Craftsmanship and artistic crafts are more than just tradition. They are knowledge carried in the hands, in materials and in processes. It is the combination of experience and creativity that develops products, solutions and experiences that no machine alone can deliver. When we work with materials such as glass, wood, textiles or metal, we are also helping to build something bigger: cultural value, local identity and social quality.
Today, when we can find solutions digitally in a split second, the work of the hands and the time we artisans invest in mastering our craft become even more valuable. And that is why we need even more people who can use both their heads and their hands, as His Majesty the King emphasises in his New Year’s speech.
When we think of craft traditions – glassblowing, textile printing, ceramics or wood and metalwork – it is not just about preserving the past. It is about seeing how new knowledge and technology can be further developed and translated into the society of the future. Crafts and design can help solve the world’s challenges – from sustainability to urban development, from functionality to experiences that bind people and culture together.
Quality is created by the hands of crafts artists and designers. That is why His Majesty the King’s recognition of good craftsmanship is so important. When the Royal House highlights the importance of manual skills, it highlights something that we as a society must cherish: Artisanship and design are not just beautiful objects or decorative elements. They are knowledge that can be passed on and a value that has the potential to strengthen society – culturally, economically and socially.
When we invest in crafts and design, we are investing in the future. We are investing in people who can combine creativity and skill, and we are investing in a society where quality, aesthetics and sustainability are not the exception but the norm. Danish crafts and design can create opportunities for everyone.
Let 2026 be the year when even more people open their eyes to this, appreciate it – and act on it.
Note: this article was translated using AI. The original text is written in Danish.