Datecrete Studio Wins Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award 2024
Sara Farha and Khaled Shalkha, founders of Datecrete Studio, have won the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award 2024, announced by NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) and Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF). Their project, Datecrete Bee Hotel, uses Datecrete—a patented eco-friendly material made from date pits with no concrete or resin. The installation will run for three months, with solitary bee attraction filmed. H.E. Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo praised the work for promoting sustainability. The winners will undergo an eight-month production period mentored by Dr. Christianna Bonin and supported by the NYUAD Art Gallery team.
Key facts
- Sara Farha and Khaled Shalkha won the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award 2024.
- They are founders of Datecrete Studio.
- Datecrete is a material derived from date pits, seeking patent.
- Datecrete contains no concrete or resin.
- The winning project is Datecrete Bee Hotel.
- The installation will run in-situ for three months.
- The process of attracting solitary bees will be filmed.
- H.E. Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo is Founder of ADMAF.
- The award's 2023–2024 vision is dedicated to the 'Year of Sustainability'.
- Mentorship by Dr. Christianna Bonin.
- Support from NYUAD Art Gallery team.
- Eight-month production period for the winners.
Entities
Artists
- Sara Farha
- Khaled Shalkha
- Christo
- Jeanne-Claude
- Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo
- Christianna Bonin
Institutions
- NYU Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation
- Datecrete Studio
- NYUAD Art Gallery
Locations
- Abu Dhabi
- United Arab Emirates