ART CRAFT training (Needlecraft Academy)

Craftspeople in Hungary are usually sole proprietorships and according to the experience of the founders of the Needlecraft Academy, craftspeople are not aware of their opportunities and where to position themselves in the market. In addition, they do not adequately represent their values. Craftspeople are also unaware of the professional levels of the craft and their development directions. Moreover, they are uncertain of the market and tend not to price their products well, usually underestimating their value. Furthermore, they do not represent themselves properly in a business situation such as negotiations. The basic finding was that traditional, mass marketing tools could not help craftspeople; they require a programme that goes beyond such tools. ART CRAFT training is a complex support for craftspeople including the development of professional skills, access to finance and help in internationalisation (e.g. participation in exhibitions, doing business with craft buyers). It is a new type of development and knowledge transfer in the professional and entrepreneurial field. The practice exists since 2019 February. It comprises of 2 workshops a month, 8 hours each and every 3 months, a 4-day intensive course as well as a private mentoring (40 hours). The two founders have 25 years of experience in fashion couture, therefore, a proper basis to transfer the knowledge to craftspeople is provided. They are able to support them as they were in the same shoes.