Sophie Claudel: “L’ÉCOLE Festival aims to inspire creativity”

L’ÉCOLE Middle East, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, hosted the L’ÉCOLE Festival on February 14–15, 2025, which has now firmly established itself as an annual cultural highlight in Dubai’s calendar. Sophie Clodel, Director of L’ÉCOLE Middle East, spoke with Aviamost magazine about the festival’s debut, its significance for the region, and how this initiative contributes to a deeper appreciation of jewelry art.

Why was Dubai chosen as the venue for the L’ÉCOLE Festival?

Dubai is a dynamic cultural and business hub, the heart of the UAE and the Middle East. Its growing reputation as a global center for art, design, and innovation made it the ideal location for opening our first campus in the region.
The primary goal of the festival was to introduce L’ÉCOLE to the local community, showcasing the school’s unique educational programs and creative atmosphere. L’ÉCOLE Middle East has only been established for nine months, and the festival provided an excellent opportunity to engage with the audience, present the campus, and highlight that our doors are always open for classes, exhibitions, and various cultural events.

How does the festival align with L’ÉCOLE Middle East’s cultural mission?

The L’ÉCOLE Festival is entirely in line with our mission to foster cultural awareness in the region. We strive to deepen the understanding of art, especially jewelry, by offering the public an immersive experience into this fascinating world.
The festival spans three core themes: art history, jewelry craftsmanship, and design. These subjects are brought to life through workshops, practical sessions, and exhibitions, enabling people of all ages and interests to engage with the craft process. The festival has become more than just a knowledge-sharing platform; it has evolved into a space where a community of jewelry art enthusiasts, artists, and students can come together.

Why was February 14 chosen for the festival?

Firstly, February 14 is Valentine’s Day, a day traditionally associated with love, and jewelry is often seen as a symbol of affection and beauty. It is the perfect time for a celebration of art born from emotion.
Secondly, February 14 marks the anniversary of the founding of L’ÉCOLE in Paris in 2012. This year, we are celebrating 13 years since the school’s inception, and it is especially meaningful for us to commemorate this milestone in Dubai – the city where L’ÉCOLE’s journey in the Middle East begins.

How has your impressive career in international art, cultural policy, and higher education influenced your work at L’ÉCOLE Middle East?

Each phase of my career has played a significant role in shaping how I approach my work at L’ÉCOLE. I have always been passionate about cultural exchange, education, and art, and now, in this position, I am able to combine all these aspects. We are not just creating an educational institution but a space that nurtures talent, inspires creativity, and contributes to the development of jewelry art. This is the culmination of everything I have done so far and a pivotal chapter in my career.

Which partnerships have been key to the success of the festival?

We have collaborated with several strategic partners whose support has been instrumental in the festival’s success. One of these key partners is Dubai Design District (d3), where our campus is located. Their contribution in creating a vibrant atmosphere for the festival has been invaluable. We also work closely with Dubai Culture, whose expertise helped us establish critical connections and expand the festival’s reach. An important partner for us is Dubai Cares, a charitable organization that supports educational programs for youth. From the beginning, we decided to direct all proceeds from our courses and lectures to Dubai Cares programs. This reflects our belief in the transformative power of education, particularly in the arts.

Thanks to these partnerships, we are able to continue fulfilling our mission: sharing knowledge, educating, and inspiring new generations.

I’ve heard about the launch of the Sharjah Creative Quarter project. Can you tell us more about it?

The Emirate of Sharjah is building a new cultural center focused on art, design, and innovation, set to open in 2027. L’ÉCOLE will be part of this project, opening a campus dedicated to academic research in jewelry art. This campus will differ significantly from our Dubai campus: it will focus on academic research, providing PhD students and researchers with access to extensive libraries and specialized resources. Our involvement in the Sharjah Creative Quarter project is an important step in our goal to develop the academic side of jewelry art in the region.

What are your ambitions for the future of L’ÉCOLE Middle East?

My dream is to make L’ÉCOLE Middle East a leading cultural and educational center that reflects the rich traditions of art and craftsmanship in the Middle East.
While our roots are in Paris, we are committed to creating something that is fully aligned with the region: a space where ideas are born, education is fostered, and jewelry art thrives. I hope that in a few years, we will be seen not just as a branch of the Paris campus but as an independent, world-class institution deeply embedded in the region’s culture.
Those who dare to dream truly inspire others! I have no doubt that your dream will become a reality.