European Crafts Alliance Annual Conference 2026
Venue
When
Audience
Category
European Crafts Alliance Annual Conference 2026:
Crafting Wellbeing
Practices, communities and the power of making
Thursday, 30 April at 9.30 (on-site) & 10.00 (online) CET
Teatrino Lorenese, Firenze Fiera, Florence, Italy & Online
Free & open for all onsite and online! Register here>>
Join the online livestream on ECA YOUTUBE here>>
The European Crafts Alliance (ECA) will hold its Annual Conference 2026 on Thursday, 30 April. The event is co-organised by Artex and presented in collaboration with Firenze Fiera, during the 90th anniversary of the MIDA International Handicraft Exhibition in Florence, Italy.
Across Europe, the rhythm of making, shaping clay, weaving willow, working with wood, is beginning to appear in unexpected places. Craft practices are increasingly finding their way into rehabilitation programmes, community health initiatives and social prescribing networks. What was once discussed mainly in terms of cultural heritage or economic activity is now being explored for its contribution to wellbeing and community life.
As we search for new ways to strengthen wellbeing and social connection, interest in the wider social value of making has grown across cultural and public health sectors.
These questions will take centre stage on Thursday, 30 April 2026, when the European Crafts Alliance (ECA) convenes its Annual Conference in Florence. The event brings together expert speakers from the worlds of public health, research, and craft, drawing an international audience that includes delegates from the ECA's 43 member organisations across Europe. The event takes place alongside the 90th edition of MIDA, the world’s longest-running international handicraft exhibition. Co-hosted by Artex- Centre for Artistic & Traditional Handicrafts in Tuscany and presented in special collaboration with Firenze Fiera, the conference is titled Crafting Wellbeing: Practices, Communities and the Power of Making.
“In recent years, the European Crafts Alliance has explored the craft sector from several perspectives, from the structure of its ecosystem to its economic contribution,” says Laura Miguel Baumann, Secretary General of the ECA. “This year’s conference adds another dimension to that conversation by looking at how craft practices intersect with wellbeing, social participation and community life.”
What the Research Shows
A central moment of the conference will be the first public presentation of a Europe-wide study on crafting health and wellbeing. Commissioned by the ECA and conducted by researchers Sirpa Kokko, Niina Väänänen and Riikka Hirvonen of the University of Eastern Finland, the study gathers evidence from across the continent on how craft practices influence wellbeing. The research provides an important foundation for understanding the broader societal value of making and provides the data the sector needs to inform policy, professional practice, and funding strategies.
Craft in Practice
The conference will highlight how craft knowledge intersects with health and community life, exploring how academic research translates into real-world action. Presentations of case studies around Europe, including Italy, will demonstrate how material practices, such as working with ceramics, are increasingly being used to drive clinical rehabilitation. These approaches show that working with clay does not just support physical recovery; it builds direct pathways to vocational dignity and professional independence for people with diverse abilities.
Bridging the Workshop and the Clinic
A cross-disciplinary dialogue will bring together Anne Kirketerp, a Danish craft psychologist researching the cognitive benefits of making, and Elena Baistrocchi, Director of Direzione Scuola e Agenzia Formativa in Italy. They will also explore how the physical and mental practices of craft, such as attention, repetition and engagement with materials, can be integrated into health and wellbeing contexts.
Looking Ahead
The conference will conclude with the panel, where speakers from the fields of craft, health and wellbeing, and cultural policy will discuss how these grassroots initiatives can inform and shape broader European policies. Closing remarks will bring together the day’s discussions and reflect on future strategies to ensure the sector is structurally supported.
A Historic Setting
The conference takes place at Teatrino Lorenese, Firenze Fiera, as part of the celebrations marking the 90th anniversary of MIDA. The event will run from 09.30 to 13.30 CET and will be held both in-person in Florence and online via livestream to a global audience. Participation is free and open to the public. Conference attendees will receive complimentary access to the fair.
