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After much planning, craft making, and anticipation, the Craft Hub Portugal exhibition launched to much success at the Faculty of Science and Technology at Nova University of Lisbon. This international and national survey of amazing craft work, and cultural heritage assemblages from makers from 9 EU countries left visitors with a wonderful experience. The makers and their artifacts, all selected by a professional outside jury enlisted by the Craft Hub steering committee, were truly something to see.
The venue for the Portugal edition, one of seven stops in multiple EU countries and the United Kingdom, was the beautiful and expansive exhibition space at the Faculty of Science and Technology. The location is the central exhibition hall of the FCT-NOVA Library. Part of an ongoing and rich cultural exhibition calendar, the locale is known across the university and beyond as a place to see visual art and craft of world-class quality. The open floor plan and visibility from 3 stories above gave visitors a multiple vantage point access to the work. Whether looking from above or walking and interacting up close with the work and exhibits, an awareness of the space, society, and an ever-expanding context for craft was clear to all having had the chance to attend. In fact, the opening not only attracted the attention and presence of the Dean of the Faculty, but even the Pro-Rector of Culture for Nova university was present for the public launch. Students, faculty members, makers, and the broader public were also all in attendance. As we can see through the photographs, this show was a very special moment.
Combining technical and logistical assistance from the Department of Conservation and Restoration at FCT-NOVA, and with direct support from the American Corners Project from the US State Department, this exhibition of Craft and Cultural Heritage really was a work of diplomacy. It wonderfully demonstrated how our traditions as makers can be leveraged as tools for strengthening and celebrating our humanity. With organisation and installation team, led by the VICARTE Research Unit for Glass and Ceramics the final part of equation leading this big win for the Craft Hub European Union Project was assured. It is with great pride that we here at Craft Hub Portugal share this memory with you all.