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Capturing Crafts across Europe
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This year, the Craeft team travelled to multiple regions to document the traditional craft techniques:
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Limoges, France: Documented the gestures involved in porcelain-making
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Ioannina Greece: Recorded gestures of silversmithing and sand-casting techniques
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Yecla, Spain: Captures the detailed gestures of a master woodcarver, Francisco Sánchez
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These recordings serve not only as rich and detailed documentation but also as a comprehensive repository of knowledge. They deepen the understanding of the embedded expertise and intricate gestures of craft professionals, providing invaluable insights into their skills and know-how. Furthermore, they lay the groundwork for the development of innovative digital tools, bridging traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to ensure its preservation and evolution.
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Virtual Reality and E-learning for Crafts Transmission
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At CERFAV (the European Center for Research and Training in Glass Arts), detailed recordings of glassblowing gestures made in 2023 were transformed into immersive virtual reality teaching modules, allowing students to engage in a unique blend of practical experience and digital exploration.
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"The idea was to let the students explore the platform freely at this stage," explained Noël Crescenzo, glassmaker and project coordinator at CERFAV. "This approach allows them to engage with advanced modules while providing valuable feedback for improvement."
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Alongside VR modules, eLearning tools were introduced, merging traditional craftsmanship with innovative digital training methods. These tools enable learners to visualise and practice glassblowing in a dynamic digital space, bridging the gap between hands-on craft and modern technology.
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These tools are not designed to replace the hands-on workshop experience but to enhance it, making craft education more accessible and cost-effective. By combining traditional techniques with digital innovation, they pave the way for a more dynamic and forward-thinking approach to the transmission of craft knowledge.
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Joining Forces: CRAFTOUR
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To enhance our impact and share knowledge, Craeft initiated and launched the CRAFTOUR Initiative, a collaborative effort involving six European projects funded by the European Union: Craeft, Colour4Crafts, Hephaestus, Culturality, MOSAIC, and Tracks4Crafts.
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Through CRAFTOUR, we are collaborating to amplify the impact of our shared mission: the preservation, innovation, and sustainable growth of Europe's craft sector. By joining our efforts, we advocate for policies that support the sector's long-term sustainability, fostering a favourable environment for innovation, skill development, and the integration of crafts into broader cultural and economic frameworks.
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Looking ahead to 2025
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As we enter 2025, the project continues to explore how digital tools can support the craft sector, while strengthening collaboration across Europe to ensure that traditional crafts thrive for generations to come.
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Stay connected with Craeft as we craft a future
where crafts meet innovation!
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The CRAEFT Consortium
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