Tomáš Mikolaj
The passing of Act no. 4/1958 on Folk Art Production and Artistic Crafts also marks the beginning of the awarding of the title of Master of Folk Art Production to the best producers in the field of traditional crafts. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of its foundation, ÚĽUV devoted the exhibition “Simply Masters” in the ÚĽUV Gallery in Bratislava to the symbolic last 80 masters who received awards between 2011 and 2024, as a mark of respect to past and present masters whose work forms the thread of continuity of traditional craft in Slovakia. Until today, a total of 454 people have been awarded the title of Master of Folk Art Production. At present, it is awarded every year to five chosen producers for their craft skill and high level of aesthetic feeling, the ability to work independently and their contribution to the preservation and development of tradition, as well as for passing on their skills and knowledge. A specialist committee composed of respected ethnologists and artists is responsible for choosing from among the nominated producers.