Speakers
Opening Remarks
Lorenzo Becattini, President & CEO, Firenze Fiera
Elisa Guidi, General Coordinator of Artex & Art Director of MIDA 90
Ana Cristina Mendes, President of the ECA & Deputy Director of CEARTE
Speakers
Sirpa Kokko & Niina Väänänen, University of Eastern Finland
Elena Baistrocchi, Lisio Silk Art Foundation (Fondazione Arte della Seta Lisio)
Anne Kirketerp, Craft-Psychology
Célia Macedo, Célia Macedo Ceramics
Elisa Bonini, La Nuova Tinaia APS
Giovanni Figini, Cometa Formazione – Oliver Twist School
Anna Rita Fasano & Annalisa Apicella, APS Pandora ceramist artists
Elton Micallef, Vice-President of the ECA & CEO of Malta Crafts Foundation
Marion Poortvliet, ECA Board Member & Founder and Director, Crafts Council Nederland
Laura Miguel Bauman, Secretary General of the ECA
Host
Siobhán Joyce O’Callaghan, Programmes Coordinator at the ECA
Venue and attendance details
The conference takes place at Teatrino Lorenese, Firenze Fiera, as part of the celebrations marking the 90th anniversary of MIDA. The event will run from 09.30 (in-situ) & 10.00 CET online to 13.30 CET.
Participation is free and open to the public. Conference attendees will receive complimentary access to the fair during the duration of the conference.
Conference Programme
09:30
On-Site Registration
10:00 – 10:20
Welcome
With Elisa Guidi (General Coordinator, Artex & Art Director, MIDA 90), Lorenzo Becattini (President & CEO, Firenze Fiera), Ana Cristina Mendes (President of the ECA & Deputy Director, CEARTE), and host Siobhán Joyce O’Callaghan (Programmes Coordinator, ECA)
10:20 – 10:50
Why Making Matters: Unveiling the European Report on Crafting Health and Wellbeing
Presented by Sirpa Kokko (Professor of Craft Science, University of Eastern Finland) and Niina Väänänen (University Lecturer, University of Eastern Finland)
Conducted by the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) for the European Crafts Alliance (ECA), the report brings a much-needed evidence base for European crafts. Researchers will present key insights into how making shapes wellbeing, offering a clearer, data-backed foundation for future advocacy and practice.
10:50 – 11:40
Craft in Action: Stories of Impact
Moving from research into practice, we will spotlight three case studies that bring the report’s findings into real-world contexts. These stories show how making shapes people’s lives, building agency and more resilient communities along the way.
Case Study 1: Craft as a Life Path: Restoring Dignity through Craftsmanship
With Giovanni Battista Figini (School Director, Cometa Formazione – Oliver Twist School, Como, Italy)
Case Study 2: Career Change: Craft as a Tool for Creative Recovery
With Célia Macedo (Founder and Maker, Célia Macedo Ceramics, Portugal)
Case Study 3: Therapeutic Intervention & Professional Craft Training for Social Inclusion
With Annalisa Apicella (Artist, Designer, Pandora Member & Interpreter, APS Pandora ceramist artists – ETS | APS Pandora artiste ceramiste – ETS, Salerno, Italy), joined by Anna Rita Fasano (President, APS Pandora ceramist artists – ETS | APS Pandora artiste ceramiste – ETS, Salerno, Italy)
11:40 – 12:00
Break
12:00 – 12:30
Dual Practice: Dialogue on Craft’s Contribution to Health
With Dr. Anne Kirketerp, Ph.D (CEO/Founder, Craft-Psychology, Denmark) and Elena Baistrocchi (General Manager of the Lisio Silk Art Foundation | Fondazione Arte della Seta Lisio, Florence, Italy)
The conversation brings together a medical professional and a crafts professional to explore the space where clinical care meets material practice. They will discuss the shared language needed to bridge the gap between the workshop and the clinic, examining how the rhythms of craft can be woven into public health to support the wellbeing of both patients and practitioners.
12:30 – 13:15
Craft Futures in Wellbeing
Panelists: Elisa Bonini (Fundraising Consultant, La Nuova Tinaia APS Association | Associazione La Nuova Tinaia APS), Elisa Guidi (General Coordinator, ARTEX and Artistic Director, MIDA), and Marion Poortvliet (ECA Board Member & Founder and Director, Crafts Council Nederland)
Moderated by Laura Miguel Baumann (Secretary General, European Crafts Alliance)
This panel brings together perspectives from public health, social innovation and cultural advocacy to ask a simple question: how does craft move beyond local projects and become a lasting part of Europe’s (health) care ecosystem?
13:15 – 13:30 Closing Remarks
With Elton Micallef (ECA Vice-President & CEO Malta Crafts Foundation)
Our final session offers a space for synthesis and reflection. Rather than a static summary, these closing remarks focus on momentum; with a look at what comes next—how the day’s momentum can turn into a shared direction.
