Partners

Germany – Zentrum Europäischer Flechtkultur Lichtenfels (ZEF)

The Centre of European Weaving Culture (ZEF), based in Lichtenfels, is dedicated to preserving, promoting and advancing basketry as a living cultural heritage. Working with the city’s unique basketry ecosystem—including the State Vocational College of Basketry Design, the designers and craftspeople — ZEF promotes education, international exchange and cultural cooperation. As the initiator of the Network of European Basketry Organisations, ZEF plays a key role in connecting basketry initiatives across Europe and strengthening the future of the craft.

Poland – Serfenta

Serfenta is a UNESCO-accredited organisation dedicated to safeguarding and revitalising basketry as an element of Europe’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. Combining research, education and innovative business approaches, Serfenta develops workshops, educational programmes and international projects that connect traditional craftsmanship with contemporary society. Their work has been recognised with the EUROPA NOSTRA Award 2024 and the Jeonju International Award for Promoting Intangible Cultural Heritage (2022), reflecting its commitment to sustainable craft development and knowledge sharing.

Slovakia – Združenie košikárov Slovenska (ZKS)

The Association of Basket Makers of Slovakia (ZKS) was founded in 2018 following a study visit to the French National Basketry Centre in Fayl-Billot. Inspired by its model of basketry education and community support, the association was established to strengthen basketry in Slovakia through collaboration, knowledge exchange and international cooperation. Today, ZKS brings together around twenty members who actively promote basketry through workshops, shared learning, study visits and partnerships with the State Centre for Folk Art Production (ÚĽUV). Together, they work to preserve traditional basketry while developing new opportunities for education and European exchange.