Make Works UAE

Make Works UAE is a project of Tashkeel, a contemporary art organisation based in Dubai, UAE. Together with we are bridging the gap between our community of makers and creative by engaging with Make Works.

Tashkeel is committed to facilitating art and design practice, creative experimentation and cross-cultural dialogue. The organisation supports the UAE’s creative community through studio facilities, artists’ residencies, international fellowships, a programme of exhibitions, events, and workshops. As part of its commitment to support locally-based creatives, Tashkeel is bridging the gap between the makers community and the creative community by investing in the Make Works UAE platform.

As part of its long-term commitment to supporting locally-based designers, Tashkeel annually selects designers from an open call for the Tanween Design Programme. The programme supports designers to develop a range of products that work towards defining a production process, design and aesthetic that responds to the Emirates. Limited edition products by the participating designers are available under Tashkeel’s product label, Tanween Collection. Since 2011, Tashkeel has trained 26 designers, prototyped 39 products and currently retails 21 limited edition, furniture and lighting pieces – all inspired by, designed and made in the UAE.

To find out more about us and all of our activities visit www.tashkeel.org. You can also write to us at: PO Box 122255, Nad Al Sheba 1 Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The team

Lisa Ball-Lechgar

Lisa Ball-Lechgar is Deputy Director of Tashkeel, the leading art and design organisation based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Having launched her career under the patronage of Sean Connery, in the last 25 years, Lisa has managed arts organisations, festivals, events and publications in Scotland, Morocco, Lebanon, Bahrain and the UAE. A passionate advocate of the creative industries, Lisa has held senior management positions at Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF/Abu Dhabi Festival); Mixed Media Publishing (first full-time editor of Canvas), Arts & Business UK, and Comité Européen pour le Rapprochement de l'Economie et de la Culture (CEREC).

She has edited/co-authored several books on contemporary art from MENASA and has lectured widely on contemporary Arab art and cultural management in Europe, USA, MENA and South Africa. She has moderated talks for the likes of Tashkeel, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Abu Dhabi Festival, Art Dubai and the World Bank. She is a Fellow of the University of Glasgow and sits on the Advisory Board of Zayed University, College of Arts & Creative Enterprises.

Mansi Bavishi

Make Works Coordinator UAE

Mansi Bavishi is a remarkable professional with over 15 years of experience in the luxury jewellery industry. She has earned an impressive reputation through her ability to manage complex production processes, ensure quality control, and deliver exceptional results while working with globally renowned brands like Walmart, Kays, Jareds, Malabar, Joyallukas, and Damas across various channels like TV, retail, wholesale and manufacturing.

Apart from her exceptional work in the luxury jewellery industry, Mansi is also an accomplished artist and designer. She founded the Lippan Art Studio in 2019, specializing in cyanotype photographic prints and traditional Lippan folk art. Mansi's passion for art and design is evident in all aspects of her work, and her ability to bring creativity and innovation to everything she does sets her apart.