> [!NOTE]+ Meta > Author:: > Reference:: https://europeancraftsalliance.org/neb-webinar-crafting-social-how-creativity-and-entrepreneurship-can-foster-social-inclusion/ > Date:: 2025 > Tags:: #warp > WeftLinks:: [[Social value of craft]] > Claim:: [[Claim - Craft is a collective activity that forges trust and belonging]] > [!SUMMARY] Summary > A number of European projects show the link between craft creativity and social inclusion. ### Highlights How can crafts help communities come together and create opportunities for those who are often left behind? Can creativity give people the chance to develop new skills and improve their lives? Crafts bring people together, allowing individuals from all backgrounds to connect, grow, and contribute to their communities. Social inclusion programs using crafts, show how creativity can be a powerful tool for positive change. **Keynote speaker:** [**Monika Auch**](https://monikaauch.com/) (The Netherlands) [STITCH\_YOUR\_BRAIN](https://cargocollective.com/stitchyourbrain) is an empirical study by Monika Auch, visual artist and medical doctor (n.p.) about the intelligence of our hands and the effect of creative making on health and well-being. **Case studies include:** **[Pomelaj](https://www.pomelaj.si/)** (Slovenia) Pomelaj is a cooperative that offers employment to disabled and other vulnerable groups from the Prekmurje region. By respecting local traditions and skills, they aim to create new opportunities for employment and the development of rural areas. **[The Exchange](https://www.theexchangeerith.com/)** (United Kingdom) The Exchange is an initiative that brings the three pillars of “Empowerment”, “Craft” and “Community” together, and aims to enable high-quality local arts + crafts production, support powerful + diverse “making communities”, and host and enable wider civic and community programmes.