Tracks4Crafts: Living Labs
How can learning, business innovation and digital technologies help strengthen the future of craft while preserving the knowledge, identity and creativity that make craft practices unique?
The Tracks4Crafts Living Labs will bring craftspeople, educators, makers, researchers, cultural practitioners, organisations and other stakeholders together to explore exactly these questions. Participants can register for one, two or all three sessions:
Living Lab 1 — A connected learning journey across five dimensions of contemporary craft practice
1 October 2026 | 09:00–12:00 | Online
The first Living Lab will explore a flexible learning framework developed to support craftspeople, educators, makers and cultural practitioners in navigating some of the key dimensions shaping contemporary craft practice. Participants will discover and test the Tracks4Crafts Learning Units and Train-the-Trainer programme, covering five interconnected areas:
- documenting and transmitting craft knowledge;
- engaging with technologies
- sustainability
- collaboration
- craft business
Living Lab 2 — Business model innovation for crafters
19 October 2026 | 09:00–12:00 | Online
How can craft practitioners strengthen the sustainability and resilience of their activities while remaining faithful to the essence of their craft? During the interactive session, participants will explore approaches that can help craft practitioners rethink and strengthen their business models while maintaining the values, skills and traditions at the heart of their work. Topics will include areas such as authentic storytelling, creative imagination and the balance between innovation and tradition. Participants will be invited to respond to the roadmap as potential future users and help evaluate whether it provides clear, relevant and practical support for craft professionals seeking to adapt to changing economic and social environments.
Living Lab 3 — Beyond Tools: Exploring the Roles of Digital Technologies in the Craft Ecosystem
29 October 2026 | 09:00–12:00 | Online
Digital technologies are increasingly influencing how craft knowledge is preserved, transmitted, created, communicated and sustained. But their role in craft extends far beyond the adoption of individual digital tools. The third Tracks4Crafts Living Lab invites craftspeople, researchers, educators, cultural organisations and other interested stakeholders to explore an empirical framework developed by the project that identifies ten key roles digital technologies can play within the craft ecosystem.
Who should take part?
The Tracks4Crafts Living Labs are open to anyone with an interest in the present and future of craft, including craftspeople, makers, educators, trainers, researchers, cultural and creative professionals, heritage organisations, business support actors and other stakeholders working within or alongside craft ecosystems. Whether you bring practical experience, educational expertise, research knowledge, business insight or simply a strong interest in the future of craft, your contribution is valuable. We therefore encourage not only Tracks4Crafts partners and pilot representatives, but also craft networks, educational organisations, cultural institutions, maker communities and professional associations to share the Living Labs with their members and contacts.
You can attend one, two or all three Living Labs. All sessions will take place online, with the Zoom link shared with registered participants ahead of the events.