Ljubljana Symposium Explores Contemporary Handicrafts and Culturality Themes

The international symposium “Hands-on Ethnographies: Production and Meaning of (Contemporary) Handicrafts”recently took place in Ljubljana, bringing together researchers, practitioners, and artists to explore critical perspectives on craft. The event addressed key issues such as gender roles in handicraft practices and marketing, the evolving relationship between contemporary artists and traditional craftspeople, and broader questions that resonate with the CULTURALITY project’s core themes.

Saša Poljak Istenič from ZRC SAZU, one of CULTURALITY’s partners, moderated a session dedicated to representations of craft in cultural discourse, while a second session focused on the practical aspects of handicraft production. The symposium also featured a vibrant handicrafts fair with hands-on workshops in sewing, macramé, and even household appliance repair—highlighting the ongoing relevance and adaptability of traditional skills in modern contexts.