About the speakers
Annalisa Apicella
Artist, Designer, Pandora Member & Interpreter
APS Pandora ceramist artists
APS Pandora Artiste Ceramiste champions the transformative power of ceramics to foster social and professional inclusion. At the heart of its mission is the Pandora Ability project, an initiative dedicated to empowering young individuals with disabilities through specialized artistic training. This commitment culminated in the AbileAbile project, a prestigious collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Gennaro Esposito and Broggi 1818.
Find out more: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Elena Baistrocchi
General Manager
Lisio Silk Art Foundation
The Lisio Silk Art Foundation in Florence preserves the ancient art of silk weaving, focusing on damasks, brocades, and figured velvets. As a stronghold of artisanal tradition, its activities include conservation of historical archives and looms, professional textile training, and the production of high-quality fabrics for restorations and fashion. General Manager Elena Baistrocchi coordinates strategic and operational activities to innovate while respecting tradition.
Find out more: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook
Laura Miguel Baumann
Secretary General
ECA
Laura Miguel Baumann is the Secretary General of the European Crafts Alliance and an independent consultant specialising in craft, design, and the cultural and creative industries. With over fifteen years of professional experience, she focuses on the development, promotion, and strategic positioning of the craft sector across the private, non-profit, and public sectors in Spain, Serbia, and Belgium.
Find out more: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook
Lorenzo Becattini
President & CEO
Firenze Fiera
Lorenzo Becattini is a key figure in the Italian cultural and economic sectors, serving as the President and CEO of Firenze Fiera since December 2020. Holding a degree in Political Science, his extensive career includes serving as the Mayor of Reggello, Councilor for the Economy of the Municipality of Florence, and a Member of the Italian Parliament for the Tuscany Constituency. He is also a Professor of “Regional Economics of Tourism” at the University of Florence.
Find out more: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook
Elisa Bonini
Fundraising Consultant
La Nuova Tinaia APS Association
Elisa Bonini is a specialized fundraising consultant at La Nuova Tinaia APS, where she focuses on the intersection of art, culture, and social impact. Her work is dedicated to organising and implementing strategic fundraising initiatives that provide vital support for artistic and cultural projects. Based in Italy, Elisa bridges the gap between creative vision and financial sustainability, ensuring that traditional and contemporary artistic expressions have the resources needed to thrive.
Find out more: Website | Instagram (Tinaia) | Instagram (Elisa) | LinkedIn | Facebook
Anna Rita Fasano
Founder and President
APS Pandora ceramist artists
With over 30 years of experience, ceramic artist and designer Anna Rita Fasano founded APS Pandora Artiste Ceramiste to promote social and professional inclusion through international cultural projects. Since 2014, she has led the Pandora Ability project, providing artistic training for youth with disabilities. Additionally, as creator and artistic director of the Matres International Women’s Ceramics Festival, she champions female talent and develops replicable models of social inclusion.
Find out more: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Giovanni Battista Figini
School Director
Cometa Formazione – Oliver Twist School
Giovanni Battista Figini has served as the School Director of Cometa Formazione – Oliver Twist School since 2016, guiding one of Italy’s leading models for the social and professional integration of youth through craft. Starting his career as a literature teacher in vocational woodworking courses, he uniquely bridges humanistic education with practical, hands-on “know-how.” Under his leadership, the Ministry of Education approved the pioneering “Entrepreneurial and Artisanal Design Lyceum” in 2022.
Find out more: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook
Elisa Guidi
General Coordinator of Artex
& Artistic Director of MIDA 90
An architect by training, Elisa Guidi is a renowned curator and the General Coordinator of Artex – Centre for the artistic and traditional Tuscan crafts. A visionary leader in the European craft sector, she served as President of the European Crafts Alliance (2020–2023) and holds strategic roles with the International Museum of Ceramics (MIC) and the University of Florence (CSAVRI). As the Artistic Director for the 90th edition of MIDA, Elisa continues to redefine the intersection of traditional excellence and contemporary design.
Find out more: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn (Artex) | LinkedIn (Elisa) | Facebook
Anne Kirketerp
CEO/Founder
Craft-Psychology
Dr. Anne Kirketerp, Ph.D., is the founder of Craft-psychology® and a trained craft teacher. Her research explores the health-promoting effects of making, integrating neuroscience, psychology, and motivation. Formerly a research leader at Aarhus University, she now directs a certification programme in Denmark and lectures internationally. She authored Craft-psychology – How Crafting Promotes Health, translating scientific insight into practical wellbeing tools, and collaborates with institutions to implement evidence-based craft programmes.
