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British Council & Arts University Plymouth on the future of crafts in the South Caucasus
Wednesday, 1 November, 2023 — Craft and craft education in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan appraised in the joint Crafting Futures project
<p dir="ltr">Earlier this year Arts University Plymouth and the British Council released a report titled ‘<a href="https://www.britishcouncil.az/sites/default/files/crafting-futures-south-caucasus-report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Craft Research and Education Development Projects in the South Caucasus</a>’, summarising the results of a collaborative <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/research/supported-projects/crafting-futures">Crafting Futures</a> programme that encompassed research into craft and the development of new craft education initiatives in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan between 2019 and 2022.</p>
<p dir="ltr">First established in 2019, the Crafting Futures project set out to establish a framework from which an understanding and appreciation of craft and manufacture could be situated within the context of creative education. The report provides evidence of an invaluable relationship between the British Council and its project partners in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan; and highlights the strength and diversity of the craft sector during a period of enormous changes, and the willingness of educators to embrace new ways of thinking, teaching and learning.</p>
Snow covered Kvervris at Zaza Kbilashvili’s workshop in Vardisubani, Telavi Municipality, Kakheti region. The project researchers faced some extreme weather during the fieldwork. Kvervis are large ceramic vessels which are buried below the ground, filled with grapes which are left to ferment, to make wine in Georgia. Photo: Makuna Gotsadze
<p dir="ltr">Crafting Futures builds on the work of Arts University Plymouth’s international research platform <a href="https://makingfutures.aup.ac.uk/">Making Futures</a>, exploring contemporary craft and maker movements as ‘change agents’ in 21st-century society.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Dr Kim Bagley was appointed Making Futures Fellow and lead researcher on Crafting Futures, with Professor Judith Noble (former Head of Academic Research at Arts University Plymouth), assumed overall management of the project. Together they compiled the final report, representing the work and outcomes of a wide range of partners across the Caucasus, comprising government departments, education institutions, crafts and arts organisations and companies, and individual practitioners.<br /></p>
Bowls and a lidded dish await glazing at Roland Tsartsidzes pottery workshop in Jalaurta Sachkere Imereti Region West Georgia Photo Credit Makuna Gotsadze
<p dir="ltr">Tailored recommendations are made to support the role that traditional craft skills can play culturally and economically in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The project demonstrates the importance of craft production to national culture, and suggests ways in which the craft and education sectors can develop together.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Professor Judith Noble said: “There are strong traditions of craft practices throughout the South Caucasus, characterised by excellent technical skills and technical skills education evident, in both colleges and informal teaching environments. In each country we were met with great enthusiasm and also with kindness. Craftspeople opened their studios to our researchers and shared their work and ideas with a great generosity of spirit.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“Lasting creative friendships and working relationships have developed over the course of the project that we hope will be sustained and lead to the growth of new partnerships and projects between our institutions and countries. We hope that our work will enrich craft scholarship and build research capacity in the region.”<br /><br />The results of the report were presented by Arts University Plymouth in a series of free seminars based around outcomes in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.</p>
