The Revitalization of Endangered Artisanal Skills [] LIFELONG LEARNING

Instructor: Natalie Rivera

February 25, 27  | 1-3 p.m.​

In a world in which urbanization has crept on rural areas encouraging the younger generations to abandon their towns and villages in search of greater employment, we encounter a worldwide epidemic. The epidemic is the disappearance of artisanal skills formerly passed down from generation to generation in danger of permanently becoming a lost art. It is an issue so prevalent that the Heritage Crafts Association has warned that in the hands of an aging population, certain skills are at risk every year of fading away forever.

This is not a new scenario. We have for many millennia lost important skills, from creating ancient Roman concrete to the many traditional skills taken over from the inception of the Industrial Revolution. 

Currently, between the difficulties of retaining the next generation to learn artisanal skills, recruiting apprentices, the increased age of the artisan workforce, high prices for products made by hand and an overall decline in demand for some artisan skills, many governments have had to become proactive in forming programs to help preserve the cultural heritages we lose when artisan skills are endangered.

A possible solution to this problem is the many small to large brands and designers around the world actively working with artisans to produce their products. From masonry to weaving, jewelry, ceramics, home decor, glass blowing, soldering, block printing and more, designers and brands are traveling the world searching for skills that will enhance their product by incorporating these artisans and their skills, thus helping preserve heritages, local economies and a sustainable product at a fair trade.

To illustrate, we will present examples of products that are being created today by designers incorporating current trends and ancient skills (many local to Mexico) to keep artisan communities thriving today.

Natalie Rivera, after a career in the arts, fashion and design, grew a passion for advocating for artisans and makers around the globe. She encourages the public to embrace and support small local businesses with her website and blog, The Local Artisan Guide and loves traveling the world helping to put a spotlight on artisan communities and their crafts.