How can traditional craft knowledge be passed on while responding to technological, economic and social change? As Tracks4Crafts approaches its final months, the Horizon Europe project is bringing together its work on learning, digital technologies, business models and policy to support the future of crafts.
Coordinated by the University of Antwerp, Tracks4Crafts explores how traditional craft knowledge can be preserved, transmitted and transformed. Through experimentation across eight craft ecosystems, it connects craftspeople, researchers, educators and heritage organisations to explore new possibilities for learning and practice.
Supporting the transmission of craft knowledge
Craft knowledge includes gestures, material understanding and experience developed through practice. Passing it on requires opportunities to observe, experiment and learn alongside others.
Tracks4Crafts investigates how collaborative learning, digital tools and new training approaches can support this process. Alongside educational resources, the project is developing technological tools, business model guidance and policy recommendations that respond to the needs of craftspeople and their wider communities.
Skillman’s contribution
Skillman leads the project’s communication, dissemination and exploitation work, helping connect its activities and results with craftspeople, education providers, businesses, researchers and policymakers.
Its contribution spans several areas:
Making project activities and resources visible: coordinating the communication strategy, project website, social media and newsletters, with contributions from across the partnership.
Giving craft skills a public platform: leading the annual video contest with European Crafts Alliance and Bokrijk, creating opportunities for craftspeople, entrepreneurs and students to share their knowledge, processes and perspectives.
Connecting crafts with education and training: contributing to the development of modular learning resources with 3Walks and Waag, supported by Skillman’s digital learning infrastructure.
Supporting networking and exchange: providing the website infrastructure hosting Accelerator4Crafts and helping communicate its opportunities, including residencies and peer learning.
Extending the reach of project results: connecting Tracks4Crafts with the Skillman international network and events such as the Skillman International Forum.
