Bornholm, a Danish island located in the Baltic Sea, was designated as Europe's first World Craft Region in 2017. This accolade was awarded by the World Crafts Council, an organisation affiliated with UNESCO, acknowledging the island's established craft traditions.
The island's creative scene has developed over time, with a ceramics industry emerging in the 19th century due to local clay and kaolin deposits. The Royal Danish Academy later established its ceramics and glass school in Nexø, contributing to a growth in galleries, showrooms, and workshops.
Dorthea Funder Kaas, coordinator at the Bornholm Centre for Crafts, noted that several elements reinforce the island's craft environment, including the Royal Danish Academy's programme and the Arts & Crafts Association Bornholm. This has attracted students and makers globally, fostering an increasingly international atmosphere.
Recent additions to Bornholm's cultural landscape include The Dunes, a new culinary beachside spot by Kadeau, and Hodda Bornholm, a recently opened 'folkhus' aiming to bring community and culture together.
Efforts are also underway to support craftspeople on the island, with a focus on creating business models that enable year-round practices. The EU-funded Hephaestus project is establishing a living laboratory on Bornholm to explore traditional craftsmanship, circular production, technology, and sustainable materials.