Dezeen promotion: the Michelangelo Foundation has launched its Homo Faber Guide – a digital platform that enables visitors to search for artisans, ateliers, museums and craft experiences in Europe.
Named after Italian renaissance artist Michelangelo, The Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship is an international non-profit organisation that supports master designers and artisans from across Europe.
"We want to help people rediscover the ability of the human hand to create, and support those doing it best: the exceptional contemporary European master artisans using long-held traditions, skills and knowledge to make beautiful objects of lasting value," explained the foundation.
The foundation's newly launched online Homo Faber Guide aims to give more visibility to artisans while developing a strong European network within the creative industry.
The searching system is broken down into three categories labelled discover, visit and experience. Users can browse by country or city, or alternatively by terms such as material, product or specific craft.
In the discover section, browsers can find craftspeople, studios and manufacturers based across Europe, from glassblowers in Venice and ceramicists in Stockholm to tapestry weavers in Paris and printmakers in London.
When searching in the visit category, people can find various museums, galleries and shops in specific areas to visit, like the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin, or the Enza Fasano ceramic shop in Grottaglie, Italy.
The experience category, on the other hand, shows available craft-related courses, guided tours and events in locations across Europe. This includes anything from glass blowing and jewellery making to a private tour of the Stieglitz School museum in Russia.
It also lists the craft weeks taking place in various cities across Europe, such as London Craft Week from 30 September to 10 October 2020 and Stockholm Craft Week from 1 to 4 October 2020.
"London seen through the eyes of gallerist Brian Kennedy will take you to in search of many galleries, such as Madeinbritaly, Sarah Myerscough Gallery or Joanna Bird Contemporary Collections," explained the foundation.
"Whilst in the capital, why not try your hand at paper marbling at the studio of Lucy McGrath who will guide you through her creative process – you will leave with your own collection of marbled paper."
"If you're looking for a unique present, make a visit to Bellerby & Co globe makers, and be transported on a journey around the world by their handcrafted terrestrial and celestial globes," it added.
Artisans featured on the website have been recommended by the foundation and its members as well as designated ambassadors. They are then selected by the foundation according to eleven criteria set by executive director Alberto Cavalli.
Visitors to the website can create their own account to "live" their favourite artists and craftspeople and recommend them to friends.
An accompanying app also allows users to browse the artisans, places and experiences on-the-go.
More information on The Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship can be found on its website, or browse its new Homo Faber Guide here.