Ibrahim Said has been announced by the Metropolitan Museum of Art as one of three individuals selected for a new artisan residency program that emphasizes the preservation and reinterpretation of traditional craft techniques. The 18-month residency program is one of several initiatives undertaken by Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin and The Met as part of a partnership that reflects a shared dedication to preserving and celebrating the arts. Said is joined in receiving this honor by Aspen Golann, an American artist, furniture maker, and educator; and Joy Harvey, a British-Italian jewelry artist.
"We are thrilled to inaugurate this artisan residency program in collaboration with Vacheron Constantin. This initiative embodies our mutual commitment to artistic innovation and cultural dialogue,” said Max Hollein, The Met’s Marina Kellen French Director and Chief Executive Officer. “The three selected artisans—Aspen Golann, Joy Harvey, and Ibrahim Said—are remarkably skilled practitioners who breathe new life into traditional techniques. We look forward to seeing how their engagement with both The Met and Vacheron Constantin will inspire new works that powerfully connect the past and present.”
Taking place from May 2025 to October 2026, the residency consists of three phases. In phase one, artisans will engage with The Met collection and staff and will also travel to Geneva, Switzerland, to learn from Vacheron Constantin’s craftspeople, processes, and practices. Following this research period, artisans will transition to creating and producing an original work of art that incorporates reinterpretations of a traditional craft, with Met staff providing logistical and material support to help ensure the successful realization of each artisan's vision. In the third and final phase, artisans share their processes through Museum workshops, programs, and community events.
The three finalists for the residency were chosen by a panel of experts—including curators, art administrators, educators, artisans, craftspeople, and artists—based on the strength of their proposals, technical virtuosity, artistic merit, and innovative approach.
Heidi Holder, the Museum’s Frederick P. and Sandra P. Rose Chair of Education, said, “At The Met, we believe deeply in the power of art to ignite curiosity and, at the same time, to redefine artistic and cultural boundaries. This residency is a testament to that belief, offering the artisans access to our collection, scholarly resources, and the expertise of Met scientists, curators, educators, and staff to inform, inspire, and support the reimagining of traditional craft knowledge and techniques for the next generations.”
The Met and Vacheron Constantin’s partnership launched in 2023 and emphasizes a shared dedication to mentorship, craftsmanship, and cultural legacy. The partnership supports a number of initiatives that align with the Museum’s mission, including educational programs, special events, and Vacheron Constantin timepieces inspired by artworks from The Met collection.
Find out more on the Metropolitan Museum of Art's website.
June 6, 2025
