How can learning frameworks, business innovation, and digital technologies help strengthen the future of craft while preserving the knowledge, identity, and creativity that make it unique? Tracks4Crafts is bringing together craftspeople, educators, makers, researchers, and cultural practitioners to explore these questions through three interactive, online Living Labs taking place this October.
These Living Labs are designed as participatory spaces for testing, reflection, and dialogue. The sessions provide an opportunity for potential future users to experience and validate the project’s key resources before they are taken further into practice. By participating, you will help the Tracks4Crafts assess the relevance and practical value of these tools in real-world contexts, thus ensuring they genuinely respond to the needs of the communities they are built to support.
The Three Living Lab Sessions
Participants are welcome to register for one, two, or all three of the online sessions!
Living Lab 1
A connected learning journey across contemporary craft practice
1 October | 09.00–12.00 CET | Online
Participants will discover and test the new Tracks4Crafts Learning Units and the Train-the-Trainer programme. The session will examine how to effectively document and transmit craft knowledge, engage with new technologies, and foster sustainability and collaboration across different educational and professional environments.
Living Lab 2
Business model innovation for crafters
19 October | 09.00–12.00 CET | Online
How can craft practitioners build resilient businesses while remaining faithful to the essence of their craft? This interactive session focuses on testing a new Business Model Innovation roadmap, exploring authentic storytelling, creative imagination, and the delicate balance between innovation and tradition.
Living Lab 3
Beyond Tools – Exploring the roles of digital technologies in the craft ecosystem
29 October | 09.00–12.00 CET | Online
Technology in craft extends far beyond simply adopting digital tools. This session invites stakeholders to explore an empirical framework identifying ten key roles digital technologies play within the craft ecosystem. The focus is not on replacing traditional practices, but rather asking how technology can meaningfully enhance craft while respecting its human and material dimensions.
Who Should Take Part?
The Living Labs are open to anyone. Join us, whether you bring practical studio experience, educational expertise, research knowledge, business insight, or simply have an interest in the future of crafts.
Tracks4Crafts, is a EU Horizon project funded by the European Union that connects 15 organisations from 10 European countries, including the ECA.
photo: Tracks4Crafts