HEPHAESTUS consortium partners in Bornholm, Denmark recently hosted an engaging co-creation workshop, bringing together 30 participants, including local craft makers, craft ambassadors, key partners, and stakeholders. The event aimed to delve into the essential topic of sustainability in the craft sector, with a focus on two key areas: Economic Sustainability and Environmental Sustainability.
Key objectives
The purpose of this workshop was to gain an in-depth understanding of the needs and challenges faced by craft makers in sustaining their businesses. We sought to uncover how craft makers define sustainability and how their experiences and insights could shape future initiatives. This workshop served as one of the first steps toward developing a comprehensive framework of activities within the Living Lab.
Workshop highlights
The workshop featured several presentations as well as interactive Q&A session, and dynamic focus group discussions with meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities that many craft makers face today. In this context Luca and Francesca from TOR Vergata shared their research findings on the skills and challenges craft makers have. Their presentation helped deepen our collective understanding of the current landscape and the areas that require further attention. Stakeholders such as Makers Island Bornholm, Business Centre Bornholm, Centre for Regional and Tourism Research, craft makers, and members of the Arts and Crafts Association Bornholm were also key contributors to these discussions.
Participants explored the economic difficulties of running a craft business and brainstormed strategies for achieving financial growth and stability. On the environmental side, discussions centered around sustainable production methods, materials, and reducing waste—principles that are already well integrated into the practices of many craft makers in Bornholm.
Bornholm’s commitment to sustainability
Sustainability has been a core value on Bornholm for many years, with a particular focus on minimising waste and promoting reuse. Our discussions emphasised the importance of continuing to push these practices forward, aiming to elevate reuse and sustainability to even higher standards. Craft makers on the island have long embraced sustainable methods, and we explored innovative ways to further integrate these principles into the business models and practices of the wider craft community.
Visits and exhibitions
Participants also had the opportunity to visit various craft makers’ workshops around the island, as well as the exhibitions at Hjorths Factory and the Bornholm Centre for Arts and Crafts. The European Ceramic Context exhibition showcased sustainable ceramic projects from across Europe, further inspiring discussions on environmental sustainability in the craft sector.
Learn more: HEPHAESTUS presentation & Co-Creation workshop