Craft ecosystem in Venice, Italy
About Venice
Located in the Veneto Region of Northeast Italy, Venice, along with its lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has a rich history. Founded in the 5th century AD, the city spans across 118 small islands and emerged as a prominent maritime power in the 10th century. Venice is a remarkable architectural marvel, with even the tiniest structures housing masterpieces by some of the world’s most renowned artists, including Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, and many more.
Venice, Italy
About ecosystem
The ecosystem of Venetian craftsmanship traces its origins to the ancient medieval guilds of Arts and Crafts, which came together under the banner of Schools. These Venetian Schools were renowned as highly organized and effective institutions for imparting knowledge in the field of Arts and Crafts.
These schools operated as guilds, bringing together the most skilled masters with a profound artistic and cultural background, dedicated to educating apprentices. Over time, these Schools thrived and flourished, persisting until the late 18th century. Among them, the most significant specialized in goldsmithing, textiles, lace-making, mask-making, glass and wrought ironwork, beadwork and printing, and gondola construction. Remarkably, these crafts still endure and thrive in Venice today.
Why Venice is chosen to be one of the HEPHAESTUS craft ecosystems
Venice, with its long-established tradition of craftsmanship, stands out as a crucial ecosystem for the HEPHAESTUS project. Recognized as one of the first places to institutionalize the notion of “Maestro” or master craftsman, Venice offers a platform for exploring the intersection of time-honored techniques and innovative practices. This ecosystem allows HEPHAESTUS to tap into the expertise of maestros while fostering a culture of continuous craft innovation.
The main challenges of the Venice in the context of craft
- Over tourism: The problem of over tourism has led to overcrowding in the city, making it less livable and diminishing the value of artistic craft creation, often reducing it to mere souvenirs.
- School reform impact: In Italy, the 2010 school reform resulted in the transformation of high schools that were previously dedicated to teaching art and crafts. These schools now have a predominantly theoretical focus with courses primarily centered around visual and performing arts, graphics, and design.
- Changing consumer behaviour: Changes in consumer purchasing behaviors have had a significant impact on craft trades, influencing their market and demand. This has been mainly due to the massive presence of mass tourism, which is much more oriented towards the purchase of cheap souvenirs rather than the authenticity of handicrafts.
- Impact of new technologies: The rise of new technologies has displaced many manual activities, creating challenges for traditional craftsmen.
- Disposable culture: A disposable culture, where products are easily discarded, has become more prevalent, further affecting the demand and sustainability of craftsmanship.
Craftmakers in the ecosystem
While the Venice ecosystem comprises various types of craftmakers, here are some of the most prominently represented to offer you a glimpse.
Glassblowers & glass bead artists
Glasses, vases, decors, plates, chandeliers, mirrors, jewels.
Remèri
The makers of oars for the Venetian boats
and vessels.
Tailors & shoemakers
Leather shoes and bags, tailored suits.
Goldsmiths
Fine jewellery, rings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches.
Mask makers
Venetian papier-mâché masks, leather, inspired by carnival and the Commedia dell'arte.
Engravers & printers
Art print shops, bookbinders, handmade fine editions, paper artefacts.
Art and furniture restorers
Restorers and carpenters, for the restoration and construction of valuable furniture.
Tailors, lace & textile workers
Fashion designers, handmade fabrics using ancient methods, made-to-measure clothing.
Gondola & boat manufacturers
Ancient shipyards (squeri) where gondolas and typical Venetian boats are made.
Craftmakers currently involved in the HEPHAESTUS project
The project HEPHAESTUS expected impact on Venice ecosystem
As part of the project, craftmakers will actively participate through field research activities, engage in focus groups, attend workshops, take part in cultural exchanges with other European craft ecosystems, showcase their work at fairs, and benefit from targeted training activities
Network Formation
The project aims to establish a robust network of Venetian artistic craftsmanship, facilitating communication and mutual reinforcement. This network will engage in ongoing exchanges of knowledge and skills with other European craft ecosystems.
Cultural Enrichment
The project’s goal is to develop a cultural system capable of engaging with key stakeholders and enhancing its cultural heritage through the integration of new technologies.
Transformation from Threat to Resource
It seeks to transform the challenges faced by traditional craftsmanship into valuable resources. Particularly, it focuses on safeguarding knowledge through digital archives and adopting modern photogrammetry techniques for preservation.
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