30th April 2026, 9.30 to 13.30 Central European Time (CET)
“The success of the craft sector is often measured by its economic output or cultural heritage. But in a fast-paced and often disconnected world, the true power of craft also lies in its human impact.”
The European Crafts Alliance (ECA) Annual Conference 2026, co-hosted by Artex, will explore how making helps to heal and connect. Bringing the craft ecosystem together, the event will look at the practice through the lens of wellbeing. Guest speakers will discuss how the act of crafting connects hand, mind, and material, creating essential spaces for resilience, agency, and social connection.
The conversation will be grounded in evidence. Using the ECA’s new study on Crafts and Health as a foundation, the conference will examine how crafts actively contribute to healthier lives and stronger communities, and how to better support the people who make.
The conference coincides with a major milestone: the 90th edition of MIDA, the world’s longest-running crafts fair, and will be held at the same venue (Firenze Fiera).
*Conference attendees will receive complimentary access to the fair.
The conference will be held on 30th April 2026, 9.30 to 13.30 Central European Time (CET)
In person: Florence, Italy, at Teatrino Lorenese, Firenze Fiera,
Live-streamed online
The conference will be held in English. It is free and open to all. Registration is now open via their webform
The full programme and speakers will be announced soon. Follow the ECA online and on Instagram.