FBMI participates at three major art events

The Fatima Bint Mohamed Initiative (FBMI) had a busy quarter creatively showcasing their carpets at three major art events— Dubai Design Week, Abu Dhabi Art, and the launch of Warehouse421. Involvement in these events provided an opportunity to work with renowned designers and to promote FBMI’s humanitarian mission.

At Dubai Design Week, FBMI ran a sound-weaving workshop whereby each pattern of weave was transformed to a corresponding musical note.

At Abu Dhabi Art, FBMI showcased an exclusive carpet design by renowned Emirati designer Khalid Shafar. In addition, FBMI created an installation called Puzzle Rug featuring 500 balls of yarn which were handspun by Afghani widows.

Finally, at the launch of Warehouse421 FBMI carpets were featured in two parts of the Creative Market. FBMI showcased a selection of carpets handwoven in Afghanistan. FBMI also collaborated with Emirati designer Aljoud Lootah to showcase two carpets, Misnad and Uwairyan. Lootah designed the carpets taking inspiration from tradition Emirati weaving patterns and FBMI handled the entire weaving process of the carpets.

FBMI was created in 2010 to empower Afghan women by offering employment in the hand-made carpet industry. To that end, the Initiative has hired over 3,000 Afghanis 70% of whom are women, of which 35% are widows, making them the sole bread winner of their families.

The Foundation supports FBMI under its international humanitarian program area.