Find out more: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook
Sirpa Kokko
Professor & Co-author
University of Eastern Finland
Dr. Sirpa Kokko is Professor of Craft Science at the University of Eastern Finland. Her research focuses on arts and crafts in culture and society and their role in education in Finland and international contexts, including wellbeing and crafts, gender, cultural heritage, and sustainability. For the ECA sectorial study on crafts and wellbeing, Professor Kokko was responsible for the concept development, administrative management, and the overall coordination and proofing of the final report.
Find out more: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn (UEF) | LinkedIn (Sirpa) | Facebook
Célia Macedo
Founder and Maker
Célia Macedo Ceramics
Célia Macedo is a full-time potter and certified artisan based in the Alentejo region of Portugal. Formerly an architect and university lecturer in the UK, she pivoted to contemporary ceramics, blending refined technique with sustainable, author-designed utility. A two-time finalist for the Portuguese National Craft Award (2021 and 2025), her work is highly sought after by Michelin-starred restaurants. Alongside her studio production, Célia teaches at Portugal’s primary craft training entities.
Find out more: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook
Ana Cristina Mendes
President of the ECA Board of Directors
& Deputy Director of CEARTE
Ana Cristina Mendes has been a cornerstone of CEARTE – Professional Training Centre for Crafts and Heritage since 1991, serving as Deputy Director since 2018. With extensive experience in vocational training management and legal advisory, she specializes in coordination of transnational training projects and European Program applications. Currently, she serves as the President of the European Crafts Alliance (ECA) Board of Directors and is the Co-chair of the Craft & Industrial Geographical Indications Expert Working Group.
Find out more: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook
Elton Micallef
Vice-President of ECA Board of Directors
& CEO of the Malta Crafts Foundation
Following a career in education and science communication at ESPLORA, Elton Micallef joined INDIS Malta to lead the ERDF-funded regeneration of the Ta’ Qali Artisan Village. In 2021, he was appointed to manage the Malta Crafts Foundation, where he leads efforts to revive and sustain the artisan sector in Malta. His leadership extends internationally; since 2025, he has served as Vice President of the European Crafts Alliance (ECA). He works to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern business development.
Find out more: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook
Siobhán Joyce O’Callaghan
Programmes Coordinator
ECA
Based in Ireland, Siobhán is a core member of the ECA Secretariat with fifteen years of experience across Europe’s creative, cultural and sustainability sectors. As Programmes Coordinator, she manages the ECA network’s activities and events, working closely with the international membership to facilitate knowledge exchange and network engagement across a range of strategic initiatives. With a background in Art & Design and an active practice as a contemporary ceramic artist, Siobhán bridges project and relationship management with a first-hand understanding of the creative process.
Find out more: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook
Marion Poortvliet
Board Member, ECA &
Founder and Director, Crafts Council Nederland
Marion Poortvliet is the founder and director of Crafts Council Nederland, the national platform where artistic crafts gain renewed significance through the intersection of heritage and innovation. Drawing on a multidisciplinary background in fashion design, art education, and social entrepreneurship, she initiates educational programmes and dynamic exhibitions that elevate makers and fuel cultural conversations. She is also deeply committed to international collaboration, championing the global importance of the craft sector.
Find out more: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
Niina Väänänen
University Lecturer & Co-author
University of Eastern Finland
Niina Väänänen is a University Lecturer in craft teacher education at the University of Eastern Finland. Her teaching covers textile techniques, nature-based crafts, qualitative research, and sustainable wellbeing. Her research focuses on sustainability in crafts, originating from her dissertation on systems models of sustainable craft practices. For the ECA sectorial study on crafts and wellbeing, Dr. Väänänen led the concept development, literature review, and the design of the survey and interview instruments.
Find out more: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook
About the European Crafts Alliance
The European Crafts Alliance (ECA) is an independent non-profit network organization of 43 members from 23 European countries, dedicated to empowering the European crafts sector. Our activities include advocacy, facilitation, collaboration and education. The ECA supports its members and partners to promote, grow and preserve crafts as a vital part of the European economy and culture as a driver for sustainability and innovation.
