Maddalena Vantaggi

MEET THE MAKER

For over 10 years I have been involved in strategic design for the promotion of the territory through redevelopment and reinterpretation of craftsmanship projects. I have devised service formats for the promotion of the territory through crafts (www.umbriamarche.com), educational and experimental formats for the dialogue between artisans and designers in collaboration with schools and universities and I continuously experiment with artisans the construction of scenarios that promote their work and the territory in a perspective of “cultural ergonomics”.

I have always followed the design part more than the digital development. I usually work with specialists in this area and my role is that of project planner or coordinator. I know the dynamics of the programs for what is needed at the design level.

My focus has always been the dialogue between artisans and design. I am a teacher at the Academy of Fine Arts in Perugia in the specialist in Territorial Brand Design and my Ecodesign course focuses on the dialogue between students and artisans; young people are trained on how to activate digitalization processes in artisan realities not only at the production level but also in communication, a great stumbling block for many artisans who remain invisible.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO TAKE PART IN iATELIER ONLINE PROGRAMME?

I have always collaborated with artisans. My thesis project in 2005 was the first on the figure of the “designer without borders”, thanks to whom I worked 3 months with the artisans of the favelas in Brazil. There I learned to listen to the craftsman, a fundamental aspect. After another experience in Marrakech, I decided to work in Italy to try to promote our incredible heritage. I am currently working on a redevelopment project for the Umbrian bucchero and a line of leather bags that combine “handmade” with laser cutting.

Because the dialogue between design and craftsmanship has always been my focus. It is an opportunity for made in Italy, in a scenario, that of Italian design, which has now changed. Each region could express its own “territorial artisan design”, making up for the current design crisis.

I don’t expect anything except that the craftsman feels comfortable in my / our projects. When there is an agreement, the quality of the product is triggered. The designer does not impose himself but gets on a boat that somehow already goes … he just has to help the craftsman to make it go better, faster, and with new tools.

WHAT IS YOUR FEEDBACK?

The accuracy and availability of the tutors. The idea of ​​creating an incubator that connects designers and craftsmen. The idea of ​​focusing on the theme of technology and design for the made in Italy.

I will continue the collaboration with my wonderful team. And having entrusted me with the artistic direction of a ceramic school here in Umbria, I will contact some of the experts involved. I would also like to continue the collaboration with Artex on the theme of “culturally sustainable souvenir”.

5 things that I’ll bring with me from this experience:

• Don’t stop wondering why technology is in craftsmanship.
• Problem-solving and trust are the foundation of a good team.
• The value of a multidisciplinary team.
• The beauty of looking for and finding many exciting realities on the net.
• Opening up to the possibilities that technology offers from a poetic point of view.

FINAL PROJECT FOR iATELIER ONLINE

Click here to discover the project by Esopo – Anima-lì

The project is realized with the artisan Clara Arpini and the designer Mario Bernaudo.