Designer of European Creativity

The exhibiton offers an overview of splendid artefacts created between 2000 and 2002 by over 500 artisans. A systematic professional evaluation of arts and crafts artefacts was initiated in Slovenia in 1977 when the first exhibition took place in Slovenj Gradec.

Following the adoptation of nw legislation, a new system of appraisal and certification was established in 1992, which together with the previous forms and experiences represents the only systematic approach and incentive in the development of this important area of creativity. Crafts are not only a creative enterprise but also an economic and turism-related activity, providing job opportunities and a form of education, and an area that contributes to the shaping of Slovene creative identity in the contemporary world. The selected and highly appraised artefacts must carry a label and are exhibited every two years. The range of exhibited artefacts combines historical memory (tradition) and numerous new creative possibilities, working methods, technologies and designs. The artefacts contibute to and enrich the attitude of modern man towards the cultural and natural environment and intoduce quality to our everyday lifestyles and relationships. These artefacts can also be presents that "spell out" their own spiritual value, giving a special lustre to ordinary days and holidays.

You are kindly invited to this year's 14th Exhibition of Arts and Crafts. Spend some time amongst top quality artefacts and their makers. The exhibition will be accompanied by numerous events and is particulary suitable for schools. Young people shold realise that crafts are an opportunity for a future vocation, activity or relaxing hobby. Both exhibiton, in Slovenj Gradec and Ljubljana, will feature presentation by some of the artisians. Guided tours will be available. A special programme has been prepared in Slovenj Gradec: "In the Footsteps of Arts and Crafts", a trip that will take you around Šmartno, Golavabuka and Legen. Visitors can choose to take the special tourist train up to Ljubljana Castle, where some of the artisians will give presentations of their work in the castle courtyard. Last but not least, we must point out that the large number of the artefacts on the show and their makers are a selection of the best achievements of the last two years in Slovenia. This is something to be proud of, since it proves that ours is an exceptionally creative European nation and country.