Wood, earth, metal, textiles, glass, stone, paper and, soon, leather: every two years, the Skills Academy invites some twenty professionals to develop prospective projects around a universal material, overseen by a leader in their field, who takes on the role of programme director. With each edition, craftspeople, engineers and designers enhance their knowledge of the chosen material, exploring possible routes for innovation. The programme fosters cross-disciplinary knowledge and collective intelligence.
Supporting craft skills and those who transmit them
As part of its commitment to transmission, the Foundation looks to engage with professionals of all ages who are eager to further develop their practices and perfect their skills. Together, they are invited to explore channels of innovation in their respective fields and to enrich their skills whilst pursuing cross-disciplinary knowledge and collective intelligence.
Materials seen from all angles
With the Academy offering a unique moment in their careers, participants explore the multiple dimensions – historical, symbolic, cultural, sustainable, technical – of a universal material that is part of their everyday practice, accompanied by a range of experts from different backgrounds. They encounter other professionals, including curators, craftspeople, entrepreneurs and manufacturers to complete this holistic study the chosen material.
