2023 so far has brought continuous rising rent and studio prices, and a definitive hard brexit, all while young designers and brands struggle to compete for a chance to advertise their work on this generation's portfolio platform, otherwise known as Instagram. Times are hard and they're only getting harder, meaning young designers need all the help they can get
Launched in December with the aim to nurture emerging designers over the course of three years, the label's new talent incubator programme ‘QASIMI Rising’ aims to offer support to young talent, recognising the hardships that face many of today's young designers.
Working closely with the brands on product development, merchandising and marketing, Qasimi will also relaunch their e-commerce platform to fit around the mentored designers, accommodating the incubated brands by creating a digital space for them to build a brand identity and sell their work. Revealed in a ceremony in the UAE, the five finalists are: Alicia Robinson of AGR, Omer Asim with his eponymous label, Saleh Kelarge's Sentire Studio and the two labels Laura Pitharas and Salim Azzam.
The initiative is spearheaded by Qasimi's very own Hoor Al Qasimi who is already president of the Sharjah Art Foundation, the Africa Institute and the International Biennale Association. The next phase in Qasimi's journey sees the designer dedicating herself to newfound creativity as under Qasimi's guidance, the two winning designers will be given three years worth of mentorship in addition to holistic support across all business models as assistance is specifically tailored to the winner and their brand, with focus on the recipients' needs, goals and location, rather than abiding by fixed criteria. After three years of practical support, designers will also receive further mentorship for another seven years, cementing QASIMI’s long-term commitment to their success, unlike the current model followed by many other initiatives of taking in and spitting out designers like clockwork, season after season.
