O1. Understanding & Valorisation

Understanding crafts and highlighting the values they embed as an asset for heritage preservation, sustainability, social cohesion, economic development… The process includes understanding the dexterity of gesture through, the development of self-valorisation of craftspeople themselves, sharing values with the public …

O2. Authenticity & safeguard

Definition of crafts at EU level. Recognising and valuing authentic products over imitations, safeguarding genuine artisanal craftsmanship and territorial heritage diversity. Mapping crafts (techniques + materials + use + design ) that have territorial roots and are part of heritage. This can also be implemented and help the further development of Geographical indications for craft and industrial products.

O3. Transmission, Training, Self-improvement / Learning Process(es) and Certification

Mapping, analysing, testing, and promoting new formal and non-formal educational paths and formats, including hands-on experiences, digital learning, VR, augmented reality, and hybrid formats. Map of endangered skills and transmission opportunities / best practices. Certification models

O4. Economics and innovative business models

Attracting the next generations into the crafts sector is a condition for the safeguarding of crafts and European diversity. Empowering small crafts businesses’ attractiveness relies on the capacity of crafts businesses to generate sufficient revenues for future generations. New business models are necessary to face globalisation, that integrate innovation in the design/making/marketing process / (new income perspectives, tutoring…).

O5. Documentation and Archiving

Despite efforts to safeguard and transmit crafts to future generations there is a certainty that some crafts might be lost, in practice, forever. There are many indications and constant research findings confirming this, among which are the alarming The Red List of Endangered Heritage Crafts in the UK developed by the Heritage Crafts Association and since this year the German Manufactory Route (Deutsche Manufakturen Strasse) list in Germany. Therefore, thinking about documenting and archiving crafts techniques, gestures and tools is of crucial importance. In addition, these innovative and advanced contributions to crafts documentation can also be of importance to UNESCO and the way crafts as part of intangible cultural heritage are documented currently.