acar2

Abstract

In times where hot-metal composition has given way to desktop publishing, the future of craftsmanship calls for reflexion. Technological, structural, and sociological changes bring in new production processes, products, and markets. To prevent handicraft from falling by the wayside, its role must be reconsidered. acar2 inquires into possible ways of doing that. The range of traditional materials such as wood, metal, leather, glass, and ceramic along with their processing techniques is being complemented by digital media, advanced process engineering, and high-technology materials. Thus, incorporating smart materials in handicraft promises to produce innovative solutions.

This project is about the practical realization of that concept. To this end, it is involved in the setting up of a large, Europe-wide network, the Académie pour lavenir de lartisanat. Collaboration among diverse partners will address aspects such as training, marketing, technology transfer, and product innovation. The force field between diverse digital cultures should be seen as an invitation for reflecting upon materialness and positioning the handcrafted unique object in completely new ways.