Module 4: Craft as an empowering tool for community and cultural heritage

 

Abstract: This module provides the background and practical tools for engaging with community-based crafts in historical and contemporary contexts. By highlighting the origins of craft practices and how they reflect and support the needs of makers, this module will examine the maker/craft relationship and showcase the power of traditional handwork to solve contemporary problems. Additionally, this module will focus on the adaptability of maker-led communities for educating and sustaining traditional crafts by promoting collaboration and open skill-sharing.

 

Duration: 15 learning hours

 

Learning outcomes: Learners will be able to

• Explain general themes of continuity and change in the history of crafts.
• Discuss how craft is currently used in community-based efforts to safeguard/talk about/educate about heritage.
• Discuss how craft is used as a tool to serve important social, economic, ecological, cultural, practical functions.
• Apply these principles in designing community-based craft initiatives.

 

Materials needed:

• Learning Journal – one of the most important aspects of this module is for the learner to not only consume the information presented, but also interact with it. One of the simplest ways to do this is by keeping a journal where you write down concepts you learn, connections with other ideas you have, and generate new ideas. This journal can be handwritten or typed, and is for your personal use.
• Piece of A4 paper, scissors, pen for final activity

Units:

• Unit 1: Historical Craft
• Unit 2: Contemporary Craft
• Unit 3: Analysis and Reflection

 

Authors: Audrey Scrugham, Mathilde Frances Lind

Viljandi Culture Academy, University of Tartu

 

---

This project has been funded with the support of the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union. The European Commission’s support for the production of this website does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Contact: eCHOIng.eu@gmail.com