Join the Craft Academy 2026: Sustainable Making & Creative Opportunities

Are you a maker, designer, or creative interested in jewelry and sustainable craft practices? Register here

ESPRONCEDA – Institute of Art and Culture, as part of the international project Craftwork4All, is happy to share with you this OPEN CALL!

CUBE Craft Academy 2026 offers two exciting opportunities for emerging creatives to explore sustainability, material experimentation, and professional development within an international network.

1. From Waste to Wearable

In-Person Sustainable Jewelry Residency — Thessaloniki, Greece

From Waste to Wearable is a hands-on 3-day residency dedicated to sustainable jewelry design and contemporary craft practices. Participants will experiment with recycled, upcycled, and unconventional materials, transforming waste into innovative wearable pieces through low-impact techniques and creative storytelling.

The programme combines studio workshops, collaborative learning, mentoring, and material exploration in an immersive environment hosted at WEHUB in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Who can apply?

The residency is open to:

• Emerging creatives and early-career jewelry makers
• Beginners in jewelry and craft
• Art and design students or recent graduates
• Individuals interested in sustainability and circular design
• Makers curious about material experimentation and creative identity

No advanced technical skills are required.

What participants will gain

By the end of the residency, participants will:

• Create three sustainable jewelry pieces
• Develop a documented design concept
• Strengthen practical jewelry-making skills
• Improve confidence in presenting creative work
• Expand their understanding of sustainability in craft
• Join an international creative community

Programme Details

• Dates: 30 September – 2 October 2026
• Location: WEHUB, Thessaloniki, Greece
• Format: 3-day blended residency
• Participants: 28 in-person participants

Deadline: 12th of June 2026

Travel, accommodation, and food expenses are covered by the sending organisations.

2. Creative Futures: EU Funding & Project Development

Online Development Programme for Creatives

Creative Futures is a 3-day online seminar designed to help creatives understand EU funding opportunities and develop strong project ideas for the cultural and creative sectors.

Participants will learn how to transform creative concepts into structured project notes, identify suitable EU funding calls, and improve their proposal development skills through mentoring sessions and collaborative discussions.

Who is it for?

The programme welcomes:

• Emerging creatives and cultural practitioners
• Artists, makers, and designers interested in EU opportunities
• Individuals developing creative collaborations or projects
• Participants with no previous experience in EU funding

What participants will gain

Participants will:

• Develop a concept note for a creative project
• Gain introductory knowledge of EU funding programmes
• Improve project planning and proposal-writing skills
• Learn how to communicate project ideas effectively
• Become part of an international creative network

Programme Details

• Format: 3-day online seminar-style programme
• Participants: 24 online participants

Deadline: 31st of July 2026

How to participate

Ready to take your creative practice to the next level?

Apply now by completing the application form and become part of an international community shaping the future of sustainable craft and creative innovation!

Timetable

• 1. From Waste to Wearable – deadline: 12th of June 2026

• 2. Creative Futures: EU Funding & Project Development – deadline: 31st of July 2026

About Craftwork 4.0 ALL

Craftwork 4.0 ALL is a European project co-funded by the Creative Europe programme that explores the meeting point between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary digital methodologies. Through international labs, happenings, and collaborative encounters, the project connects artists, technologists, and makers to develop new hybrid forms of cultural transmission. This project is also part of ESPRONCEDA’s New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative.

More info: www.craftwork4all.com