Third meeting of Slovenian crafts researchers: Social and therapeutic aspects of handicrafts

On February 11, 2025, ethnologists involved in crafts-related projects (Culturality, Commheritour, and Alptextiles), coming from the Department of Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology FA UL, Slovene Ethnographic Museum, and ZRC SAZU, continued their regular meetings to discuss the potentials and challenges of handicrafts research. They resumed the debate on the social dimensions of handicrafts, a key topic in previous meetings.
Participants delved into the therapeutic benefits of engaging in craft activities and examined cases where individuals with special needs are included in handicraft programs within institutional care settings. A significant portion of the discussion centered on funding mechanisms for therapeutic and social initiatives, which often do not align with the ambitions of the cultural and creative industries to leverage crafts for economic development. The researchers emphasized the necessity of cross-sectoral collaboration involving the ministries of social affairs, health, and culture.
Additionally, the researchers explored the importance of accessible learning materials and instructional resources for handicrafts, such as the Manual on Basketry, which provides step-by-step guidance on traditional crafts. These materials were recognized as valuable tools for engaging a wider audience and ensuring the preservation and transmission of traditional skills. The Slovene Ethnographic Museum is currently awaiting funding approval to begin visually documenting handicrafts in Slovenia, with the recordings to be conducted by the the Avdiovisual Laboratory of the Institute of Slovenian Ethnology at ZRC SAZU.
The third meeting once again underscored the importance of a holistic approach to handicrafts, integrating social welfare, health, cultural and economic sectors to foster inclusive and sustainable community and spatial development.