About

The organization was founded in Switzerland 1972 . It is a small association built on democratic principles and open to any organization or institute who are working with traditional craft expressions with a non commercial point of view.

Today the Federation is a network consisting of 10 European organizations in ten different countries. Every year there is a members meeting in one of the member countries, and every third year is the general assembly. The network aims to strengthen contact between craftsmen and organizers of craft activity in European countries in the context of exchanging skills and knowledge about traditional crafts.

EFACF aims to work within the frames of the UNESCO convention for the safeguarding of the intangible Cultural Heritage from April 2006. Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) is defined as practices, representations, expressions, knowledge and skills which are transmitted from generation to generation and which provide communities with a sense of identity and continuity.The Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage says that intangible heritage is expressed, among others, in the following ways:

  • Oral traditions and expressions
  • Performing arts
  • Knowledge and practises concerning nature and the universe
  • Social practises, rituals and festive events
  • Traditional craftsmanship
  • For more info about the UNESCO convention, click here

For students, apprentices, craftsmen etc

Apprentices, students and scholars in the field of traditional crafts and art history might get useful information by contacting the variousmember organizations. Several of these are arranging courses in craft for shorter or longer periods during the year. Occasionally there are also possibilities to join into seminars and conferences.

  • The principle articles of the Federation:
  • The objects of the Federation are to preserve and develop along modern lines the traditional visual national handicraft (folklore, national costumes, home interiors) and the crafts. For its purpose, the Federation shall promote the exchange of experience among its members, organize meetings, conferences, home page and exhibitions and take any further steps promoting the common cause.
  • Membership is available for: National Organizations and Institutions which promote traditional arts and crafts in their particular countries, also for private persons with merits for our Federation. If a country has no appropriate national organization, or if a national organization declines membership, the Federation may provisionally invite representation from other organization with similar objects, regardless of whether or not such organization has a national status.
  • Qualification for membership depends on whether the objects and the activities of an organization coincide with those of the Federation. The articles of the member organizations must give clear priority to the idealistic aspect over the profit-making aspect. Exclusively business firms may not become members.
  • Organizations can also receive membership as observers. They do not have the right to vote. No membership fees are collected from observing members. – The Member’s General Assembly can elect Honourable Members recommended by the board.

Organisation of the Federation:

The General Assemble votes for the leadership. The present leadership (August 2009 – 2012) consists of:

  • Chairman: Mrs. Kerstin Andersson Åhlin, Sweden
  • Vice Chairman: Mrs. Marketta Luutonen, Finland
  • General secretary: Swedish Handicraft Society
  • Vice general secretary: Mrs Liivi Soova, Estonia
  • Chancellor: Mrs. Unni Einemo, Norway
  • Vice chancellor: Mrs Laura Miguell, Spain
  • Controllers: Mrs Viera Soltysov, Slovakia and Mrs Gabriella Igyarto, Hungary

To see who are the present member organisations/countries move to the page listing up the members.