Handmayk Young Creators Academy - Summer Tufting Arts Program

More than a summer programme, the Handmayk Young Creators Academy is designed to identify and nurture emerging young artists. Exceptional participants may be invited to continue developing their work beyond the academy and create new artworks for potential exhibition at World Art Dubai 2026 through Handmayk's Young Creators Program, with participation sponsored by Handmayk.

A creative and educational summer programme designed for young makers, future artists, and creative thinkers.

The Handmayk Young Creators Academy is not a babysitting service or recreational camp.

It is a structured learning experience where participants develop artistic skills, explore textile arts, and create a portfolio of finished work under the guidance of professional artists and instructors.

This edition of the academy focuses primarily on the art of tufting.

Participants will learn the complete process of creating a professional hand-tufted artwork, from concept and colour selection to yarn preparation, tufting, finishing, and presentation.

Students will learn how ideas are transformed into finished artworks while developing patience, craftsmanship, problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence.

What Students will Learn

Day 1

Date: Monday, 6th July

Time: 10am to 2pm

Introduction to Textile Arts

• Understanding textile art and contemporary fibre art
• Introduction to tools, materials, and techniques

Punch Needle & Crochet

• Understanding texture and pile
• Creating small punch needle and crochet samples

Day 2

Date: Wednesday, 8th July

Time: 10am to 2pm

Colour Theory & Design Principles

• Colour harmony
• Composition and visual balance
• Developing artistic ideas

Yarn Dyeing

• Introduction to colour mixing
• Dyeing yarn for use in future projects

Day 3

Date: Friday, 10th July

Time: 10am to 2pm

Introduction to Tufting

• Understanding tufting equipment and safety
• Types of tufting machines
• Understanding yarns and materials

Tufting: Sketching & Setup

• Developing a design
• Transferring artwork
• Preparing the tufting frame

Day 4

Date: Monday, 13th July

Time: 10am to 2pm

Portfolio Development

• Documenting artwork
• Artist statements
• Building a creative portfolio

Tufting Session

• Beginning the tufting process
• Learning pile control and line work

Day 5

Date: Wednesday, 15th July

Time: 10am to 2pm

Tufting & Backing

• Completing the tufting process
• Adhesives and backing materials
• Finishing techniques

Day 6

Date: Friday, 17th July

Time: 10am to 2pm

Presentation of Artworks

• Discussing and presenting completed projects
• Learning how artists communicate their work

Finishing Your Tufting Project

• Trimming and refinement
• Final presentation and photography

What is Included

• All materials and tools during the programme
• Guided instruction by Handmayk artists and instructors
• Use of workshop equipment
• Certificate of Participation
• Eligibility for consideration in future Handmayk Young Creators opportunities

Program Schedule

Duration: 2 Weeks

Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Time: 10am to 2pm

Location: Handmayk Outlet & Studio, Nadd Al Hamar

Age Group: 10 to 15 Years

Capacity: Maximum 10 participants per session

End of Programme Showcase

The programme concludes with a Young Creators Showcase, where family and friends will be invited to view the artworks created throughout the academy.

Each participant will receive a Certificate of Participation and have the opportunity to showcase their completed tufting artwork in a professional exhibition environment.

The date of the showcase will be announced in advance.

Exceptional participants may be invited by the curatorial team to continue developing their artistic practice beyond the academy and create new works for potential exhibition at World Art Dubai 2026.

Selected participants will receive curatorial mentorship and the opportunity to exhibit as part of a Handmayk-sponsored presentation at World Art Dubai 2026.

Selection is based on artistic merit, creativity, commitment, professionalism, and overall development during the academy.

Questions About the Academy?

We invite parents and guardians to schedule a consultation with the Head of the Programme to discuss the curriculum, learning outcomes, age suitability, and future opportunities available through Handmayk's Young Creators Program.

Chat with us on WhatsApp to arrange an appointment.

Important Information

Terms, Conditions & Liability Waiver