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Craft ecosystem in
Bornholm, Denmark

About Bornholm

Bornholm, a small Danish island nestled in the Baltic Sea near the Swedish shoreline, boasts a population of around 39,000 residents. It has gained popularity as a tourist hotspot, attracting over 500,000 visitors annually, and a significant portion of its economy revolves around this thriving tourism industry.

Craft ecosystem in Bornholm, Denmark

Bornholm, Denmark

Bornholm, Denmark

Why Bornholm is chosen to be one of the HEPHAESTUS craft ecosystems

Bornholm has been selected as a significant focus for the HEPHAESTUS project due to its strong emphasis on innovation and circular economy within the craft sector. The island’s craft community has shown a remarkable commitment to sustainable practices and forward-thinking approaches. HEPHAESTUS aims to leverage this ecosystem to explore how traditional craftsmanship can seamlessly integrate with innovative technologies and contribute to a circular economy model.

The main challenges of the Bornholm in the context of craft

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Craftmakers in the ecosystem

While the Bornholm ecosystem comprises various types of craftmakers, here are some of the most prominently represented to offer you a glimpse.

Hephaestus project

Glass

Glasses, vases, decors, plates.

Hephaestus project

Wood

Figures, decors, furniture.

Hephaestus project

Textile

Clothes, table naps, blankets, scarfs and gloves

Hephaestus project

Jewellery

Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, broches.

Craftmakers currently involved in the HEPHAESTUS project as craft ambassadors

Heidi Hentze

Heidi Hentze

Unique geometric pieces in porcelain.

Nynne-Rosenkrantz-Christiansen

Nynne Rosenkrantz Christiansen

Unique stoneware and porcelain with crystal glazes.

Sara Jeffries​

Sara Jeffries

Unique pieces of stoneware.

More information coming soon
Christina Schou Christensen is dedicated to exploring sustainable processes in her artistic practice

Christina Schou Christensen

Ceramicist experimenting with glazes.

The project HEPHAESTUS expected impact on Bornholm ecosystem

It is expected that the green Living Lab will be established to facilitate new collaborations across the craft sector on Bornholm to support the transition to a circular economy and increase the resource utilization. The outcomes of the project will allow craftmakers to overcome several challenges and ensure that craftmakers can use their skills and knowledge to the full potential and ensure sustainable and profitable business from selling their products throughout the year.

Stay connected with HEPHAESTUS!

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Responsible for the HEPHAESTUS project ecosystem in Bornholm, Denmark

Dorthe Møller Paulsen is responsible for the Bornholm ecosystem in the context of the Horizon Europe project HEPHAESTUS. If you are a craftmaker and would like to be involved in the project, do not hesitate to contact her. You can also reach out to Dorthe if you are interested in establishing a collaboration or learning more about this ecosystem.

Dorthe Møller Paulsen
Dorthe, with a focus on fostering sustainable craft practices, plays a pivotal role in promoting collaboration among local artisans and institutions such as Maker’s Island, Bornholm’s Regional Commune, and The Royal Danish Academy. Under her leadership, the HEPHAESTUS project aims to explore and revitalize traditional craft techniques, integrating principles of the circular economy and cutting-edge technology.
 

Dorthe is particularly invested in establishing the “Living Lab” on Bornholm, designed to test new business models and innovative solutions for resource efficiency and low environmental impact. Her work also emphasizes the importance of fostering entrepreneurship among the new generation of makers, ensuring the continuity and evolution of craft practices on the island.

Contact dorthe.paulsen(at)brk.dk