The Creative Media Authority (CMA) has launched Creative Community Projects (CCP), its latest initiative to nurture Abu Dhabi’s creative talent from within and offer enriching opportunities to learn directly from leaders within the creative sector, while sharing the capital’s rich heritage with the world through the eyes of young Emiratis and youth from the region.
In line with CMA’s mission to build a world-leading creative media ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, CMA’s CCP will offer young creatives the chance to partake in creating content aligned with key moments in the UAE’s calendar. At key moments throughout the year, individuals will have the opportunity to execute their vision under the guidance of industry experts that come from CMA’s pool of 800 companies located within the industry. This cross-exchange of knowledge and creativity will ensure partners are supporting the portfolio growth of the nation’s future creative leaders, while industry partners are exposed to creative ideas that are authentic to the region. The programme gives passionate individuals real world experience and immersion in the creative sector, with opportunities spanning production, post-production, public relations, social media and behind-the-scenes experience.
The initiative is the concept of Salwa Al Hadhrami, Creative Content Lead at CMA, and for Phase One has involved 10 members from the Creative Lab Community to create Commemoration Day content (releasing on CMA’s social channels on 30 November) and the largest involvement of 13 young creatives for the Eid Al Etihad project from CMA. Each quarter of the year, a new creative project will be concepted, produced and delivered for local and regional consumption, showcasing the talented community in Abu Dhabi.
Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director-General of CMA, said “The Creative Community Projects initiative is an integral part to the future of Creative Media Authority’s ambitions with regard to developing talent from within the nation and exposing them to work within the industry directly. Conceptualised by a talented and creative individual from within the CMA’s team, CCP delivers authentic marketing using talent in the region. Using every project and communication we do to educate and ensure cross-cultural industry understanding. We are committed to ensuring that homegrown talent have real projects to work on, where they can learn and be guided by some of the best-established talent in Abu Dhabi and internationally as well. We recognise and support the voice of our youth in telling the narratives of the nation and inspiring future generations to consider a career in the creative industries.
“We thank Abu Dhabi Media Network, which bolsters CMA’s efforts to identify, nurture and upskill talent to fuel the creative industry with vibrant and passionate content creators from Abu Dhabi.”
Salwa Al Hadhrami, Creative Content Lead at CMA and initiative creator, said: “The output content this initiative has given so far has been a point of immense pride for me. I believe the voice of a nation’s youth is extremely powerful and this initiative will ensure that young creatives, like myself, have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and tell our Emirati narratives, whilst working alongside established industry talent to refine and develop critical skills for the entire creative process. I would encourage any young creatives in Abu Dhabi to be a part of this initiative.”
Roland Daou, Managing Director of Media Mania who was involved with the Commemoration Day video, said: “As an Abu-Dhabi established creative production business and a partner at CMA, to be able to work alongside the talented youth of the nation as they steer the creative narrative around significant milestones and dates, was a very enriching process. The value for all parties involved was tremendous and it was a pleasure to see the immediate development of such dynamic and exciting immerging local talent – I look forward to seeing their careers flourish.”
Created by a dynamic group of 13 young participants from the Creative Lab Community, the 53rd UAE National Day video reflects both the progress and achievements of UAE, and a profound connection to its cultural roots. Internship roles included actors, casting director assistant, production assistant, locations assistant, wardrobe assistant, art director assistant, hair and make-up assistant, camera assistant, behind-the-scenes (BTS) and director’s assistant, as well as roles in the post-production stage.
CMA is committed to talent development and enabling young creatives to thrive through activations, initiatives and funding, offering a range of training programmes and internship opportunities for aspiring professionals via Arab Film Studio and creative lab, which will provide the foundation for a career within the creative and media industry.
