Craftsmanship is LIVE in Venice thanks to Homo Faber Event

·        Interactive installations and scenography create an immersive experience for visitors

·        Live demonstrations by masters and their apprentices show craftsmanship in action

·        Handmade furniture and table-top games can be used and played with in a ‘crafted’ tea room

·        Participatory workshops illuminate the Japanese craft of ikebana and the tea ceremony custom

·        An audiovisual experience takes visitors inside the workshops of European artisans

·        Exquisite photos provide an unprecedented glimpse of the working processes of 12 Japanese National Living Treasures

·        Mechanical artworks are brought to life by visitors

·        Young Ambassadors, students selected from European art and design schools, share their passion and enthusiasm for craft 

·        Artisanal ateliers throughout Venice throw open their doors to visitors

12 April 2022 – The second edition of Homo Faber Event invites visitors to get closer to contemporary craftsmanship with a collection of immersive exhibitions and live participatory experiences throughout the spaces of the Fondazione Giorgio Cini and the streets of Venice.

Until 1 May, the event presents a series of unforgettable experiences which put the spotlight on contemporary craftsmanship from Europe and beyond, celebrating the human hands behind the objects and demonstrating craft’s relevance and importance to our everyday lives both now and in the future.

‘I want the tea toom to convey how craft enriches our day-to-day lives and for visitors to be aware of the fact that craft is not only beautiful but also functional.’ – Tapiwa Matsinde, curator of the The Artisan: a crafted tea room, a working café where every object tells a story.

Championing craftsmanship in all its forms, the event presents 15 immersive exhibitions dedicated to craft’s role in floral design, luxury goods, interior design, homeware, paper, fashion, theatre and much more. Imagined by an international team of curators, architects and designers, each exhibition involves the visitor in a story of materials, techniques and skills in a particular field.

‘Craftsmanship is an essential value, it’s what connects us, human beings, to objects. As makers it’s important to keep that feeling of humanity, of history, in our creations.’ –  Nicolas Bos, CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, which is participating in the exhibition Details: Genealogies of Ornament.

With a focus on Japan, several of the exhibitions explore the exquisite craftsmanship, customs and culture of its master artisans, while the country’s influence on Europe is threaded throughout the event.

‘This is a great opportunity for the National Living Treasures to exhibit here. It’s quite rare, even in Japan, that 12 National Living Treasures get together to exhibit. But it's not only about the objects – the human itself is a treasure.’ – Naoto Fukasawa, curator of the exhibition 12 Stone Garden, which displays the work of 12 Japanese National Living Treasures.

Live demonstrations by master artisans and rising stars showcase their skills and techniques up close and allow visitors to meet and talk to contemporary craftspeople, hearing their stories and getting to know the human talents behind the objects on display.

‘It’s important for people to realise how much time and effort it takes to create origami, and hopefully they will be inspired to try it themselves, helping to preserve the future of the craft.’ – origamist Juho Könkkölä, whose work is displayed in the exhibition Magnae Chartae.

‘With so much creativity, talent and skills concentrated in this event, I hope that visitors feel inspired and more connected to the artistic community. I also hope they leave with a new sense of wonder.’ – Satoshi Kawamoto, a flower designer whose work is seen in Blossoming Beauty.

‘For artisans, Homo Faber allows us to encounter other crafts, other skills, other materials. I think from this synergy and these encounters, we can bring about new projects in the future. I also hope that an event of this magnitude will spark the curiosity of young people. I hope that, on seeing the objects and meeting the artisans, they might think “why not try this craft?”.’ – Jean-Pierre Cottet-Dubreuil, a silversmith whose work is displayed in Next of Europe.

Besides the exhibitions themselves, the event’s focus on craftsmanship extends to its food and beverage outlets, its carefully crafted bespoke signage and the unique handmade products in its shop, which supports social enterprises.

‘It’s a huge privilege to be present at Homo Faber, especially because you meet different people from different crafts and countries, and it helps us to create a network and collaborate in the future. It’s really important to have an event like this in Venice because it brings people together and gives visibility to craftsmanship.’ – Marcantonio Brandolini D’Adda, Creative Director of LagunaB, whose handmade Murano glassware is available in the event’s shop.

Representing the future of craftsmanship, Young Ambassadors – students selected from top arts and design schools around Europe – are present on site every day, sharing their stories, knowledge and experience with visitors, and building an active network of peers that will help sustain their work in the future.

‘It’s a fantastic opportunity because we have the chance to speak with visitors and share our passion, and also to discover the live exhibitions and meet the artisans. For me, what is important is sharing knowledge between artisans and the younger generation.’ – Cristina Benedetti, a Young Ambassador from Italy.

Beyond the Fondazione Giorgio Cini, visitors to Homo Faber Event can also explore artisanal workshops throughout Venice itself through self-guided, tailored itineraries as part of Homo Faber in Città.

‘We do believe that even in these times of unprecedented changes, there is something, and there will always be something, that human hands can do better than any machine – to love and to craft with love. Homo Faber is an event for all of those who share this vision.’
– Alberto Cavalli, general curator of Homo Faber Event.

Experience craftmanship LIVE until 1 May with Homo Faber Event 2022 in Venice. Buy tickets in advance online at homofaber.com; limited tickets available on the door.