MEMBER ORGANISATIONS
As of 2023, the World Crafts Council Europe network is comprised of 36 member organisations from 23 European countries.
Read more about each below.
DENMARK
ACAB / Arts & Craft Association Bornholm
Bornholm is renowned for its large number of skilled craft artists. They are instrumental in profiling an area devoted to quality and aesthetics where artists are inspired and feel free to pursue their craft, yet also an area with a strong sense of artistic community. Since 2002 Bornholm’s best professional craftsmen have joined together in an association of the applied arts called ACAB. ACAB is a quality-censored association where each craftsman is judged by an external committee before she or he is accepted as a member.
AZERBAIJAN
Arts Council Azerbaijan
Arts Council Azerbaijan is a non-governmental organisation, established in 2006. Its main mission is to promote culture and art, as well as to create an environment and infrastructure for the development of creative industries. As a member of the International Council of Arts Network that is active in various countries around the world, Arts Council Azerbaijan are committed to advancing and promoting Azerbaijani creativity, art and culture through numerous social and public projects. Working closely with government agencies, diplomatic missions and the media to carry out various projects and initiatives, Arts Council Azerbaijan offer full coverage of the most exciting local events by spreading information; providing opportunities for networking and sharing experiences through a programme of exhibitions, workshops, lectures, talks, discussions and film screenings and offering development and professional opportunities to young and emerging artists, musicians, artisans and others.
PORTUGAL
Associação de Artesãos Serra da Estrela
AASE is dedicated to the development of Crafts in an integrated perspective, combining what can be called Certified Crafts (Artisanal Production Units and Artisan Charter) and Locally Based Products. AASE has contributed to the development of the Central Region of Portugal in all its aspects: employment, entrepreneurship, training, culture, internationalization; support for the development of various Portuguese artisans associations; support for business start-ups; support for the promotion of local and artisanal activities in the physical space at its disposal, which gives free of charge to people and companies in need to exhibit their work. It also promotes thematic seminars around the areas: commercial, tourist and craft.
PORTUGAL
ADXTUR- Agência Desenvolvimento Turístico das Aldeias do Xisto
ADXTUR brings together the public and private desires of the Portugal region, which are reflected in the shared management of a brand, the joint promotion of a territory, the creation of wealth through the provision of tourist services and, finally, the preservation of culture and heritage of the rural world.
ITALY
Artex- Centre for Artistic & Traditional Handicrafts in Tuscany
Artex is the Centre for Artistic and Traditional Craftsmanship in Tuscany and promotes innovation and development of artistic and traditional handicrafts. Artex was created in 1987 by the CNA and Confartigianato crafts associations; over the years it has developed and managed projects for the improvement of crafts enterprises and their manufactures, gaining a unique experience in this sector.
FRANCE
Ateliers d’Art de France
As the leading professional artistic craftsmanship network, Ateliers d’Art de France, federates a community of over 6,000 professionals, craftsmen, artists and art workshops throughout France. Its action is deployed via 4 key priorities: 1. Representing and defending the artistic craftsmanship sector 2. Promoting the image of artistic craftsmanship 3. Contributing towards the economic development of associated professionals 4. Offering support to members
GERMANY
Bundesverband Kunsthandwerk Deutschland (BK)
The German Crafts Association (BK) is the umbrella organization for professional craftspersons in Germany, working as an unaffiliated, nonpartisan organization. BK is a national organization. Its main objective is representing its members’ interests in the economic and cultural promotion of contemporary arts and crafts. BK currently counts craftspersons, designers and free-lance artists as members. Membership admission is determined by the selection committee and is based on the quality of work submitted by the artist.
BELIGUM
BeCraft
BeCraft is a professional association valuing artists in the field of applied arts. The gallery is a showcase for Belgian designers (from the regions of Wallonia and Brussels) working in ceramics, glass, jewellery, styling, paper, wood, textiles and design. BeCraft’s mission is promote, inform and train and is also open to national and international creators thanks to the triennials it organizes each year.
UNITED KINGDOM
The Crafts Council
The Crafts Council champions high-quality contemporary craft practice nationally and internationally through exhibitions, publications including Crafts magazine, education programmes, and curating the United Kingdom’s national collection. It aims to build a strong economy and infrastructure for contemporary craft and is a member of the World Crafts Council.
