As we celebrate Heritage Days 2024, themed “Heritage of Routes, Networks, and Connections,” we embrace the challenge of preserving Europe’s rich cultural legacy. This year’s theme underscores the importance of how traditions and craftsmanship link communities, weaving together past and present. It is a call to action for all of us to recognize and protect these vital connections that shape our cultural landscape. By reflecting on our shared heritage, we renew our commitment to safeguarding these invaluable links for future generations, ensuring that the stories and skills of the past continue to enrich our collective future.
Here's what we've been working on this past year
"Mécénat d’artisans" 2024
The “Mécénat d’artisans” project, a collaboration between the Belgian Historic Houses Association, the Belgian Union of Heritage Crafts (UAP), and Mad’in Europe, was launched in 2020 to promote the expertise of heritage craftspeople. The initiative raises awareness among historic houses owners about the importance of using qualified professionals for restoration, offering up to 40 hours of expert work for selected properties.
Bells: expressing the sound of heritage
Did you know that every bell has its own language? And did you know that every village has its own distinctive sound? Katholic and protestant bells do not sound the same and the tolling of the iron bell sounds different depending on various religious events during the year… Dive into this fascinating world by discovering the background and interview of Julien Calcatera, master bell maker.
This interview is part of a series, conducted by FRH and Mad’in Europe, highlights European craftspeople specializing in religious and cultural heritage restoration. It explores their expertise, working processes, collaborations, innovations, and the challenges they face, while also focusing on the transmission of skills to the next generation and offering guidance to aspiring professionals.
CYFE Guidebook & Virtual Reality
We recently presented our CYFE Guidebook on Crafts, designed to highlight artisans and inspire the next generation of craftspeople. It features testimonials from masters like Gaetano Russo (iconographer, Italy), Arlindo Moura (filigree, Portugal), and Aurore Pelisson (textile artist, France). Explore this guidebook and share it with young people to inspire them even more!
Explore 360° tours inside the workshops of František Joch , Bernard Van Ormelingen, Jan Křivonožka, and more on our YouTube channel, and help preserve our cultural heritage.
Schools on Mad'in Europe, specialised in heritage crafts and heritage preservation
Since opening our portal to schools in 2023, we are thrilled to feature esteemed institutions such as the Escuela de Carpintería de lo Blanco de Narros del Castillo and Boulouki School. These schools are pivotal in preserving our cultural heritage through traditional methods, ensuring that the craftsmanship of the past is carried forward by the next generation. Promote these insititutions among youngsters and contribute to the safeguard of skills.
Escuela de Carpintería de lo Blanco de Narros del Castillo
‘Boulouki’ – Itinerant Workshop on Traditional Building Techniques
Upcoming classes at La Paix-Dieu and Le Pôle de la Pierre
La Paix-Dieu and Le Pôle de la Pierre, renowned centers for heritage craftsmanship, are dedicated to preserving and passing on traditional construction techniques… Located in Amay and Soignies, these institutions offer specialized training that integrates historical knowledge with practical skills.
What is in the pipeline?
Introducing MindCrafts
As an Erasmus+ funded initiative, MindCrafts bridges the gap between traditional building crafts and the younger generation. Through innovative training modules, live testimonials, and workshop visits, MindCrafts aims to inspire youth to explore building crafts. Using a unique pedagogical approach, the project connects these skills to cultural heritage and sustainability, offering experiences and insights to shift mindsets and open new career paths.
Keep an eye on MindCrafts!
Learn about Sgraffito technique
In the framework of Mindcrafts, don’t miss our up-coming article, where we will delve into the story behind sgraffito, a decorative technique that has left its mark on cities across Europe, particularly in Belgium. Originally from Ancient Rome, this technique evolved across Europe influencing the prevalent styles of architecture in the 19th century until nowadays… But before that, let the maestro of Belgian sgraffito, and specialist of Art Nouveau, Fabien Glineur give you an overview on this technique…
What about endangered crafts...?
On September the 20th, in the framework of the Creative Skills Week, Mad’in Europe and FRH will present the first report of the survey on “The State of Built Heritage Craft Skills” that gathers insights from craftspeople, schools and craft training establishments, experts and owners of heritage buildings. This landmark report marks a significant first step in spotlighting endangered crafts and offering actionable recommendations.
October 25th - Paris - A conference with 75 stakeholders for the benefit of traditional crafts
On October 25th, 2024, the Salon International du Patrimoine Culturel in Paris will host a unique gathering of 76 visionary partners from the cultural, research, innovation, technology, and humanities sectors, representing 21 countries united by a passion for enhancing and supporting the European crafts sector. Supported by the European Commission, this event offers a promising look into the future of crafts. Stay tuned for more exciting details!
October 7th - Bucarest - European Heritage Awards 2024
On October the 7th, in occasion of the the European Cultural Heritage Summit 2024 , Europa Nostra will officially reward the winners of the European Heritage Awards! Among them, Else “Sprossa” Rønnevig from Norway, White Carpentry School in Spain, the Boulouki’s Travelling Workshop on Traditional Building in Greece, and Serfenta in Poland. For a detailed recap, check our newsletter for June:
October 26th - Brussels - 14th Philippe Rotthier European Prize for Architecture
From October 26th to 27th 2024, join us in Brussels to celebrate the 14th Philippe Rotthier European Prize for Architecture, focusing on Vernacular Arquitecture. This prestigious award honors projects that integrate local traditions, natural landscapes, and sustainable building practices. The event, organized by La Table Ronde de l’Architecture , features an award ceremony and exhibition preview showcasing 28 outstanding projects selected from 189 entries across 48 countries. Learn more about TRA and the event on our website.
La Table Ronde de l’Architecture
© La Table Ronde de l’Arquitecture
Stéphane Leroux - A carpenter specialised in heritage
Previously awarded with the “Concours Ateliers d’Art de France, our member and carpenter Philippe Leroux is one of the participants to this selection of masters in ancient buildings restoration.
©Sarl Leroux
Denkmal 2024 – Europe's Leading Heritage Conservation Event
If you are involved in heritage conservation you will not want to miss Denkmal; the Europe’s Leading heritage conservation event, focused on preservation, restoration, and historic building renovation. Take part in workshops, lectures, and exhibitions led by experts in monument conservation. Whether visiting or showcasing your work, don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with leaders in the field!
