Young Craft Booster (2023 - 2026)

If the transmission of crafts is not secured, we risk to lose the rich cultural heritage of European Craftsmanship: YCB seeks to actively contribute in preserving this legacy. Young Craft Booster (YCB) aims to ease the integration of young artisans into the job market, as well as to create more opportunity for business development in the same field.

The project initiates the active involvement of 15 master artisans in the transmission of their craft to 15 young talents: over the next three years, 15 duos will thus embark in a life-changing project. Master artisans will be given the opportunity to safeguard their craft while young makers will see their dream of working in the craft they love become a reality.

The 15 selected duos will join, from end of 2023 to the end of 2026, an educational and training programme consisting of:

1. A 6 months apprenticeship: the craft graduates will work alongside a master artisan to learn the secrets of the trade, while the masters will have support in their daily work and in digital communication.
2. A theoretical course consisting of seminars and classes on a wide range of topics related to professional development and entrepreneurship, co-created with recognised academic institution.
3. Free access to an e-learning platform with extra educational contents.
4. Community gatherings, both online and offline.

The project is run by three partners from Italy, Spain and Ireland: Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri d'Arte, Asociación Contemporánea de Artes y Oficios and Design & Crafts Council Ireland with the support of an associated partner, Michelangelo Foundation.

YCB aims at triggering a significant transformation of the field of craftsmanship, and at preserving the history and traditions of the European heritage.

2024 Irish Updates

In September 2024, three Irish duos were selected from Ireland. In total 24 duos will participate in the Homo Faber Fellowship 2024/25 with the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship.

1. Fiona Harrington & Jack O' Meara, lace making. Jack is an emerging artist and maker who will work alongside master artisan Fiona in creating beautiful lace pieces unique to Ireland’s social, cultural and economic history.
2. Helen O'Connell & Finn Conlon, stone carving. Master stone carver Helen who works with local Irish limestone will work with up-and-coming artisan Finn, keeping this ancient art and its attendant skills alive in Ireland.
3. James O'Riordan & Michal Halvoník, blacksmithing. The up-and-coming blacksmith Michal is coming from Czech Republic and will work with master artisan James, bringing together two traditions of blacksmithing. Together they will work to show what is only possible by hand, an antidote to modern-day mass-produced metalwork.

Irish Partner

Design & Crafts Council Ireland is the national agency for craft and design in Ireland. They we support designers and makers to develop their businesses in a sustainable way, and advocate for the societal benefits of craft and design. DCCI’s activities are funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment via Enterprise Ireland.

Further Information

• Young Craft Booster