About the project
Our Mission & Impact
The DigiCraft Plus project “From Field to Screen: Rural Craft in the Digital Age Plus” is a 16-month initiative supported by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme. It aims to support the inclusion of unemployed adults and artisans from geographically distanced rural areas by providing training in digitalization and new technologies (e.g. 3D printing, laser cutting, online sales platforms) in order to enhance their skills and allow them to produce and market handcrafted products while using innovative tools. This project tries to interconnect traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, and fosters innovation in rural economies while aligning with EU values of inclusion, digitalization and sustainable development.
ERASMUS+ Programme
EU programme for education, training, youth and sport
Erasmus+ is the EU’s programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe. It has an estimated budget of €26.2 billion. This is nearly double the funding compared to its predecessor programme (2014-2020).
The 2021-2027 programme places a strong focus on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting young people’s participation in democratic life.
It supports priorities and activities set out in the European Education Area, Digital Education Action Plan and the European Skills Agenda. The programme also:
- supports the European Pillar of Social Rights
- implements the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027
- develops the European dimension in sport
Main Objectives
- Cultivate digital literacy – teach rural artisans and unemployed individuals how to utilize digital fabrication tools (3D printing, laser cutting, etc.) to craft products
- Promote entrepreneurship – provide skills in e-commerce, allowing participants in rural areas to market and sell their creations through online platforms
- Preserve heritage – modernize traditional production techniques while preserving authentic local culture
- Encourage collaboration – support communication and knowledge sharing among participants from different countries
- Foster social inclusion – empower marginalized groups, particularly women and young people, by providing opportunities for economic growth and development
Target Groups
Primary target groups
Unemployed artisan adults (mainly women and young people); Vulnerable adult population residing in remote rural areas, small islands, or peripheral regions facing geographical barriers
Secondary target groups
Local stakeholders and communities; Educational institutions; Public and private sector organizations.
Key Activities & Expected Results
1. Training in the fields of digitalization, crafts and entrepreneurship
Core educational phase of the DigiCraft Plus project. It implements hybrid training course specifically designed to offer modules on:
- basic computer and digital literacy (laying down fundamental IT skills)
- digital fabrication tools (teaching participants how to design and use 3D printers and laser cutters, along with the software programs needed to create digital models)
- e-commerce & digital marketing (guiding artisans and unemployed adults on how to build online stores, leverage digital marketing, and market their craft items globally, helping them bypass regional isolation)
- transversal EU values (interweaving concepts of green skills, gender equality, and active European citizenship)
2. Development and application of the knowledge acquired, samples and pilot experiences
Most practical phase of the DigiCraft Plus project during which the target groups will apply the digital, design, and manufacturing skills acquired during the preceding training course to design, produce, and sell actual physical craft pieces. This phase will involve the following steps:
- research of local traditional crafts and consequent adaptation into digital models while using specialized software
- physical manufacturing of the adapted digital models with the use of 3D printers and laser cutters
- cross-border exchanges between students and technicians to troubleshoot design issues, refine the prototypes and ensure the highest quality results
- close monitoring and analysis of the creative pipeline, uploading of “good practices” directly to project’s online repository and website
3. Monitoring, analysis, evaluation and dissemination of project results
Integral phase aimed to assess the impact of the project and ensure it’s sustainability; consisting of the following core activities:
- evaluation of student outcomes (detailed analysis of the changes in the participating students’ circumstances – level of inclusion, ability to overcome geographical barriers)
- showcasing of project results, highlighting of the achievements and innovative developed crafts
- dissemination and knowledge sharing via the project website, social media, and the international stakeholder platform