Journal

The conference organised by State Art Collections Dresden, Museum of Decorative Arts (SKD) is the kick-off event of the Europe-wide MADE IN Platform for Contemporary Crafts & Design. The participating partners will along with international experts from the fields of crafts, design and research discuss the future of crafts as an instrument for social and ecological change as well as manners of passing the knowledge of craftsmanship and heritage to future generations.

Made in Platform for Contemporary Crafts & Design is a research, design, and heritage initiative encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange between traditional craftspeople and contemporary designers, as well as other experts in the fields of culture and science. Representing the direct continuation of MADE IN: Crafts–Design Narratives, we are now extending our reach geographically, with 10 partners from 6 countries, and in terms of our goals and mission.

The third MADE IN Seminar will take place in the scenic Alpine setting of Bregenzerwald. Werkraum Bregenzerwald – a collaborative of around 100 regional craft and trade companies – will host the partners and invited guests for a two day experience in the Werkraumhaus and its surrounding workshops. Designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor the building serves as a showcase and community centre of the regional craftspeople. The seminar will discuss modes and places to display contemporary crafts and design. 

Crafted objects and items gain beauty over time simply by using them. Repairing and maintaining them add layers of patina. A long lasting relation between the object and the subject. The workshop Crafting, Cleaning & Caring by Dutch designer Rianne Makkink and partner of Studio Makkink & Bey will explore the materiality and immateriality of this relation. In collaboration with local craftspeople, producers and makers the participants will work with traditional techniques and experimentation.