PARTNERS OF THE PROJECT
Croatia: Muzej za umjetnost i obrt – MUO (leading partner), Oaza
Slovenia: Museum of Architecture and Design (MAO)
Serbia: Nova Iskra, Mikser
Austria: Werkraum Bregenzerwald (WR)
Supported by: CREATIVE EUROPE – CULTURE

WHEN (DURATION OF MADE IN PROJECT)
October 1, 2018 – September 1, 2020

WHAT IS MADE IN ALL ABOUT
Made in is a research, design and heritage initiative encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange between traditional craftsmen and contemporary designers. The aim of the project is to revitalize crafts tradition and educate designers about material and immaterial heritage, thus creating new, authentic and more sustainable face of contemporary design.

The Made in project aims to promote European craft heritage and innovative contemporary design to general public.  The goal of the project is to establish knowledge exchange platforms, constructive dialogue, and ultimately, new collaborative practices between craftsmen and designers.

WHY WAS MADE IN ESTABLISHED
Made in emerged from the heightened awareness of the crucial role that traditional crafts and manufactories play in creating and sustaining local and European identity. Particularly in this age of globalization, the crafts – tightly woven into the fabric of local communities – present a way to preserve local identity and local distinctiveness. Furthermore, the craft production supports sustainable practices using locally sourced materials and encouraging re-usage / repair of existing products and thus promoting slow consumption (versus today’s age of excess).
 
However, craft workshops and craftsmen are disappearing from urban environments, expelled by overwhelming quantities of cheap “made in China” products. The craft and small manufacturing productions do not find a place within the contemporary designer practices. This is mostly due to the lack of direct exposure of new generations to the values, specifics and histories of these crafts, which present an essential part of any culture.

HOW IS MADE IN GOING TO WORK
The Made in project aims to preserve this cultural potential by acting on different levels: by providing in-depth documentation of chosen local craftsman and manufacturers; by establishing knowledge exchange platforms and developing projects connecting craftsmen and designers; and finally, by encouraging their interaction with a broad range of audiences.

Made in encompasses a variety of activities like traveling exhibitions, craft-design residencies and workshops, professional development workshops for craftsmen, design curators and designers, seminars/conferences and innovative audience development activities. Through those events the project will advocate accessible and inclusive design and present European craft heritage to wider public.

The project is also proposing creation of new European web platform Made in. The intention of this platform is stimulating collaboration between craftsmen and designers, as well as sparking an innovative approach to design services, scenarios and products based on craft tradition. The platform will facilitate the transmission of knowledge and provide professional development opportunities for craftsmen, designers and craft heritage curators and professionals.

Info

infobio(at)mao.si
01/ 548 42 74