The initiative, driven by the Escola Superior de Design in collaboration with the Casa da Criatividade de Barcelos, sought to highlight pottery as an expression of local identity and heritage, while also presenting it as a fertile ground for innovation, design, and contemporary creation.
The program provided a space for reflection, experimentation, and sharing, bringing together artisans, designers, researchers, students, cultural professionals, and the community. The goal was to foster dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and new approaches in design and creativity.
Over several days and in various locations, round tables, lectures, workshops, and practical experiences were held. Topics covered included ceramic identity and heritage, the role of design in developing new products, sustainability, the creative economy, new models for pottery, and strategies for communication and valorization of artisanal productions.
This initiative aimed to contribute to discussions on the challenges and opportunities for the future of pottery, valuing intergenerational knowledge and stimulating new forms of creation, production, and dissemination.
The first cycle of “nova Olaria” concluded on September 30th. The program's continuation is planned with new actions to encourage the exchange of knowledge and practices, both traditional and contemporary, in the fields of pottery and design.
The “nova Olaria” project is part of the Valorization Process of Certified Productions of Barcelos – Pottery, Figurado, and Bordado de Crivo, submitted under Notice North 2030-2024-91.
