European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award 2023 for MADE IN: Crafts and Design Narratives

The European Commission and Europa Nostra have announced today the winners of the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2023. This year, 30 outstanding heritage achievements from 21 countries have been awarded Europe’s top honour in the field (see the full list below). Among this year’s winners is MADE IN: Crafts and Design Narratives (AT, HR, SI, RS), a European platform that brings together designers, researchers and curators dedicated to exploring heritage through contemporary production, as well as promotes the invaluable role of crafts in shaping local identities and ensuring the sustainability of communities

The 30 winners were selected by the Jury, composed of heritage experts from across Europe, upon evaluation by the Selection Committees that are responsible for examining award applications, which this year were submitted by organisations and individuals from 35 European countries.

MADE IN: Crafts and Design Narratives, Austria/Croatia/Slovenia/Serbia

MADE IN is a European platform that brings together designers, researchers and curators, who are all dedicated to exploring heritage through contemporary production. The platform’s multifaceted approach encompasses research, mapping and the archiving of local crafts, as well as collaborative co-creation programmes and participatory knowledge exchange initiatives. MADE IN promotes the invaluable role of crafts in shaping local identities and ensuring the sustainability of communities.

Conceived in 2014 by the OAZA Art Organisation in response to the decline of small crafts and workshops in Zagreb, MADE IN made its debut during the BIO 50 exhibition in Ljubljana, organised by the Museum of Architecture and Design. This initial exploration laid the foundation for a partnership among six organisations: OAZA, the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Zagreb (Croatia), the Museum of Architecture and Design in Ljubljana (Slovenia), the craft and trade association Werkraum Bregenzerwald (Austria), Nova Iskra and Mikser (Serbia).

MADE IN stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and its potential to bridge traditional crafts with contemporary design, nurturing a vibrant ecosystem of creativity and heritage.

“Through the effective utilisation of digital technology, the MADE IN project skilfully showcases the intangible heritage of evolving craft skills. The website, thoughtfully designed and easily navigable, offers a wealth of engaging information. However, the project goes beyond being just a digital tool as it fosters connections between craftspeople and contemporary designers. The emphasis is on the continuation and evolution of these time-honoured traditions, ensuring their relevance for future generations. With a long-term vision and a strong drive to expand its reach, this relatively new network is poised for growth, reflecting its progressive and innovative approach to the intersection of art, crafts and design”, the Awards’ Jury stated.

“This pan-European project highlights the common threads of our shared craft heritage while embracing a regional flavour through close collaboration with local communities. The intergenerational aspect of the project is notable, bringing together young designers and seasoned craft practitioners. This creates a vital connection between heritage and the creative industries, addressing timely social and commercial changes and offering opportunities for sustainable growth”, the Jury added.

For additional facts and figures about the Awards, please visit the Awards website.