Department

Research

Staff

Collaborate

Laboratories

Magazine Contacts
IT

Start

March 2023

End

February 2027

Status

Active

Tracks4Crafts. Transforming crafts knowledge for a sustainable, inclusive and economically viable heritage in Europe

Start

March 2023

End

February 2027

Status

Active

In an age of mass production, the fine and meticulous craftsmanship of handmade objects is increasingly appreciated. However, the preservation of such craftsmanship depends on the transmission of traditional craft knowledge. In this context, Tracks4Crafts examines and transforms the Transmission of Traditional Crafts Knowledge (TCK) to improve the social and economic valuation of crafts and to align it with a future-oriented approach to heritage in Europe.

Currently, the formats and tools needed to promote the transmission and use of traditional craft knowledge are not up to date. The aim of the research is to improve and transform the transmission of TCK for a more effective economic and social valorisation of crafts by promoting the full development of their potential. This objective will be achieved through four project interventions:

  • Transform learning processes in the physical spaces in which craftspeople collaborate into high-tech environments;

  • Developing new digital technologies to improve and transform the transfer of TCK;

  • Creating tools to capture and optimise the value of the TCK produced, i.e. business models and certification and protection of ownership;

  • Creating networks to promote and disseminate the social and economic value of TCK, e.g. through the CHARTER-Alliance.

To ensure that solutions bridge the heritage perspective and economic and social needs, and that they are shared and transferable, the project's approach is deeply interdisciplinary and based on multi-stakeholder co-creation processes.