PROMOTING LIVING CRAFTS – The Norwegian Crafts Institute was established in 1987. We work to document, preserve, and promote the knowledge, culture, and professions related to traditional craftsmanship as well as to encourage the general public’s knowledge of and respect for traditional crafts. This work is done in line with UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Norwegian Crafts Institute is supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Education.
Safeguarding methodologies comprise: a) Transmission; b) identification/documentation; c) communication/awareness-raising; d) revitalisation; e) research.
Domain(s): We concentrate on traditional craftsmanship, but in in a holistic perspective. This means all domains of the convention have relevance in our work.
The term ‘action-borne knowledge’ is used to describe how the knowledge of a craft has its basis in both practice and action. The term also describes the best method for passing on traditional crafts.
Main Safeguarding measures: The Norwegian Crafts Institute has an overall responsibility for:
- Nordic Safeguarding Practices: Nordic Safeguarding Practices, is a website established in order to share Good Safeguarding Practices across the Nordic region. See: www.nordicsafeguardingpractices.org
- Documentation and training projects. Each year the Institute carries out about 30 on-going projects relating to most trades. The projects take place mainly in Norway, but we also participate in international arenas. Several of our projects are published on our website in a compressed form.
- The register of craftsmen. The Register of Craftsmen in Norway (Håndverksregisteret) was established in 1987 and this database provides an overview of the practitioners in traditional trades and techniques.
- Rare and Protected Crafts. Enterprises that employ apprentices in trades assessed as rare and in need of protection receive a larger teaching subsidy. Through the Secretariat for Rare and Protected Crafts, we work with trades that can lead to a craft certification.
- Craft scholarships. The institute organize a three-year scholarship programme for craftsmen who wish to develop their skills beyond the trade level and the standards of trade certification. Each year a group of 6 craftsmen take part in the programme.
- Advancing the crafts. Advancing the Crafts is a community of those who share an interest in the crafts from all the trades and well as a forum for debate. It is also an important channel of communication with the governmental authorities.
- International commitment. We have been prime movers in establishing the ICHNGO forum. Since 2012 we have been chairing the editorial board for #Heritage Alive. Since 2016 we have been member of the Evaluation body of UNESCOs Intergovernmental committee in a 4 year cycle.
The staff of Norwegian Crafts Institute (2018)
Main countries where the NGO works: Norwegian Crafts Institute work mainly in Norway, but have also had projects in Iceland, Scotland, Czech republic, Georgia, Latvia, Bulgaria, India and Chile
Local, national or international level of the NGO: International
about the scholarship or small training from the institute,am nicholas from uganda acraftman hope to hear from kindly,thxs
kindly include us in your corresponces on cross culutral sharing and development . contact our Director/Founder : Hannah Longole at Ateker Cultural Center ,Po Box 58,Moroto ,Uganda. email:acckaramoja82@gmail.com,phone:+256789515854,Thank you. Below is detailed information about organization.
Ateker Cultural Center Karamoja (ACCK) was upgraded to a local indigenous cultural organization in January 2018. It was founded and registered in Moroto, Uganda. ACCK is committed to broadcasting the Original Heritage of Ateker communities in the Horn of Africa among the Karamojong of Uganda, Turkana of Kenya, Toposa of South Sudan, Nyangatom of Ethiopia and other interested pastoral groups in Africa. The work of ACCK is focused on promoting the sharing and celebration the pastoralist’s traditional values and cultures. It is focused on Undertaking Media and Advocacy, ensuring sustainable use of natural resources, Socio-Cultural activities, art galleries, Exhibitions and the Museum ; Conducting of excursions, advertising and recreational activities such as dances, food festivals, traditional events, film/photography, Museums, Historical sites, Cultural festivals and cultural experience.
Since its formation and Subsequent registration in Moroto District in Karamoja Uganda, ACCK has been consulting the communities, local leaders and the sub county/ district administration on strengthening cultural institutions and creating a conducive to support communal resource sharing and cross-border relations through supporting documentation and participation. The success so far has been documentation and filming at the annual cultural events/ exhibitions and setting up a functional cultural Centre in Moroto Town.
ACCK Karamoja Vision
A Vibrant center preserving, nurturing, celebrating and promoting the culture, pastoralists’ heritage, Livelihoods, Languages, History and harmonious living of all ATEKER people groups in the East and Horn of Africa through various organized and accepted communication channels.
ACCK Karamoja Mission
To work with all people groups of ATEKER in partnership with, modern and traditional institutions to reduce and eliminate all forms of territorial barriers, discrimination, security threats to enable ATEKER people groups to celebrate, build and share their cultural heritage and resources to enable them grow into a united, and progressive people group for improved peace and security within Uganda and the East African borders
ACCK driven by its mission will seek to promote culture and dignity through dialogue whilst promoting sustainable use of shared resources for improvement of lives and livelihoods
The challenge is that ACCK has insufficient resources; a part from members own contributions ACCK has not mobilized any donation to support these overwhelming initiatives. The Center has put in place internal control mechanisms that demonstrates value for money for members generated resources
ACCK commits itself to employment of locally available human resources especially Women and Youth. The organization will give opportunity especially women and youth to exercise their talents, gain life skills and contributing to their communities.