Arranging the 2017 Crafting Sustainability international workshop

The purpose of the workshop is to provide a forum and encourage in-depth discussions on the notion and practice of craft in relation to sustainability; environmental, social and cultural sustainability. We recognise that craft as a research topic has been severely undervalued, and we wish with this workshop to explore how issues of craft and workmanship play a role in relation to for example climate change mitigation, sustainable innovation and transitions, human dignity and the health of communities. How can a better understanding of craft provide a path to a better understanding of sustainability? In this workshop we welcome empirical research on craft and theorisations of craft, for example approaches that seek to conceive and understand the nature of skills and craftsmanship combining philosophical, cultural, anthropological or practical studies of craft with Science, Technology and Society studies perspectives. Research questions of particular interest are: How are traditional crafts practiced in work settings characterised by automatization and technological production processes? Is the nature of craft changing, and what remains through the change? Do challenges of environmental sustainability shape craft and workmanship? If so, in what ways? And can an understanding of these elements of craft contribute to sustainability? This line of investigation also encourages studies of involvement of ordinary citizens, community groups and other professions than those traditionally associated with crafts, as well as crafting perspectives on for example academic research and bureaucratic activities such as city planning. The core aim of the workshop is to interrogate multiple understandings of craft, and use this discussion to help illuminate and craft more engaged and effective ways towards sustainability.