Are you a crafter or creative interested in jewellery and sustainable making?
Are you from County Carlow or County Louth ?
Do you want to explore how craft can contribute to a more sustainable, circular and environmentally responsible practice?
Then join us for CUBE Craft Academy in Greece. There are two ways of participating:
1. From Waste to Wearable In-Person Sustainable Jewellery Residency (Greece-in person)
A dynamic 3-day workshop and blended residency exploring sustainable jewellery design through hands-on experimentation with recycled, upcycled, and unconventional materials. The programme combines practical making sessions, material exploration, storytelling, and collaborative learning within an intensive studio-based environment.
2. Creative Futures: EU Funding & Project Development Online Development Programme for Creatives
A 3-day online seminar-style programme focused on EU funding opportunities and project development for creatives. Participants will explore how to transform creative ideas into structured concept notes, identify relevant EU funding calls, and strengthen their skills in project thinking and proposal development.
1. FROM WASTE TO WEARABLE In-Person Sustainable Jewellery Residency (Greece) What is it?
From Waste to Wearable is an immersive academy focused on sustainable jewellery design and material experimentation. Participants will explore how discarded and unconventional materials can be transformed into contemporary wearable pieces through creative processes and low-impact techniques. The academy encourages experimentation, storytelling, and the development of personal creative identity while promoting sustainable approaches to craft and design.
Who is this for?
- Emerging creatives and early-career practitioners in the field of jewellery making
- Beginners in jewellery and craft
- Students and recent graduates in art, design, or related fields
- Individuals interested in sustainability and circular design
- Makers looking to explore their creative identity through material experimentation
- Creatives curious about weaving, soft structures, and material transformation
- No advanced technical experience is required.
What will participants do?
Participants will:
- Participate in hands-on workshops exploring sustainable jewellery design
- Experiment with recycled, upcycled, and unconventional materials
- Explore low-impact making techniques and contemporary craft processes
- Develop individual concepts through storytelling and material exploration
- Receive mentoring and continuous feedback throughout the creative process
- Refine and complete final wearable pieces
- Present their work during the final showcase and group discussion
What will participants gain?
By the end of the programme, participants will have:
- Created three sustainable jewellery pieces using different techniques
- Developed a documented design concept
- Strengthened practical skills in sustainable jewellery-making
- Increased confidence in presenting and communicating creative work
- Expanded their understanding of sustainability in contemporary craft
- Become part of an international creative network
Programme Details
- Dates: 30 September – 2 October 2026
- Location: WEHUB, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Format: 3-day blended residency
- Participants: 28 in-person participants
- Attendance: Full attendance and active participation are compulsory in order to receive the Certificate of Achievement.
2. CREATIVE FUTURES: EU FUNDING & PROJECT DEVELOPMENT Online Development Programme for Creatives What is it?
Creative Futures is an online professional development programme introducing participants to EU funding opportunities for the cultural and creative sectors. The programme supports participants in transforming creative ideas into structured concept notes while developing foundational skills in project thinking, proposal development, and identifying relevant funding opportunities.
Who is this for?
- Emerging creatives and cultural practitioners
- Artists, makers, and designers interested in EU opportunities
- Individuals wishing to develop creative projects or collaborations
- Participants interested in learning the basics of proposal development and project planning
- No previous experience with EU funding is required.
What will participants do?
Participants will:
- Explore European funding opportunities for the cultural and creative sectors
- Learn how to transform an idea into a structured concept note
- Develop and refine their own project idea
- Learn how to identify suitable EU funding calls
- Participate in mentoring sessions, discussions, and Q&A activities
- Present their concept note and receive feedback from facilitators and peers
Prior to the programme, participants will receive a Guide Document containing preparatory information, participation guidelines, and supporting materials to help them prepare for the sessions.
What will participants gain?
By the end of the programme, participants will have:
- Developed a concept note for a creative project
- Gained introductory knowledge of EU funding opportunities
- Strengthened skills in project thinking and proposal development
- Improved their ability to communicate project ideas clearly
- Increased confidence in approaching future funding applications
- Become part of an international creative network
Programme Details
- Format: 3-day online seminar-style programme
- Participants: 24 online participants
- Attendance: Full attendance and active participation are compulsory
Eligible Countries:
Bulgaria, Sweden, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, France, Ireland, Slovenia, Serbia, Slovakia, Greece
Important Participation Conditions
Selected participants will be required to attend all programme sessions and actively engage in all planned activities. Full attendance is compulsory in order to receive the final Certificate of Achievement.
Before the start of the programme, all selected participants will be asked to sign a Craft Academy Agreement outlining the programme objectives, participation commitments, responsibilities, and certification conditions.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
Craft & Artistic Vision >> Interest or experience in jewellery, craft, or creative practice relative to experience level. Originality and emerging artistic voice demonstrated through portfolio or work samples.
Engagement with Themes >> Genuine interest in sustainability, experimentation, creative development, and collaboration.
English Knowledge >> Sufficient level of English to actively participate in workshops, discussions, and collaborative activities within an international group.
The financial support for in-person Academy participants covers travel, accommodation, and subsistence (food). Selected participants will receive detailed information regarding the financial support and reimbursement procedures directly from their respective Sending Organisation.
Please note applications are only from Carlow & Louth Area.
Sending organisation: CARLOW COCO, Ireland. Contact: huttonl@carlowcoco.ie