Programme Overview

A new education programme to assist with professional integration of talented graduates into the craft sector. The seven-month Fellowship incorporates a month-long entrepreneurial and creative masterclass certified by ESSEC Business School at Joana Vasconcelos’ studio, and a six-month sponsored placement in the workshop of a master artisan. Designed for duos of master artisans and craft graduates, the Fellowship facilitates the transmission of skills. The programme marks the beginning of a long-term partnership with Jaeger-LeCoultre who share our vision for the future of craftsmanship. The first edition is taking place in several European countries in partnership with local members of the Foundation’s network.

The programme seeks to make crafts culturally, economically and socially relevant for craft graduates. The initiative is the result of an in-depth research of the craft sector which identified the barriers experienced by aspiring craftspeople to pursue a career in craft and the economic restraints faced by master artisans to train younger generations. The Fellowship responds directly to this by expanding training possibilities, encouraging intergenerational exchanges and equipping both master artisans and graduates with entrepreneurial skills to help to build thriving artisan businesses.