British Council and Liberty Launch 'Living in Pattern' Design Exchange for Creative Innovation

Unveiling a New Era in Design: The 'Living in Pattern' Initiative

In a remarkable collaboration aimed at merging the rich cultural heritage of Qatar with modern design, the British Council, Liberty London, Liberty Home Msheireb, and Doha Design District have launched an innovative design residency named 'Living in Pattern'. This initiative promises to bridge Qatar-based creatives with the esteemed traditions of British design, fostering a unique exchange of ideas and skills.

Overview of the Initiative

The 'Living in Pattern' program officially kicked off on September 22, 2026, marked by the signing of a strategic agreement at Liberty Home Msheireb. This multi-phase project is set to support emerging artists and designers by transforming elements of Qatar’s natural and cultural heritage into contemporary textile designs. The program will unfold over three distinct stages: Discover, Develop, and Advance.

Stages of the Residency

The first stage, Discover, focuses on immersive research. Up to ten Qatar-based artists and designers will delve into a variety of themes tied to Qatar's architecture, local flora, marine environments, museums, and living cultural traditions. Participants will engage in guided tours that provide insights into how they can incorporate these heritage elements into their work.

Following the initial phase, five selected participants will move on to the Develop stage, which emphasizes skill enhancement and the development of their projects. Finally, the best artworks will enter the Advance phase, which includes a mentorship opportunity in London with Liberty’s design team, presenting a unique chance for these creatives to refine their work within an international context.

Bridging Cultures Through Design

One of the standout features of this initiative is the potential for up to two artworks created during the residency to be included in Liberty London's 2028 Interior Fabric Collection. This not only offers a platform for Qatari-inspired designs to be showcased worldwide but also ensures a fusion of cultural narratives that both celebrate and evolve traditional aesthetics.

Mr. Hassan Al Emadi, Chief Commercial Officer of Msheireb Properties, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "At Msheireb, we believe that heritage remains one of our greatest sources of inspiration for the future. Through this partnership, we offer emerging creatives the chance to deeply engage with Qatar's cultural landscapes while connecting them with world-class expertise."

Dr. Waseem Kotoub, Country Director of the British Council Qatar, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the program is tailored to enrich Qatar's creative industries while providing designers with access to vital mentorship and international networks.

A New Chapter in Creative Exchange

The launch coincides with the first anniversary of Liberty Home Msheireb, which has already established itself as a vibrant hub for cross-cultural collaboration since its opening in Doha. Genevieve Bennett, Head of Design for Home Interiors at Liberty, expressed her excitement about the project, noting, "Living in Pattern feels like a natural expression of the connection between British creative heritage and the contemporary richness of Qatari culture."

By intertwining research, mentorship, and international cooperation, 'Living in Pattern' aims to showcase how traditional heritage can inform and inspire contemporary design practices. This significant initiative not only emphasizes the importance of cultural exchange but also strengthens the creative capacities of both Qatar and the UK, fostering an environment ripe for innovation.

Conclusion

As the 'Living in Pattern' initiative unfolds, it sets the stage for fruitful collaborations that promise to redefine the boundaries of design through the synthesis of traditional Qatar-inspired elements and contemporary textile innovation. With local artists poised to make their mark on a global platform, this project heralds a new era of creativity characterized by cultural dialogue and artistic growth.