PORTUGAL
CEARTE
CEARTE is a Vocational Training Centre and, since 1986, has worked for the sector of Arts and Crafts, heritage, creative industries, and small companies, promoting employment, the valuation of territories, skills acquisition, professional evolution, innovation for artisanal production units and, in general, the qualification of the Portuguese.
SLOVAKIA
Centre for Folk Art Production – ÚĽUV
ÚĽUV functions as a nationwide documentation and information centre for folk art production in Slovakia and encourages the revival of Slovak designs with an emphasis on craft, tradition, and creativity. It organises craft classes, exhibitions, competitions, festivals and promotes the work of masterful craftsmen and designers who are seeking inspiration in traditional crafts.
THE NETHERLANDS
Crafts Council Nederland
Crafts Council Nederland (CCNL, 2013) is the all-encompassing platform for contemporary craft. It is the place where art, fashion, design and heritage unite and where craftsmanship is nurtured and passed on to a new generation. CCNL works together with all key players within the crafts domain. As researcher. As initiator. As catalyst. As guide. As concept developer. As unifier.
SCOTLAND
Craft Scotland
Craft Scotland is the national development agency supporting makers and promoting craft. Makers are the heart of what they do, championing diverse and high-quality contemporary craft. They help people learn about, appreciate and buy craft, promoting the contribution of craft to Scotland’s cultural, economic and social well-being. Through their exhibitions and events programmes, digital platforms and strategic partnerships, Craft Scotland provide leadership for the sector.
SPAIN
Consorci de Comerç, Artesania i Moda,Departament d’Empresa i Coneixement
The Consortium of Commerce, Crafts and Fashion brings together in a specialized entity the management of policies regarding the promotion of commerce, crafts and fashion of Catalonia. Entrusted to the Department of Business and Employment, the general purpose of promoting and promoting the commercial sector, craftsmanship, and support for Catalan fashion, with the aim of promoting competitiveness and the quality of these sectors, nationally and internationally.
DENMARK
Danish Crafts & Design Association
Danish Crafts & Design Association (DKoD) is a national organization for professional designers and craftsmen. Their aim is to support high quality practice, professional collaborations and networking. This is achieved through various activities such as public events, seminars, fairs and international exhibitions. DKoD was established in 1976.
LUXEMBOURG
De Mains De Maîtres Luxembourg
The association aims to support and promote Luxembourgish craftsmanship. One mission is to establish the Fine Contemporary Craft Biennial initiated in 2016 by HRH Princess Stephanie. It exhibits Luxembourgish creators and build bridges with European countries. The association also develops a cross-border programme of exhibitions. Committed to encourage and preserve the transmission of artisanal know-how, the association delivers scholarships for excellence.
IRELAND
Design & Crafts Council of Ireland
The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI), which is headquartered in Kilkenny, is the main champion of the design and craft industry in Ireland, fostering its growth and commercial strength, communicating its unique identity and stimulating quality design, innovation and competitiveness. Our vision is that Irish design and craft is recognised and valued worldwide for its excellence in craftsmanship, innovation and marketing.
TURKEY
Düzköy Public Education Center
The center, was established in 1992 and is a lifelong learning institution affiliated with the Ministry of National Education. Its core purpose is to provide vocational training and skills development through programmes and certificates of competence related to forgotten handicrafts as well as new crafts and product development. Furthermore, it provides opportunities for networking through exhibitions, workshops and conferences in support of local crafts. Through these actions, the center guides young and talented artisans and craftspeople to establish themselves in a professional and entrepreneurial capacity.
SPAIN
EOI-Fundesarte
Fundesarte is since 1981 the leading institution in the promotion and development of Spanish craft enterprises as part of the EOI Foundation (School for Industrial Organisation), entity attached to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism. A priority of their programme is to promote, value and communicate the quality of craft products and the sustainability of its production processes.
FINLAND
The Finnish Association of Designers Ornamo
The Finnish Association of Designers Ornamo, established in 1911, is an expert organisation in the field of design. Ornamo advances the profession of designers and promotes the role of design in society. They endeavour to support you in your career, whether you are a designer or an artist, or looking for inspiring employment opportunities. Their activities rely on a community principle: working for the benefit of each other and the entire profession.
