The make-a-thek project has launched an open call for the Mobility Scheme and Knowledge Exchange Programme, opening up a funded opportunities for makers, craftspeople, and public libraries to connect across Europe. Whether you want to teach a specialised skill or learn how other creative spaces operate, this programme is designed to help you cross borders and co-create with new communities.
Operating through an annual rolling open call, the initiative supports up to 24 participants each year. You can apply for one of two tracks, depending on your experience level.
Track A: The Mobility Scheme
If you are an experienced craftsperson or maker looking to take your knowledge on the road, this track is for you:
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The offer: A 1,000€ stipend to travel to a host library or creative space.
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The destinations: Cities like Antwerp, Barcelona, Berlin, Budapest, Helsinki, Kranj, Milan, Opole, Reykjavík, Kyiv, or Zaporizhzhia.
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Your role: Lead a hands-on workshop, talk, or training session, sharing your specific expertise directly with the local community.
Track B: The Knowledge Exchange Programme
If you are a learner, library staff member, or creative eager to pick up new skills and grow your international network, this track brings smaller cohorts together:
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The offer: An 850€ stipend to travel to a two-day, in-person gathering.
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The destinations: The first meet-up takes place in Barcelona late this November, followed by a second gathering in Berlin next May.
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Your role: Take what you have learned and organise a small knowledge-sharing activity back in your own hometown.
Who can Apply?
Whichever track you choose, your application should tie into at least one of the project’s three core areas:
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Circular Fashion: Exploring textile repair, upcycling materials, or building community sewing setups.
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Digitising Traditional Crafts: Bringing historical skills and new tech together, like 3D scanning antique tools, using digital fabrication to recreate traditional joinery, or developing digital heritage displays.
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Open Technologies: Designing accessible tools and open-source methods that anyone in a public library or makerspace can easily use.
If you are passionate about community building and want to share your craft with others, we highly encourage you to apply!
Important Dates
- Early birds applicants until September 15, 2026
- Late bloomers applicants until December 1, 2026
- Call opening again next year on February 1, 2027 until March 31, with 12 more places to participate.
- Only 12 places available for each track this year!
Host an Expert
make-a-thek is currently confirming which Pilot locations could host a make-a-thek Expert for the Mobility Scheme. If your library would be interested in hosting an Expert between Autumn 2026 and Summer 2027, please let us know by filling in this short form (even if you’re not yet able to confirm a specific date).
About make-a-thek
make-a-thek, funded by the European Union as part of the EU HORIZON, connects nine partners across Europe: Zentrum für Soziale Innovation, Global Innovation Gathering, Fashion Revolution Germany, OpenDot, Public Libraries 2030, Ukrainian Maker Association, European Crafts Alliance, Fab City Foundation, Fab Lab Barcelona at IAAC.
photo: Cherie Birkner, make-a-thek