Oman debuts at London Design Biennale
Published: 04:03 PM,Mar 25,2025 | EDITED : 08:03 PM,Mar 25,2025
The Biennale serves as a platform for cultural dialogue
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is set to make its first-ever appearance at the prestigious London Design Biennale 2025, a global platform celebrating creativity and innovation in design. Representing Oman at this renowned event is 'Memory Network', an artwork by Omani architect and designer Haitham al Busafi, which will be showcased on June 5.
This participation is a significant step in the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth’s broader efforts to highlight Oman’s cultural heritage and artistic contributions on the international stage. It aligns with the Sultanate of Oman’s Cultural Strategy 2021-2040, aimed at transforming Oman’s cultural landscape into a hub of creativity and innovation.
Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture, emphasised the importance of Oman's participation, stating that it provides a valuable opportunity to present the nation’s rich cultural identity through contemporary design. He noted that the London Design Biennale serves as a platform for cultural dialogue, fostering collaborations between Omani and international designers while allowing Oman to engage with a global audience.
To ensure a compelling and well-curated presence at the event, the Ministry has commissioned the Zawraq Collective to oversee Oman’s pavilion. The collective selected Haitham al Busafi as the lead designer, entrusting him with the creative direction of the pavilion.
At the heart of Oman’s showcase is 'Memory Network', a piece inspired by the country’s deep-rooted pottery heritage. The artwork explores the intellectual transition from tangible heritage to digital preservation, raising thought-provoking questions about the evolving notions of value and the legacy we leave behind for future generations. By incorporating traditional influences into a contemporary design narrative, 'Memory Network' captures the essence of Oman’s past while reflecting on its future.
Founded in 2016 by Sir John Sorrell and Ben Evans, the London Design Biennale is a globally recognised platform that brings together designers, cultural institutions and creative thinkers from around the world. The event fosters cross-cultural collaborations and highlights the role of design in shaping a sustainable and interconnected world. Since its inception, the Biennale has attracted top-tier international talent, with countries and institutions presenting groundbreaking design concepts that spark meaningful conversations about innovation and progress.
Oman’s participation in this event reaffirms its growing influence in the arts and design sector, demonstrating its commitment to using culture as a tool for international engagement and sustainable development. By joining the global dialogue on design, Oman continues to position itself as a key player in cultural diplomacy and artistic expression. - ONA
This participation is a significant step in the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth’s broader efforts to highlight Oman’s cultural heritage and artistic contributions on the international stage. It aligns with the Sultanate of Oman’s Cultural Strategy 2021-2040, aimed at transforming Oman’s cultural landscape into a hub of creativity and innovation.
Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture, emphasised the importance of Oman's participation, stating that it provides a valuable opportunity to present the nation’s rich cultural identity through contemporary design. He noted that the London Design Biennale serves as a platform for cultural dialogue, fostering collaborations between Omani and international designers while allowing Oman to engage with a global audience.
To ensure a compelling and well-curated presence at the event, the Ministry has commissioned the Zawraq Collective to oversee Oman’s pavilion. The collective selected Haitham al Busafi as the lead designer, entrusting him with the creative direction of the pavilion.
At the heart of Oman’s showcase is 'Memory Network', a piece inspired by the country’s deep-rooted pottery heritage. The artwork explores the intellectual transition from tangible heritage to digital preservation, raising thought-provoking questions about the evolving notions of value and the legacy we leave behind for future generations. By incorporating traditional influences into a contemporary design narrative, 'Memory Network' captures the essence of Oman’s past while reflecting on its future.
Founded in 2016 by Sir John Sorrell and Ben Evans, the London Design Biennale is a globally recognised platform that brings together designers, cultural institutions and creative thinkers from around the world. The event fosters cross-cultural collaborations and highlights the role of design in shaping a sustainable and interconnected world. Since its inception, the Biennale has attracted top-tier international talent, with countries and institutions presenting groundbreaking design concepts that spark meaningful conversations about innovation and progress.
Oman’s participation in this event reaffirms its growing influence in the arts and design sector, demonstrating its commitment to using culture as a tool for international engagement and sustainable development. By joining the global dialogue on design, Oman continues to position itself as a key player in cultural diplomacy and artistic expression. - ONA