Organizer Information
Tracks4Crafts is a Europe‑wide initiative co‑funded by the European Union’s Horizon programme that aims to support and revitalize traditional craft practices across Europe by connecting them with contemporary markets, innovation strategies, and cross‑cultural exchange. The project facilitates experimentation, peer‑to‑peer learning, and sustainable craft business development, while fostering networks and knowledge transmission among craftspeople, creators, and entrepreneurs throughout Europe.
Title & Description
Accelerator4Crafts Residency Programme 2026
The Accelerator4Crafts Residency Programme 2026 is a hybrid professional development initiative inviting skilled craftspeople, creative entrepreneurs, and artisan businesses to participate in a collaborative craft residency combining online sessions and a two‑week in‑person residency at one of eight pilot host organizations across Europe. Selected residents will engage in peer learning, experimentation, cross‑disciplinary craft practices, and collaborative knowledge exchanges. The programme culminates in a tangible outcome documenting each participant’s creative or research experience.
Categories
- Craft
- Design
- Ceramic (via Artex pilot)
- Textile (via Icelandic Textile Centre & Semne Cusute)
- Digital (via MX3D and Onl’fait FabLab)
- Installation / Product Design
- Multimedia (film documentation outcomes)
- Cross Disciplines
- Innovation & Technology in craft sectors
Eligibility
- Open to skilled craftspeople, artisans, creative entrepreneurs, and artisan‑led businesses.
- Applicants must be outside the existing Tracks4Crafts network (external candidates).
- Applicants should be committed to collaborative experimentation, knowledge exchange, and producing a creative or documented outcome.
- Individuals or entities with relevant craft, design, entrepreneurial, or innovation experience are eligible.
- A working knowledge of English is generally required across most pilot contexts.
Program Benefits & Awards
Hybrid Programme Format:
- Introductory online onboarding session before arrival.
- Two‑week in‑person residency hosted by one of eight European craft pilot sites.
- Two online follow‑up sessions post‑residency.
Financial & Logistical Support:
- Flight/travel costs and paid accommodation provided.
- Total supported expenses up to €1,900 per resident (covering travel + accommodation).
Professional Development:
- Opportunity for peer exchange, joint workshops, and innovation activities.
- Participation in the Accelerator4Crafts digital platform, enabling continued networking across a Europe‑wide crafts community.
- Increased visibility for participants via project communication channels and documentation outcomes.
Creative Outputs:
Residents are expected to produce one of the following:
- A craft object, design, or process artifact
- A short film or visual documentation
- A written reflection or brief residency report
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Complete the online application form (accessible after registering on the official Tracks4Crafts platform).
- Provide professional/portfolio information relevant to craft practice or creative entrepreneurship.
- Demonstrate alignment with selection criteria (innovation, collaboration, community impact, portfolio quality, etc.).
(Note: Specific form fields and portfolio upload guidelines are available upon login to the Tracks4Crafts application portal.)
How to Apply?
Complete the Online Application via the Tracks4Crafts application portal (accessible via the Accelerator4Crafts platform).
Applicants must register and log in to access the private application area.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 13 March 2026
- Residency Period: April – June 2026 (2‑week placements per pilot host)
Location
- Netherlands
- Iceland
- Belgium
- Switzerland
- Romania
- Greece
- Italy
Additional Details
- Residents are expected to engage fully with both online and in‑person components and contribute to knowledge exchange activities with hosts and peers.
- An interview may be part of the selection process.
- Participants are asked to document their residency experience in a tangible deliverable that contributes to the craft community and accelerator platform.
