The international conference Sustainable Creative Art: Inspiration from Nature (SCIN), hosted by Istituto Marangoni Dubai in collaboration with IEREK, Abu Dhabi University, and Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, concluded yesterday after a three-day programme held across the Museum of the Future, Abu Dhabi University’s Dubai campus, and Istituto Marangoni Dubai.
Running from the 22nd to the 24th of April, the event brought together global leaders in design, education, and the arts to examine sustainability’s growing role across creative disciplines. Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, officially opened the conference. She emphasised that sustainability in the cultural and creative industries “goes beyond materials or techniques—it is a mindset grounded in purpose, heritage, and responsibility”.
Roberto La Iacona, Institution Director at Istituto Marangoni Dubai
Speakers across the three days included Prof. Barry O’Mahony, Provost of Abu Dhabi University; Mr. Roberto La Iacona, Institution Director at Istituto Marangoni Dubai; Dr. Mohamed El Kaftangui, Chair of EDMSET; Dr. Paolo Caratelli, Head of Research at Istituto Marangoni Dubai and Chair of SCIN; Francesco Fioretto, Research and Education Director at Istituto Marangoni Group; and Dr. Mourad Amer, CEO and Founder of IEREK.
High-profile keynote speakers included Mr. Ross Lovegrove, designer and Istituto Marangoni Mentor; Mr. Giovanni Pungetti, former global CEO of Maison Margiela; Prof. Lorenzo Imbesi, President of the Cumulus Association; Prof. Paolo Petrocelli, Head of Dubai Opera; and Prof. Gabriele Goretti of the University of Pisa.
Sessions explored sustainability’s influence on fields such as architecture, fashion, performing arts, and visual culture. Topics ranged from biophilic design and emotionally driven visual storytelling to circular fashion and responsible innovation.
The programme also featured a series of expert-led masterclasses, offering attendees practical insights into topics such as sustainable thinking in film writing and the integration of biophilia in design for wellbeing.
Roberto La Iacona described the event as “a celebration of ideas and research from creatives and academics around the world”, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to advancing dialogue around sustainability and creativity.
The SCIN Conference highlighted Istituto Marangoni Dubai’s ongoing focus on equipping emerging creatives to respond to contemporary environmental challenges through thoughtful, nature-inspired design practices.
