Materials Dialogues

Workshop on the universe of materials and creative reuse

The image depicts a promotional graphic for the "Materials dialogues" event, a call for young designers, students, and emerging artisans interested in the intersection of craft and materials. The background features a close-up detail of a natural fiber or porous organic material, while the text announces the dates of May 14–15, 2025, and displays the logos of partners including Politecnico di Milano and the European Union.

14-15 May 2025, Artex - Centro per l'Artigianato Artistico e Tradizionale della Toscana, Via Giano Della Bella 20, Florence

In the context of the EU project Tracks4Crafts, MaDe/Trans research group from Politecnico di Milano is excited to invite young designers, students, makers and emerging craftspeople to a free hands-on workshop at Artex – Centro per l'Artigianato Artistico e Tradizionale della Toscana.

Materials Dialogues is a two-day workshop exploring DIY materials and tinkering as a way to reflect on the role of materials in crafts and how emerging trends can expand and enrich the craft landscape.

When: May 14–15, 2025
What: Basic hands-on sessions with bioplastics, natural pigments, and waste-based composites. The idea is to discuss and combine traditional craft knowledge with experimentation. The objective is to create discussions and reflect on the role of materials in crafts.

Who: Young designers, students, makers, emerging artisans

Apply by: May 9

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeRDRTYQBWbKnb9aIt1MZbwHxmVA90P_cv4B-UmYRgnUUcpBw/viewform

Only 12 spots available.

Note for participants:
The workshop will be held in Italian, including group discussions.
If you speak English but understand Italian and would still like to join, you are more than welcome!

We want everyone to feel comfortable, but please note that short lessons and discussions will be conducted mainly in Italian.