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April 12, 2016
LOEWE Announces Call for Nominations for the LOEWE Craft Prize, Celebrating Exceptional Craftsmanship
LOEWE
Craftspeople Wanted: Esteemed Maison Honors Diverse Handicrafts
The LOEWE Foundation Establishes the 'LOEWE Craft Prize'
LOEWE, whose identity is rooted in craftsmanship, announces a new initiative that demonstrates its pride and respect for its origins. The house has established the 'LOEWE Craft Prize' to honor outstanding craft works annually.
Text by OPENERS
A Maison Built on Global Prestige Through Craftsmanship
With roots in a small leather goods workshop in Madrid, LOEWE's exceptional skill and creativity have earned it the favor of the Spanish royal family and established it as a leading global maison. Its creativity extends beyond leather, reflected in a diverse range of items.
LOEWE is now embarking on a new approach to pass on this identity, based on craftsmanship, to the next generation. The 'LOEWE Craft Prize' aims to introduce and honor talented artisans from around the world who are dedicated to diverse crafts based on handicraft.
A New Endeavor to Connect the Maison's Heritage with Future Generations
This award, managed by the 'LOEWE Foundation,' which oversees the maison's cultural initiatives, shines a spotlight on the innovation and artistic value within modern craftsmanship.
The prize will be awarded to works that combine functional and artistic value, reinterpret traditional techniques, and contribute to the development of craft culture.
For Jonathan Anderson, LOEWE's Creative Director, the 'LOEWE Craft Prize' holds special significance. "Craft is the essence of LOEWE. Craft is where LOEWE's modernity resides, and craft will always be intrinsically linked to LOEWE," he commented.
"For me, craft is a vital source of inspiration in my creative thinking. Therefore, I wanted to create a platform that highlights the work of artisans who are earnestly dedicated to their creations—such as ceramists, basket weavers, furniture designers, and jewelry designers—many of whom are not yet widely known," Anderson continued.
For the inaugural 'LOEWE Craft Prize 2017,' a jury composed of globally renowned designers, architects, journalists, critics, and museum curators selected the finalists in February 2017 and the winners in April 2017. The award recipient will receive a prize of 50,000 euros.
Furthermore, the finalist works will be exhibited at the 'LOEWE Craft Prize 2017' exhibition starting in May 2017 and will be featured in a catalogue. This exhibition will commence in Madrid and subsequently tour various cities across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, unfolding on a global scale.
LOEWE Craft Prize 2017
(ロエベ クラフト プライズ 2017)
Application Period: Tuesday, April 12, 2016 – Monday, November 7, 2016
*All times are in Spanish time (GMT+2)
How to Apply: Dedicated website (www.loewecraftprize.com)
*Refer to the 'LOEWE Craft Prize 2017 Application Guidelines' for details
● Work Requirements
—Must be an original work, entirely or partially handmade
—Must have been created within the last 10 years
—Must be unique
—Must not have won previous awards
—Must evolve tradition and be innovative
—Must demonstrate artistic direction
● Jury Members
Jonathan Anderson (Creative Director, LOEWE)
Gijs Bakker (Jewelry Artist, Co-founder of Droog Design)
Rolf Fehlbaum (Former CEO of Vitra)
Naoto Fukasawa (Designer, Director of Nihon Mingei Kan)
Enrique Loewe (Chairman of the Jury, Honorary President of the LOEWE Foundation)
Deyan Sudjic (Essayist, Director of the Design Museum London)
Benedetta Tagliabue (Architect, Pritzker Prize Juror)
Stefano Tonchi (Editor-in-Chief, W Magazine)
Patricia Urquiola (Architect, Industrial Designer)
Anatxu Zabalbeascoa (Architecture and Design Critic, El País)
Contact Information
LOEWE Foundation
http://loewecraftprize.com/