Global Grad Show

Design to make the world better: Students from Germany are among hundreds from around the world taking part in Dubai’s Global Grad Show with innovative concepts on how to mitigate the collateral issues of the Corona-crisis. Their seven concepts originate from the Muthesius Academy of Fine Arts and Design Kiel, the Hochschule Pforzheim, the Academy of Media Art Cologne, the Technical University of Munich, the Technical University of Braunschweig and two of them come from the University of the Arts, Berlin.

Worldwide, a total of 390 projects by students, post-grads and professors from 125 universities in 40 countries are taking part in the Global Grad Show. The aim of the global initiative by the Art Dubai Group is to develop solutions to challenges in the context of the coronavirus pandemic that are not of a medical nature. The various ideas cover a wide range of disciplines from medical technology to game design. “This initiative and the rapid response it received shows the importance and impact of human creativity and humanity selflessly coming together to provide collective solutions to combat obstacles, no matter how large,” says Brendan McGetrick, Head of Curation of the Global Grad Show and Creative Director of The Museum of the Future.

The concepts put forward by German students tackle important challenges in an innovative way: Erik Mantz-Hansen from the Muthesius Academy of Fine Arts, for instance, developed “ClAir Tram.” Its concept of trams equipped with large-scale air purifiers and interiors designed with antimicrobial materials, places air quality and hygiene at the heart of public transport. Georgia von le Fort of the University of the Arts, Berlin, focuses on the topic of food storage. Her “Cooltainers” propose an electricity-free method to stock fresh food. Made from porcelain, they use a natural evaporation cooling effect to keep produce fresh. Other projects from around the world focus on topics like drone-enabled medical testing, smart tattoos that remind about hand washing, and innovative protective gear.

In the first round, Applications were evaluated by a jury including experts in innovation, technology and new ventures, whose input will inform the next assessment phase. For the next phase, Global Grad Show will engage with the students and professors behind these applications to analyze their development requirements, with the goal to identify proposals that can be supported towards testing and implementation. The creator or creators of any selected proposal will be awarded the tuition fee of their current studies, or equivalent scholarship for the department of selected professors along with support for the development of their concept and business building. Which projects will ultimately be supported, will be announced in the third quarter of 2020.

Global Grad Show

Organizers: Art Dubai Group
Winner Announcement: third quarter of 2020
Repetition of the Event: An annual curated exhibition of graduate projects
Occasion: during Dubai Design Week