Greek Crafts

Greece’s rich but neglected handicraft tradition could easily become a key driver of economic growth, creating jobs through the development of integrated, value-added chains, from the sustainable and ethical sourcing of natural, raw materials to the export of goods, leading to the cultural and economic regeneration of local communities. In other words, Greek crafts have not only a significant past but show the way forward.

Within this framework, the Greek government has initiated the revival, development, and promotion of the Greek handicraft industry. It is coordinated by the Ministry of Culture and Sports in collaboration with the Ministry of Development, under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan Greece 2.0.

The program aims to strengthen local communities through a sustainable growth model and foster a new generation of artisans through training and certification, business support, and international networking.

Talented creators can show us how our cultural heritage is evolving into a current, nationwide, job-creating growth opportunity that showcases the trademark Greek aesthetic.

DISCOVER GREEK CRAFTS

at 85th Thessaloniki International Fair

Celebrating the 200-year anniversary of the Greek War of Independence, the Ministry of Development and Investments, in cooperation with the Committee “Greece 2021”, has established the Handicrafts Committee. The aim is to support initiatives for the promotion and preservation of Greek Handicrafts, which can contribute as a key driver for sustainable development in Greece.

Adonis Georgiadis

Minister of Development and Investments

Greek craft is not just an integral part and component of our cultural heritage; it is also a vivid, dynamic, and creative activity that can add value to the national economy and contribute to the development and growth of local communities.

Nicholas Yatromanolakis,

Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports

Traditional Greek heritage, both tangible and intangible, rich and creative, beyond its undeniable cultural dimension, remains a human activity, part of the “production system” and is linked to other sub-systems such as economic demography, tourism entrepreneurship, environmental protection, technological development, education and research, cultural communities, artistic creation, therapeutic and creative employment and, in any case, it is subject to the institutional and regulatory requirements of the state and it is seeking its care and support.

Dr. Aikaterini Polimerou-Kamilaki

Research Emerita, former Director of the Hellenic Folklore Research Centre, Academy of Athens, Member of the National Commission Greece 2021, Chairman of the Committee on Handicrafts of the Ministry of Development

OUR PLAN

MAPPING

We identify raw materials, techniques, and craft ecosystems all over Greece and set up a National Registry of Craftspeople.

NATURAL RAW MATERIALS

We utilize our natural resources, investing in local, certified, ethically sourced and processed raw materials through the development of specialized units, while we also invest in processing upcycled and innovative materials using traditional methods.

TRAINING & CERTIFICATION

We partner with municipalities and institutions to train the next generation.of craftspeople, we develop apprenticeships and we certify craft professionals.

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

We provide skill building incentives to professionals and small craft businesses, we simplify processes to start new craft-oriented enterprises and we offer support to co-ops and visibility to craftspeople,

resolving issues that have been undermining their professional status.

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

We repair and upgrade traditional tools, we modernize infrastructure by utilizing new technologies, we connect craftspeople with designers so that they can exchange knowhow and develop new ideas, bringing craft a part to today’s aesthetic. We encourage a creative dialog through residencies and exchange programs.

BRANDING

We reinforce the Greek brand name through a holistic platform that showcases Greek craft, we shape strategic partnerships and we provide marketing and e-commerce tools and training.

MAPPING

We identify raw materials, techniques, and craft ecosystems all over Greece and set up a National Registry of Craftspeople.

NATURAL RAW MATERIALS

TRAINING & CERTIFICATION

We partner with municipalities and institutions to train the next generation of craftspeople, we develop apprenticeships and we certify craft professionals.

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

resolving issues that have been undermining their professional status.

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

BRANDING

We reinforce the Greek brand name through a holistic platform that showcases Greek craft, we shape strategic partnerships and we provide marketing and e-commerce tools and training.

CRAFT INCLUDES

Ceramics, embroidery, furniture making, goldsmithing, knitting, leatherworking, metalworking, printmaking, silversmithing, textiles, weaving, woodworking and more.

The inter-ministerial initiative for Greek Crafts is coordinated by the Ministry of Culture & Sports in collaboration with the Ministry of Development & Investments and is implemented within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, Greece 2.0

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