AFAD

Bratislava: The Academy of Fine Arts and Design (AFAD) brought to the forefront its expertise in glass and jewelry, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the transformative qualities of these materials and the intricate craftsmanship they require. 

Brussels: Strong in lithography and textiles, Brussels offered a deep dive into these traditional techniques, providing students with the opportunity to explore the nuanced processes of printmaking and fabric arts. 

Saint-Étienne: Boasting a variety of workshops, Saint-Étienne encouraged an exploration of materiality and the sensory experience of art, fostering an environment where experimentation and interdisciplinarity was not just encouraged but celebrated. 

Porto: Marked by its rich ceramic tradition, particularly the art of azulejos allowed participents to delve into the traditional technique and its potential for contemporary innovation and storytelling. 

Morocco: Provided impulses related to pottery, ornament, traditional crafts, and their social/antropologcal context, enriching the curriculum with a cultural and historical perspective that deepened the understanding of art’s place in society. 

Canada: Contributed intercultural inputs, broadening the scope of the project by integrating diverse cultural narratives and artistic expressions, which enhanced the global dialogue within the arts community. 

Theoretical base for craft: The project’s multinational tapestry prompted art theorists to delve deeper into the multifaceted notion of craft. As they engaged with the term’s varied interpretations in the participating countries, it became evident that “craft” transcended its traditional boundaries, encompassing a spectrum of meanings from meticulous handiwork to symbolic cultural expressions. These reflections led to enriching dialogues with students of art theory and crafts, where the semantic layers of craft were unraveled. In classrooms and symposiums, the term was dissected and reassembled, revealing how each country’s unique heritage and contemporary practices imbue craft with distinct identities. This ongoing discourse not only broadened the theoretical foundations of the students but also highlighted the importance of context in understanding and appreciating the full scope of artisanal work. Through these conversations, craft emerged not just as a technical skill but as a conceptual bridge connecting history, culture, and innovation. 

Exhibition tour: The exhibition of works from the “Arts and Crafts Today” workshop, meticulously designed by AFAD’s Space Department students, was reinstalled as a featured presentation during Bratislava Design Week (6. – 10.12. 2023, Bratislava City Gallery). This prestigious event provided a broader platform for the public to engage with the innovative outcomes of the workshop, further emphasizing the pedagogical intensity and creative exploration that characterized the project.