This cross-cultural residency brings together artisans to preserve, innovate, and showcase traditional techniques on an international stage.
Historic Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin has teamed with The Metropolitan Museum of Art to launch a new artisan residency program aimed at preserving and evolving traditional crafts. Announced during the watchmaker’s 270th-anniversary celebrations in New York, the 18-month initiative reflects both institutions’ shared dedication to preserving and celebrating the arts.
For both The Met and Vacheron Constantin, the program represents an investment in cultural dialogue and innovation. “This initiative embodies our mutual commitment to artistic innovation and cultural dialogue,” said Max Hollein, The Met’s director and CEO, adding that the selected artisans will create works that “powerfully connect the past and present”.
Three emerging talents from different continents have been selected as the program’s first residents. American furniture maker Aspen Golann, British-Italian jewelry artist Joy Harvey, and Egyptian-American ceramicist Ibrahim Said were chosen for their ability to fuse age-old techniques with inventive modern design.
The residency unfolds in three phases and immerses the artisans in both New York and Geneva. After a period of research engaging with The Met’s collections and Vacheron Constantin’s master craftspeople, each artisan will create an original piece marrying time-honored techniques with contemporary vision, to be unveiled at The Met in late 2026.
Vacheron Constantin, which has trained apprentices since its founding in 1755, views the residency as an extension of its 270-year mission to preserve and evolve artisanal savoir-faire. By aligning with The Met, the venerable maison reinforces the idea that luxury craftsmanship and cultural heritage can grow together, bridging past and future in the modern world.
