Valuing Art, respecting Culture
22nd – 28th November 2010
Kutahya, Turkey

EPEKA participated in European Union Grundvig programm. Maja Potočar, Urška Treer, Violeta Škrabl and Mateja Černec took part in filigree workshop in Kutahya, Turkey.
Valuing Art, respecting Culture Grundtvig Workshop promoted the use of visual art, particularly filigree as a tool to develop ways of expression of the target groups’ cultural worries.

This workshop was held in Dumlupınar University Department of Visual Arts. Workshop trainer introduced the filigree bracelet making techniques. Detailed instructions, illustrations, and full-color photos guided participants through the learning process and into planning and creating their own unique filigree designs.

Our Grundtvig Workshop promoted the use of visual art, particularly filigree, as a tool to develop ways of expression of the target group’s culture and to transfer cultural heritage into new environments through the work of filigree.

Silver filigree work is a special form of jewel work which comprise of curling, twisting and plaiting malleable metal threads and uniting them with the contact points or the ground.

As already well known, the use of visual arts is a valid method for developing non-verbal and creative communication aimed at expressing inner resources and encouraging creativity, dialogue and projects for the future. The visual art, particularly Filigree, is “intercultural” because it uses a common language- the language of art – a non-verbal language that respects cultural differences. The work of Filigree provides the possibility of uniting people without requiring too many explanations.

The expected learning outcomes were to increase knowledge, skills and cognitive abilities, cultural understanding and aesthetic appreciation for the targets via the use of non-formal tools and methodologies related to the field of silver filigree work and to develop ways of social and cultural integration through the use of non-formal languages (filigree).

All the works produced during the Filigree sessions were being photographed, catalogued and compared to the results of the project partners. At the end, this workshop provided a better understanding of how different people can learn to avoid conflicts by expressing their needs. It is not enough just to find a place to live and work, it is also necessary to develop a culture that fosters personal growth and allows everyone to find a niche inside a mixed-culture society.