Rings in Water 2024 x G18

The 12th edition of the international crafts-oriented design competition is a platform aimed at finding innovations inspired by traditional craft production. Organized by ÚĽUV since 2000, the competition’s  mission is to foster  dialogue on traditional values, their preservation and innovation in contemporary craft, applied art and design. It aims to explore possible intersections and encourage cooperation between artisans and professional designers.

A selection of the best works entered in the current competition is presented in the G18 Gallery in Zlín from 13 March to 17 April 2025. The exhibition will then travel the ÚĽUV Gallery in Košice.

Title of the exhibition: Rings in Water
Location: Štefánikova 5670, Zlín
Duration: 13 March 2025 – 17 April 2025
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday | 13 pm to 6 pm
Curator: Mgr. et Mgr. art. Mária Hriešik Nepšinská, PhD.
Guided tours: 31 March and 16 April 2025 from 6 pm
Creative workshop: 10 April 2025 | 4 pm – 6 pm

The jury evaluated 238 entries made by designers, artisans and students from nine countries, categorized into three sections. Section A includes professional designers and university students, emphasizing  diverse craft approaches in their  artworks described as contemporary design, or utilization of tradition in a broader sense as inspiration for possible experimentation.

In Section B, artisans and traditional crafts producers present their work, with an important criterion for evaluation being not only the the product quality, but also the potential for series production.

As it is important for The Centre for Folk Art Production to support designers at an early stage of their career development in art-oriented secondary schools, the competition provides space for them in a dedicated  section C. The award-winning works are inspired by the practices or patterns of traditional craftsmanship and made from natural or, to a lesser extent, alternative materials.