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Design Mentorship Programme
The programme is open exclusively to students currently enrolled in Graphic Design or related programmes at universities across the UAE.
Programme Cycle
The mentorship follows a yearly cycle:
Student design proposals are selected for display during Down to Earth.
From these, one student is selected to take part in the Design Mentorship Programme scheduled for the summer following the display, (e.g. The selected student from Down to Earth 2025 will receive the mentorship programme in 2026) the output of which will be used in the official branding of Down to Earth 2026.
How to Participate
When submissions open, interested students may submit a visual rebrand proposal for Down to Earth via the online application form. Proposals should include poster designs and related collateral; a full list of submission requirements will be published at the time of the call.
Please check back here for updates on deadlines and application details.
Faculty members or instructors interested in integrating the project into their coursework are encouraged to contact us at [email protected].
Shortlisting and Exhibition
A selection panel will assess all submissions with the selected students receiving notice via email. Shortlisted works will be displayed at Jameel Arts Centre during Down To Earth of the same year.
Selection of Mentee
Five finalists will be ranked based on:
- Strength of concept
- Relevance to the Down to Earth Festival
- Clarity and quality of visual execution
- A single student will be selected for the mentorship and informed shortly after final deliberations in early December 2025.
Summer Mentorship
The selected student will:
- Work under the guidance of the Senior Graphic Designer and Senior Manager, Library and Research
- 250 hours of work during regular office hours, functioning as an internship
- Refine their design concept to develop the official branding for Down to Earth 2026.
- Engage with the Jameel Arts Centre Team and Jameel Library to understand the context, materials and archival resources related to art, design and the region.
- A curriculum, timeline and workshops with Jameel Arts Centre Team members support the mentee in developing design skills and navigating a professional design workflow.
This is a paid internship programme.
Brand Launch & Recognition
The mentee’s final branding will be used across Down to Earth communications and activations. Their contribution will be recognised via social media and credited in related materials.
Previous Mentee