At the end of November 2025, three ceramicists travelled from Italy to Belgium to take part in Weaving Ceramics, the first cross-case experiment within the Tracks4Crafts project. The experiment was conducted by Ian Garcia from the University of Antwerp and organised by Artex and Bokrijk.
All three institutions had previously carried out individual pilot projects within Tracks4Crafts, and this experiment marked the first step towards developing shared insights across cases.
Working digitally
The Italian ceramicists, drawn from the Artex network, used an immersive learning tool originally designed to teach wicker-weaving techniques for basket making. The tool was developed by Ian Garcia for Bokrijk’s pilot project Working Wicker Digitally. During Weaving Ceramics, the tool was applied in a new context and in addition to this, a new immersive instruction with augmented reality saw its first use, this time teaching ceramics.
Until now, the experiment had only involved Belgian/Flemish participants, who share relatively similar learning traditions. By introducing Weaving Ceramics researcher Ian Garcia was able to observe and document how the digital tool interacted with craftspeople from a different European and cultural background. Testing the tool across diverse learning cultures enables more robust conclusions about where and how such digital instruments can generate the greatest impact.
Innovation in ceramics
Within its pilot project, Artex has primarily collaborated with ceramicists to stimulate innovation within the ceramics sector. Through Weaving Ceramics, Artex was able to document how ceramicists engage with other crafts and materials - in this case, wickerwork and willow rushes. These insights will be valuable for future cross-case experiments, including upcoming explorations of 3D-printed metal.
More than a science
Beyond data collection, Weaving Ceramics also encompassed exchange and connection. Time was deliberately allocated to building bridges across Europe, particularly between the ceramicists associated with Artex and those connected to Bokrijk. To this end, the partners facilitated cross-cultural dialogue between the visiting and local craftspeople while exploring the work of local leading artisans like ceramicist Pieter Stockmans.
Artex pilot
Ceramic Futures pilot hosts physical and online workshops and capacity-building seminars that combine new technologies, business skills and design methods to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning in the ceramics craft sector.
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Bokrijk pilot
The Bokrijk pilot case focuses on experimenting with new technologies (such as AR/VR/AI) and business modelling to document, share, and activate traditional craft knowledge - particularly through tools, audiovisual resources, and a wicker work experiment.