The Michelangelo Foundation announces the selection of 24 duos for Homo Faber Fellowship 2024/25

Discover the duos selected to take part in the new edition of the unique professional integration programme, supported by long-term partner Jaeger-LeCoultre

• The second edition begins in September with a month-long creative and entrepreneurial masterclass in Venice, coinciding with Homo Faber 2024: The Journey of Life
• The 48 participants represent 23 different nationalities and 18 diverse crafts
• The workshops of the participating artisans are located in 9 European countries
• This edition welcomes 4 new countries: Cyprus, Poland, Norway and the United Kingdom

Following the success of the first edition, the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship is delighted to share the names of the 24 selected duos who will participate in Homo Faber Fellowship 2024/25.

Broadening its horizons from the inaugural Fellowship, among the 24 selected duos practising 18 different crafts, 14 are international pairings with fellows coming from as far away as Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay. The second edition brings with it an array of new crafts: blacksmithing, bookbinding,  embroidery, felting, glass blowing, lace making, leatherworking, puppet making,  tapestry weaving, and wood carving. From the 123 applications, the selection jury looked for artisans who need to pass on their craft know-how and fellows from diverse creative backgrounds and countries who demonstrate passion, talent and enthusiasm.

This edition welcomes a British duo practising the endangered craft of puppet making, a father-and-son duo in Spain seeking to protect a local and family heritage of bookbinding, a Norwegian duo upcycling wood from their region, same age duos; and numerous multi-national duos:  from an Italian and Japanese duo based in London to a Swedish and Moroccan duo based in Portugal.

A unique professional integration programme

The seven-month Fellowship developed with partners from the Foundation’s network and supported by long-term partner Jaeger-LeCoultre, includes a one-month creative and entrepreneurial masterclass developed and certified by ESSEC Business School and Passa Ao Futuro at the International University of Art in Venice and a six-month placement in a master artisan’s workshop in Europe, culminating in a co-creation project for each duo. The life-changing programme facilitates the transmission of craft knowledge and skills from one generation to the next, helping talented young artisans take their first steps towards a career in craft.

Thanks to new partnerships with like-minded organisations, the Michelangelo Foundation has expanded the programme to four new countries: Cyprus, Poland, Norway and the United Kingdom. Master artisans will welcome fellows in these countries, as well as in the five countries which participated in the first edition: France, Greece, Ireland, Portugal and Spain.

A masterclass during Homo Faber 2024: The Journey of Life

The 24 fellows will come together from 2 to 27 September to take part in a creative and entrepreneurial masterclass at the International University of Art in Venice just around the corner from the Foundation’s month-long biennial celebration of contemporary craftsmanship, Homo Faber 2024. The fellows will benefit from seeing the inspiring works of internationally acclaimed craftspeople and meeting some of the Foundation’s craft community. Specialised workshops on design thinking, object planning, external site visits to the studios of Venetian master artisans and more will make the masterclass an enriching experience, equipping the fellows with essential skills.  From 26 to 27 September, the participating master artisans will join the fellows for unique workshops prior to the individual placements commencing in October.