More than 100 AUS students have participated in the National Pavilion UAE's Venice Internship Program at the Venice Biennale since 2009

The internship program run by the National Pavilion UAE - La Biennale di Venezia (NPUAE) at the Venice Biennale has become a springboard to success for more than 100 alumni from the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) over the past 15 years. 

The UAE first participated at La Biennale di Venezia— considered “the Olympics of the contemporary art world”—with its inaugural pavilion in 2009, complemented by an internship program for UAE nationals. Since  2014, the internship has been open for UAE nationals and long-term residents of the UAE aged 21 and above who have an interest or background in arts, architecture, diplomacy, international relations or representing the UAE on a significant global platform. Since then, AUS students and alumni have consistently represented about 50 percent of the interns selected, taking advantage of the opportunity to gain critical skills for success in the cultural and creative industries. 

“The long-standing relationship between AUS and NPUAE is hugely valuable and important as it contributes directly to the success of both CAAD students and the UAE's creative industries at large. We are indebted to NPUAE for affording our students this unique opportunity,” said Dr. Varkki Pallathucheril, Dean of CAAD.

“The Venice Biennale hosts visitors from all around the globe seeking to engage with contributors from up to 100 participating nations. For young designers to have access to this high level of cultural interchange is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It not only broadens their horizons but prepares them to go on to successful careers,” said Dr. Pallathucheril.

Past AUS alumni interns include Khulood Khoury, Projects and Events Director at Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Nasser AlZayani, General Manager of the Salama bint Hamdan Emerging Artists Fellowship and Recipient of Richard Mille Art Prize 2021; Farah El Rafei, NPUAE Exhibitions Manager and Co-founder of Film My Design (FMD); and architect and innovator Ibrahim Ibahim, who recently graduated from Harvard Graduate School of Design. 

Recent AUS design management graduate Hind AlMaazmi is one of 15 AUS alumni selected to represent the UAE this year at the National Pavilion UAE at the 18th International Architecture Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia, which opened in May and runs through November 26, 2023. 

Following in-depth training in the UAE in partnership with top cultural institutions earlier this year, AlMaazmi will spend a month in Venice overseeing the daily operations of the exhibition, Aridly Abundant, which is curated by CAAD Associate Dean and s Associate Professor Faysal Tabbarah, an AUS alumnus, and developed by an all-AUS alumni research and design team. To enrich the experience, NPUAE interns work side-by-side with Italian interns selected from the prestigious Ca’Foscari University in Venice—a major appeal for young arts professionals such AlMaazmi.

“As a design management graduate with a background in both design and business, I am passionate about exploring design in different cultural settings,” said AlMaazmi. 

“The program's focus on reimagining the UAE's architecture and landscapes, along with the opportunity to uncover untold stories about the UAE's art and architecture, greatly appeals to me. I hope to expand my design skills by applying them to different contexts and cultures, and aim to enhance my ability to work effectively in diverse cultural settings, fostering a deeper understanding of global perspectives,” she said.

In preparation for its participation at the Biennale Arte 2024, NPUAE has opened application submissions for the next round of internships. UAE nationals and long-term residents of the UAE aged 21 and above who have an interest or background in arts, architecture, diplomacy, international relations or representing the UAE on a significant global platform are encouraged to apply.

AlMaazmi’s advice to new applicants is to be prepared for things to get competitive.

“Don't be intimidated by the competition; instead, view the process as a chance to have fun exploring new possibilities and be curious about how each experience can shape your journey towards success,” she said.

To follow AlMaazmi and her fellow interns’ experience in Venice, follow the College of Architecture, Art and Design on Instagram @caadaus and @nationalpavilionuae. 

To learn more about the National Pavilion UAE and the Venice Internship program visit https://nationalpavilionuae.org/venice-internship/about.

To learn more about American University of Sharjah, visit w.aus.edu.