Study Visits
The study visits to Poland, Georgia, and Italy provide a unique opportunity for in-person knowledge exchange in heritage crafts, deepening understanding of non-formal education practices in diverse cultural and environmental contexts.
These visits also foster networking and collaboration, connecting partner organisations with key stakeholders in the local craft sectors.
By the end of the study visits
Challenges
Identified key challenges and gaps in non-formal craft education 🎓
Solutions
Proposed practical solutions to address these challenges 💡
Roadmap
Contributed to a structured plan for policy, funding, and education improvement 🌍
Collaboration
Strengthened partnerships to ensure knowledge transmission and heritage preservation 🤝
3 studies. 3 cities.
First Visit: Gdańsk
🗓️ 7–9 April 2025
📍 National Museum in Gdańsk (Ethnographic Department)
The BRICKS study visit in Poland brings together partners and educators in Gdańsk and Kashubia to explore how non-formal craft education supports knowledge transmission, professional development, and cultural preservation. The three-day agenda included expert presentations, field visits, and collaborative working sessions to identify challenges and co-create solutions for the craft education sector.
DAY 1: Presentations & Exchange at the National Museum
Morning Highlights:
✔️ Welcome & introductions
✔️ Project presentation by Mad’in Europe
✔️ Partner presentations from Poland, Belgium, Georgia, and Italy
✔️ Presentation by the Ethnography Department on craft-related activities
✔️ Kashubian Embroidery Presentation by Ewa Gilewska and Elżbieta Żuławska
Afternoon Session:
✔️ Presentation by Pomeranian Chamber of Crafts on regional non-formal education
✔️ Working session: “Understanding non-formal craft education & identifying challenges”
DAY 2: Field Visits to Kashubia
Site Visits:
✔️ Necel Kashubian Pottery Studio – 10 generations of pottery-making, educational approach, hands-on workshop
✔️ Kashubian Folk University – Non-formal education model, local craft pedagogy, hopes and needs for future development
📝 Outcome: Real-world examples of non-formal learning, showing how traditional craft education can thrive outside formal institutions.
DAY 3: Reflection & Project Work
✔️ Wrap-up discussion and evaluation of the visit
✔️ Partners-only project meeting:
- Desk research results
- WP updates (web, communication, next step)
✔️ Final group lunch in Gdańsk Oliwa
Second Visit: Tbilisi
🗓️ 15 – 17 July 2025
📍 Tbilisi
The BRICKS study visit in Georgia brings together partners and educators in Tbilisi to continue building momentum around non-formal craft education. Over three days, participants will engage in presentations, field visits, and collaborative sessions focused on sharing practices, strengthening local and international networks, and advancing solutions for a more resilient craft education sector. This visit marks an important step forward in the BRICKS project’s ongoing journey to support cultural transmission and innovation through hands-on learning.
Day 1: Arrivals and Introductions
📍 Georgian Arts and Culture Center, Tbilisi
✔️ Arrival of participants
✔️ Welcome coffee & introduction to the BRICKS project
✔️ Presentations by participants and hosting partner (GACC)
✔️ Visit to Istoriali, a social enterprise in craft heritage
✔️ Group dinner
Day 2: Field Visits & Learning from Practice
✔️ Visit to Estia Ceramic Studio
✔️ Tour of Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography & crafts summer school
✔️ Visit to Kasta Training Center – wood, stone, and stained glass crafts
✔️ Meeting with ICOMOS Georgia on traditional building techniques
✔️ Group dinner
Day 3:Collaboration & Strategic Planning
📍 Georgian Arts and Culture Center, Tbilisi
✔️ Morning coffee & guest presentations
✔️ Working session: Collaborative discussions on strengthening non-formal craft education
✔️ Wrap-up and evaluation
✔️ Lunch & farewell for guest participants
✔️ Partners-only meeting: Project updates and planning
TIME BEFORE THE VISIT...
Third Visit: Florence
🗓️ 10 – 13 September 2025
📍 Florence
The BRICKS study visit in Italy brings partners and educators to Florence and Montelupo, two cities where heritage crafts, design, and education intersect. Over three days, participants explore how non-formal education supports cultural transmission through site visits, peer exchange, and collaborative sessions. From ceramic innovation to micro-credential systems, the visit highlights how tradition and policy can come together to shape the future of craft learning in Europe.
Day 1: Craft heritage in context
📍 Montelupo Fiorentino & Florence
✔️ (Optional) Press conference at Artigianato e Palazzo fair
✔️ Welcome at Officina Creativa Lab (Florence)
✔️ Visit to Montelupo ceramic ecosystem: Museum, Ceramics School, Bitossi Archive
✔️ Demonstrations of 3D ceramic printing and pottery wheel techniques
✔️ Group dinner in Florence
Day 2: Sharing practices & building bridges
📍 ARTEX, Florence
✔️ Presentations from participants (Belgium, Georgia, Italy, Poland)
✔️ Project updates and micro-credentials presentation (Giovanni Crisonà)
✔️ Open discussion and testimonials from craft educators
✔️ Interactive workshop: Building Bridges
✔️ Group dinner
Day 3: Reflection & public engagement
📍 Florence
✔️ Group reflection on the three study visits
✔️ Partner meeting to consolidate outcomes and next steps
✔️ Visit to Artigianato e Palazzo craft fair
✔️ BRICKS public conference on non-formal education in artistic crafts
