Welcome to the international conference "Studying Traditional Crafts: Goals and Methods in Higher Education"

The international conference "Studying Traditional Crafts: Goals and Methods in Higher Education" will be held in Viljandi, Estonia, from 12th of November to 14th of November 2019.

The academisation of traditional crafts means studying traditional handicraft techniques, carrying out high-quality research in the field and being involved in creative activities. It requires developing new teaching and research methods by combining and integrating specialized expertise in different fields within natural science, humanities and social sciences. However, it brings along many challenges such as economic pressure to adapt to large groups with less contact time; high teachings costs and need for well-equipped labs; balancing between theoretical research and practical training; balancing between tradition and innovation, etc.

Estonian Native Craft Department at University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy celebrates its 25th anniversary with an international conference dedicated to different topics that explore the role of craft studies in higher education. Higher education on traditional crafts provides a framework for discussing tradition as a dynamic cultural process and describing heritage as environmental, cultural and societal assets for the continued development of society in local, national and global perspectives. It empowers people to make intentional decisions about their environment and material culture. 

We invite to participate scholars, teachers, students, and practitioners. We welcome proposals for individual presentations reflecting the themes proposed above (20 minutes), and for poster presentations. Proposals should include title, name of presenter/co-presenters, name of institution/organization, email address, technological needs, and a 300-word abstract describing your proposed presentation.

Please submit a proposal by e-mail to the address: craftconference2019@ut.ee The deadline for the abstracts is May 20, 2019. 

More information is available on https://sisu.ut.ee/craftconference2019

Contact

Ave Matsin

University of Tartu Viljandi  Culture Academy

Vice Director for Academic Affairs, MA

Head of Department of Estonian Native Crafts

ave.matsin@ut.ee, +372 52 62 510

skype: avematsin, Posti 1, Viljandi 71004

Estonia