Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) is pleased to highlight the research of faculty member and Costume Designer Andrea Forde, whose work reimagines superhero costume design through the lens of Middle Eastern and North African cultural symbols. This unique project, presented at the prestigious Prague Quadrennial (PQ) 2023, challenges conventional costume design and pushes the boundaries of representation.
As part of SPAA’s BFA Production Arts course, the research empowers students to integrate their cultural heritage into innovative and globally resonant designs. This course is the only one of its kind in the MENA region, providing students with a platform to engage critically with both traditional and contemporary design practices. Through the project, students not only celebrate MENA culture but also reshape its representation in global popular media, creating an inclusive space that fosters creative expression and innovation.
"Our students are showcasing the richness of MENA heritage, not only in the classroom but also on an international stage, engaging with an audience at the PQ that extends beyond borders"
Andrea Forde
“The costume design project aims to reinterpret and celebrate MENA cultural elements while challenging stereotypical portrayals, opening new doors for cultural exchange and creative thinking,” said Andrea Forde. “Our students are showcasing the richness of MENA heritage, not only in the classroom but also on an international stage, engaging with an audience at the PQ that extends beyond borders."
At SPAA, we continue to provide a unique educational environment that merges cultural heritage with modern artistry, fostering a creative space where future artists challenge norms and redefine the role of costume design in contemporary culture.
To learn more about Andrea Forde’s research and this important project, click here.