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 until April 24, SCIN brought together global thought leaders, educators, designers, artists, and students to explore the intersection of nature and sustainability across the creative industries.
The event was inaugurated by **Hala Badri**, the Director General of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. SCIN took place across three key venues in Dubai: the Museum of the Future, Abu Dhabi University’s Dubai campus, and Istituto Marangoni Dubai. The program featured an impressive lineup of keynote talks, academic presentations, and creative masterclasses, making it a pivotal gathering for discussions around sustainability.
Participants engaged in thoughtful dialogue about the evolving role of sustainability in creative education and practices, celebrating nature as a rich source of inspiration for the next generation of artists and designers. This focus on ecological awareness aligns with the global shift toward greener practices in various fields.
The opening day featured speeches from prominent figures in the academic and institutional arenas. Speakers included **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 ADU; **Dr. Paolo Caratelli**, SCIN Chair and Head of Research at Istituto Marangoni; **Francesco Fioretto**, Honorary Chair and Research and Education Director at Istituto Marangoni Group; and **Dr. Mourad Amer**, CEO and Founder of IEREK.
A view of the proceedings.
The presentations were further enriched by keynote speeches from influential figures such as **Ross Lovegrove**, a celebrated designer and artist, **Giovanni Pungetti**, former Margiela Global CEO and business advisor, **Prof. Lorenzo Imbesi**, President of the Cumulus Association and President of SID Italian Society of Design, alongside **Prof. Paolo Petrocelli** and **Prof. Gabriele Goretti** from the University of Pisa. These speakers emphasized the growing significance of ecological consciousness in shaping innovation across architecture, design, visual culture, and the performing arts.
Hala Badri remarked, “Sustainability in the cultural and creative industries goes beyond materials or techniques — it is a mindset grounded in purpose, heritage, and responsibility.” She underscored the belief that nature serves as a source of inspiration and a guide for regenerative forms of artistic expression, highlighting the conference as a powerful reflection of how education, creativity, and ecological awareness can shape a more resilient cultural future.
Roberto La Iacona added, “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 to engage with an audience of students, academics, and the wider community.” He emphasized the importance of dialogue around impactful topics such as creativity and sustainability, seeing it as a crucial element in shaping a conscious and innovative future.
The afternoon program featured a range of expert-led masterclasses that allowed participants to immerse themselves in practical explorations of sustainability within the creative process. Topics included **Sustainable Thinking in the Creative and Writing Process of a Film** and **Biophilia: Merging Creativity and Science for Wellbeing**. These sessions provided hands-on learning opportunities for attendees looking to integrate sustainable practices into their work.
Audience at the event.
Discussions during SCIN focused on how various creative disciplines — from architecture and fashion to photography and mural art — can seamlessly integrate nature-inspired approaches and sustainable practices while still maintaining aesthetic integrity. The conference illuminated how sustainability can indeed be a catalyst for artistic expression and responsible innovation, showcasing the importance of this movement in contemporary creative practices.
Istituto Marangoni Dubai’s commitment to sustainability and creative excellence became evident through the breadth and ambition of the SCIN program. Recognized globally as a premier fashion and design school, Istituto Marangoni plays an active role in shaping how emerging creatives respond to current and future environmental challenges.
Founded in 1935 in Milan as **Istituto Artistico dell’Abbigliamento Marangoni**, the institution has over 85 years of expertise in fostering talent in fashion, art, and design. It has educated students from five continents and launched the careers of over 45,000 professionals in the luxury sector, including luminaries like **Domenico Dolce** and **Nicola Brognano**. Originally training pattern makers and seamstresses, the school shifted focus in the 1970s and 1980s toward fashion design, product development, and marketing.
Istituto Marangoni has expanded its reach internationally, with branches in London, Paris, Florence, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Mumbai. A recent survey highlighted its impressive employability rate of 91%, reflecting the high quality of its educational programs and the preparedness of its graduates for the workforce. The institute attracts around 5,000 students annually from 108 different countries and has been ranked among the top 100 universities globally in its disciplines, according to the QS World University Ranking 2024.
As a creative melting pot of Italian heritage, UAE traditions, and international influences, Istituto Marangoni Dubai stands as one of the leading private higher education institutions for fashion and design in the emirate. It serves as a bridge between cultures, fostering local development and cultural diversity while empowering women and inspiring the next generation of talent to explore new global business opportunities.
