From Made IN 2.0 to CraftWork 4.0 All: Mapping, Innovating, and Sustaining Craft Heritage

Craftsmanship is more than a skill—it is a living heritage, a bridge between tradition and innovation. Through the work on the Made IN 2.0 project, we had the opportunity to deeply engage with the richness of crafts across different cultures and, more importantly, to explore ways of sustaining this heritage in a rapidly changing world. One of the key contributions of this project was the creation of the Atlas of Crafts, an essential tool that goes beyond being a mere database of craftspeople in partnering countries. The Atlas is a dynamic repository of knowledge, offering pathways to keep traditional crafts alive and relevant.

The Atlas does not just document artisans and their skills; it also introduces innovative ways to think about and interact with tangible and intangible craft heritage. By integrating new methodologies, technologies, and educational resources, the Atlas fosters an environment where traditional knowledge is not only preserved but also adapted to contemporary needs. This approach opens up opportunities for craftspeople to connect, exchange ideas, and collaborate in ways that were previously unimaginable.

This focus on collaboration and knowledge exchange is crucial to what we do at Nova Iskra. The Made IN 2.0 project laid a strong foundation for innovation in crafts for the local and national audience, and it is exciting to see this work continue and evolve through the CraftWork 4.0 All initiative. This new project builds on the similar values, emphasizing capacity building, mobility programs, and the creation of spaces for experimentation, such as craft hackathons and co-creation events.

By fostering these initiatives, we are not only supporting artisans in adapting to new challenges but also creating new models for sustainability within the craft sector. The intersection of tradition and digital innovation, physical craftsmanship and collaborative networks, opens up a world of possibilities that ensure crafts remain an integral part of our cultural and economic landscape.

As we move forward, I am eager to continue exploring how we can strengthen the link between heritage and contemporary practice, ensuring that crafts are not just preserved, but actively reimagined for future generations. If you are interested in these themes and would like to discuss ways to collaborate, let’s connect.

Written by Ivan Manojlovic, Head of International Cooperation at Nova Iskra