FINLAND
The Finnish Craft Organisation
Founded in 1913, the Taitoliitto Association is responsible for organizing common affairs, developing industry and communications, as well as domestic and international connections. The magazine TAITO, published by the association, has been published continuously since 1907. It is the task of Taitoliitto to support regional skill associations by organizing development work, launching product development and managing state aids and communications. In addition to this, Taitoliitto’s important task is to act as a sensation of change in society and as a advocate and expert in the craft culture.
GEORGIA
Georgian Arts and Culture Center
Georgian Arts and Culture Centre works for the preservation, development and sustainable use of heritage crafts and cultural industries in Georgia since 1995; supporting innovative approach GACC contributes to economic viability of cultural sector through studies, trainings, marketing and international exchanges. The Center also conducts preservation of tangible and intangible heritage and gallery activities.
GEORGIA
Georgian Heritage Craft Association
Georgian Heritage Craft Association is a membership organization, which acts to safeguard Georgian heritage crafts traditions and works towards a sustainable framework for sector’s development in the future. GHCA aims to create a networking platform for individuals, craftspeople, organizations and guilds, enhancing sector’s economic potential, raising the competitiveness of Georgian Heritage Crafts products.
UKRAINE
Handicraft Chamber of Ukraine
The Handicraft Chamber of Ukraine is an all-Ukrainian non-governmental organization that has been working at the national and international levels since 2009 to protect the rights and interests of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the field of production and service.
FRANCE
Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA)
The Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA) is state-run, under the aegis of the French Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Economy. The INMA’s role is to promote the artistic crafts and support their future development, in particular by developing a unique expertise in the sector.
SWEDEN
The Swedish Craft Centre
The Swedish Craft Centre (Konsthantverkscentrum) is a non-profit organization for professional craft artists in Sweden, with more than 700 members from all over the country. The aim is to highlight, develop and enhance the position of craft in contemporary culture, nationally as well as internationally. This is done by acting as an intermediary, promoting collaborations between members and different companies and institutions, as well as organizing events and exhibitions.
INTERNATIONAL
The LOEWE FOUNDATION (Affiliate Members)
The LOEWE FOUNDATION was established as a private cultural foundation in 1988 by Enrique Loewe Lynch, a fourth-generation member of LOEWE’s founding family. The Foundation’s mission is to promote creativity, educational programs and to safeguard heritage in the fields of poetry, dance, photography, art and craft.
BELGIUM
Mad’ in Europe
European craftsmen in areas such as wood, metal, glass, ceramic, textile, stone crafts, music instruments and restoration are the guardians of European diversity, cultural heritage and know how. They are now facing business troubles because of their small visibility within an offer of cheaper and more accessible products. Mad’in Europe has started its activity at the end of 2013 with an objective to bring sustainable and concrete support to these micro-businesses, through different actions. Mad’in Europe is connecting the European art-crafts community with international potential users: private consumers, architects, designers, interior designers and musicians.
INTERNATIONAL
Michelangelo Foundation (Affiliate Member)
The Michelangelo Foundation is an international non-profit organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland, which celebrates and preserves master craftsmanship and strengthens its connection to the world of design. It aims to help people rediscover the ability of the human hand to create, and support those doing it best: the exceptional contemporary European master artisans using long-held traditions, skills and knowledge to make beautiful objects of lasting value.
NORWAY
Norske Kunsthåndverkere
The Norwegian Association for Arts and Crafts (NK) is a membership organization working to promote and support contemporary crafts nationally and internationally. NK currently encompasses 830 professional practicing artists and makers. NK’s main objective is to strengthen the arenas for contemporary crafts and improve the general working conditions for artist and makers.
NORWAY
Norwegian Crafts
Norwegian Crafts is a non-profit organisation, founded by the Norwegian Association for Arts and Crafts in 2012. Norwegian Crafts’ principle aim is to strengthen the position of Norwegian contemporary crafts internationally, through five strategic areas; exhibition programme, market development, theory development, network and exchange, and grants and support schemes. The organisation is funded through support from the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We advise the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Norwegian embassies and consulates abroad on contemporary crafts.
SPAIN
Oficio y arte, Organización de Artesanos de España (OAE)
Composed by 21 craftspeople, associations and federations in Spain although it also allows individual members and collaborators. As a whole it represents around 1,000 craft businesses located in the whole of the country. In order to fulfill its mission of promoting and representing craft in Spain, it publishes the quarterly printed magazine Oficioyarte (Craft and Art) and the digital magazine www.oficioyarte.info among other tools.