Everything to Know About Vacheron Constantin and the Met's Artisan Residency Program
The inaugural 18-month residency celebrates artisans who preserve traditional crafts, and three were chosen for this first go-round.
For those dedicated to preserving artisan crafts, there's an exciting new residency program with the same aim.
Luxury watchmaker Vacheron Constantin launched its Artisan Residency Program earlier this month in partnership between The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The application process started wth solicited invites going out globally to artisans who specialize in the craft of watchmaking. There were just three talented finalists chosen after a rigorous process to continue to cultivate their skills with Vacheron Constantin and The Met for the program, which held a celebration for them on June 5.
The three finalists will embark on an 18 month residency in which they will travel to both New York and Switzerland, learning the artisanal work at Vacheron Constantin as well as engaging with the Met's collection. Their journey will be end with a presentation in October 2026, where they will reveal their work at the famed NYC museum. 
Who are the lucky three? USA-born Aspen Golann is a furniture maker, and teaches at the Rhode Island School of Design. Golann is trained in woodworking and creates pieces both critical and honorary to the history of design within America. Ibrahim Said is a ceramic artist hailing from Cairo, Egypt, particularly from an area well known for ceramic design. Said takes inspiration from ancient Egyptian ceramics as well as an innovative uses of clay. Joy Harvey is an Italian born jeweler who (trained as a chemist and) uses Florentine goldsmithing along with Armenian techniques to create individual pieces.
Both Vacheron Constantin and The Met have a long held emphasis on preservation of art and innovation, so this joint residency program suits them well, while providing valuable opportunities to talent in the industry.
