Announcing the next ECA Knowledge Exchange Programme on EU Policy in Brussels

We are excited to announce the next edition of our Knowledge Exchange Programme (KEP), one of the core activities of the ECA.

These high-impact residencies are designed for members of the European Crafts Alliance (ECA) and their associates. The goal is to connect, learn, and exchange expertise with peers across the craft sector, and to bring practical knowledge and high-level insights back to their own local contexts.

Each KEP is fully funded and focuses on a specific, pressing topics. Past themes include:

• Dublin, Ireland (Feb 2023): New Competences for the Future Craftspeople – Co-hosted by the Creative Futures Academy.
• Granada, Spain (Feb 2023): Accreditation of Competencies – Co-hosted by the National Reference Centre for Crafts.
• Stockholm, Sweden (Oct 2023): Curatorial Competencies – Co-hosted by Konsthantverkscentrum.
• Rotterdam, Netherlands (Nov 2023): Craft Skills & Education for Youth – Co-hosted by Crafts Council Nederland.
• Barcelos, Portugal (Mar 2025): Geographical Indications for Crafts – Co-hosted by Cearte.
• Bratislava, Slovakia (Mar 2025): Crafts Safeguarding Practices – Co-hosted by ÚĽUV.

Now Open for the ECA Members: KEP on Policy in Brussels & Antwerp

Applications are currently open for our latest KEP, co-hosted by Mad’in Europe, which will take place from 28-30 January 2026. The theme is Strengthening European Crafts Through Policy.

The 10-15 selected delegates from the ECA network will gain direct access to EU policy discussions and strategic development. They will engage with how high-level research is translated into actionable policy recommendations. The programme is structured around the two major CRAFTOUR conferences, a large-scale European initiative focused on safeguarding and modernising crafts.

The placement is fully funded, covering international travel, hotel, and a stipend. In return, delegates will need to be an active participant, disseminate the key outcomes with at least 6 local stakeholders back home, and submit a short report.

This call is open to professionals from ECA member organisations and their associates with a focus on policy, advocacy, or strategic development. Deadline for applications is 30 November 2025.

More about KEP: Strengthening European Crafts Through Policy here>>

ECA Members can apply here>>

This KEP is co-hosted with Mad’in Europe and is a part of the CraftsNet project, co-funded by the EU.