In March, the activities of a small-scale project within the framework of the Interreg Programme Slovenia-Hungary entitled Preserving handicraft heritage in the border area of Slovenia and Hungary, acronym Crafts4Future, started.  The aim of the project is to preserve the cultural heritage of handicrafts in the cross-border area by integrating innovative approaches into the activity, thus laying the foundations for long-term cooperation between institutions from the programme area of Slovenia and Hungary. The project partners, Zadruga Pomelaj from Slovenia and VNNA (Vasvári Nagytérségi Népfőiskoláért Alapítvány) from Hungary, have already carried 6 out of the planned 7 craft workshops, where craftspeople pass on their knowledge to young people, and also focus on the integration of innovative methods and approaches in handicrafts and the establishment of new crafts.

During the first workshop, which took place on 26 March at the headquarters of the Pomelaj Cooperative, craftspeople from the Pomurje region (Slovenia) and the counties of Vas and Zala (Hungary) prepared a strategy for cooperation in the cross-border area and mentoring with young people. This was followed by handicraft workshops where young people, under the guidance of craftspeople from both countries, made jewellery and other products out of straw, flowers out of crepe paper, painted Easter eggs, made different ornaments out of textiles, knitted horn, made necklaces, bracelets and balls out of waste textiles, made felt dolls, small ornaments and jewellery out of straw, and tried their hand at basket weaving. Young were enthusiastic about the workshops. This was followed by workshops on integrating innovative methods and approaches in handicrafts and setting up new craft enterprises.

The project ends at the end of April with a handicraft workshop at a school in Hungary, which was selected as part of the “Handicrafts that inspire me” competition. The Slovenian partners have already carried out the workshop at the school in Slovenia, in cooperation with Hungarian craftsmen.

The craftspeople are keen to work together. They find it useful to exchange good practice and learn new techniques, as well as to network and connect. They agreed that young people need to be inspired by handicrafts and taught traditional techniques through workshops.

“The project is an opportunity to learn new craft techniques and acquire new skills.” Urška Ambrož, potter

Photos by Crafts4Future