From April 7-12, the European event dedicated to artistic crafts returns
From April 7-12, 2026, the European Artistic Crafts Days (JEMA), the free international initiative celebrating the excellence of artistic and traditional crafts, will take place.
Applications are officially open to propose events and initiatives in Tuscany and the rest of Italy, with the aim of bringing the general public closer to the world of artistic crafts.
JEMAs represent a special opportunity to open workshops and laboratories, tell the value of artisan know-how and encourage its transmission to new generations.
A European project for the culture of making
Born in France in 2002 on the initiative of the Institut Pour les Savoir-Faire Français in Paris, the European Artistic Crafts Professions Days took on a European dimension in 2012.
In that year, Artex joined the project, choosing to collaborate with the Master Craftsmen recognized by the Region of Tuscany to enhance their role and skills.
Since 2023, Artex has been the national JEMA coordinator, with the task of collecting and promoting the initiatives carried out throughout Italy through dedicated communication actions.
Theme 2026: Hearts at Work.
The theme chosen for the 2026 edition is “Hearts at Work,” an invitation to focus on the heart, passion and commitment that each artisan devotes to his or her work.
Participating in JEMAs means joining a European network that promotes the beauty of art crafts and the culture of making.
Why participate
- Spread the value of artisan knowledge and its transmission
- Promote the area in a European context
- Gain visibility thanks to the Artex communication network, the European platform of GEMAs and the collaboration with ECA – European Crafts Alliance
How to participate
How to join varies by territory.
📍 Tuscany
In Tuscany, Artex works with recognized Master Craftsmen, Trade Associations, Museums, Schools and Regional Institutions.
To participate:
- Fill out the dedicated application form with your activity proposal
- Wait for the outcome of the selection process
- Take part in the coordination briefing and online information meeting
👉 Tuscany form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzbb_ss7HSlCojhTjZewrgPYYyzaSACNd6VwcG8FY-fY3PoA/viewform
🇮🇹 Rest of Italy
For the rest of the country, Artex collects proposals from craft businesses, institutions, museums, schools and associations that share the values of the culture of making.
To participate:
- Fill out the national form with information about the initiative
- Wait for selection
- Participate in the online meeting dedicated to the organizers
👉 Form Italy:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMpiCw8dGfE8P0QMaPO8EEnBk-E5zaorLGVraC5TsroNp3vA/viewform
Materials and information
All participants will receive the official JEMA 2026 media kit, with graphic materials that can be used on different communication channels.
📧 Info: c.materassi@artex.firenze.it
🌐 Insights: www.journeesdesmetiersdart.fr
The 2026 edition of the European Métiers d’Art Days is produced by Artex as part of the Officina Creativa Lab project, promoted by the Region of Tuscany and the City of Florence, in collaboration with Unicoop Florence.
