Of Interest: European Crafts Alliance Annual Conference – Crafting Wellbeing – Online and In-person

Poster for the ECA Annual Conference 2026 titled 'Crafting Wellbeing', featuring details about the event, including date, time, and location in Florence, Italy, and online.

The European Crafts Alliance (ECA) is holding its annual conference on Thursday, the 30th of April. In addition to being an in-person event in Florence, Italy, access to the conference is also available online.

Across Europe, craft is expanding beyond the workshop and into public health and community care. Co-organised by Artex and presented in collaboration with Firenze Fiera, during the 90th anniversary of the MIDA International Handicraft Exhibition in Florence, Italy, this year, the conference will explore how making actually works in clinical rehabilitation, mental health, and social inclusion. For the craft sector, these aren’t just social goals; they represent new professional pathways and a way to connect the workshop with the public health sector.

A central highlight of the programme is the premiere of the ECA’s foundational study on Crafting Health and Wellbeing. Alongside this vital data, attendees will hear from practitioners who are successfully integrating traditional crafts into professional recovery programmes, creating new pathways for makers.

Participation is free and open to the public.

Time: 9:30 AM (in person in Italy) & 9 AM IST (online)

For more information and to register, visit the ECA’s website – https://europeancraftsalliance.org/eca-annual-conference-2026-crafting-wellbeing/

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Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Open Call: Craftwork 4.0 All – Residencies in 12 European Countries

Craftwork 4.0 All has announced an opportunity for craft residencies in twelve countries across Europe, which will take place from November 2026 to Aug 2027. Detailed information on themes, places and conditions will be presented by Residency Hosts during the first online session.

Open to craftspeople from any EU country, the residencies can be held in the following countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

Residencies can be for one week, two weeks, or three weeks. The financial support for craft practitioners covers travel, accommodation, daily subsistence, and materials.

Deadline: Register by the 1st of September for the first online Zoom session, which is scheduled for the 19th of September, 2025.

For more information, visit their website – https://www.craftwork4all.com/residencies-onboarding/

Their Instagram: @craftwork4all

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about the content, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.

Of Interest: European Craft Alliance – 3 Online Talks about the Craft Sector

ECA Spring Online Program of Events - 12th of March, and the 2nd and 8th of April.

Join the European Craft Alliance (ECA) for a series of individual events that explore the evolving landscape of the craft sector from the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion. One can book for all three or just one event.

‘Unveiling the Potential of the Craft Sector. A Study of Production and Business Opportunities’

Wed, 12 March, 11 AM CET

This event explores the results of the ECA’s latest study, which uncovers over 100 possible opportunities for craftspeople to strengthen their businesses and offers insights into emerging consumer trends and growth strategies. The event will also present a Craft Business Toolkit.
For more info & to book – https://europeancraftsalliance.org/online-presentation-study-unveiling-the-potential-of-the-craft-sector/

‘Understanding the New Technological Context for Craftsmanship’

Wed, 2 Apr 2025, 11 AM CET

This presentation explores integrating digital design and fabrication technologies in the European craft sector. It will highlight the opportunities and challenges faced by craftspeople, including the barriers to adopting new technologies.

For info and to book – https://europeancraftsalliance.org/online-presentation-understanding-the-new-technological-context-for-craftsmanship/

‘Crafting Social: How Creativity and Entrepreneurship Can Foster Social Inclusion’

Tue, 8 April 2025, 11 AM CET

This event explores how the creativity and entrepreneurship inherent in crafts contribute to social inclusion. It explores how various crafts economically empower people with disabilities, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, and other vulnerable groups while supporting mental health and well-being.


For more info & to book – https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ljusg_2DRZWNQv0tFHrV4w#/registration

The European Crafts Alliance’s Instagram – @eca.crafts

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.