Mosaic program unveils Italy’s premier ceramic heritage in Faenza
Italy
Faenza is a town in Emilia-Romagna whose history is so closely linked to ceramics that its name, with various orthographic variations (faenza, faience, fayence, favence, etc.), is found in all European languages to refer to painted or glazed ceramics. The use of the French name has been documented since 1580 (‘vaisselle de faënze’) and spread from the 17th century onwards. The first ceramic factories were established in Faenza in the 1st century BC, thanks to the quality and availability of clay, but it was during the Renaissance that ceramic production began to spread to many European countries, transforming Faenza into an internationally recognised centre of excellence. Even today, artistic ceramics – and majolica in particular – are part of the city’s identity, keeping alive and passing on to younger generations a tradition that has shaped the very essence of the area.
It is precisely because of this deep cultural background that the city of Faenza was chosen as the heart of Mosaic’s mobility programme dedicated to artisans from the artistic field, scheduled for 21-27 September. The ceramics industry in Faenza and the entire Emilia-Romagna region has certainly developed significantly in industrial terms, but it still has a vibrant artistic sector, keeping tradition alive through continuous efforts towards technological and artistic innovation. There are around 300 companies in this sector in Italy (with a turnover of €7.5 billion in 2024). The Emilia-Romagna district represents the most significant part of this sector: the companies in these areas, together with those in some of the provinces of Reggio Emilia, account for 80% of national tile production, with a turnover of over 4 billion euros.
Thanks to this recognised excellence, artisans from all over Europe will come to Bologna and Faenza for an immersive experience in the heart of Italian ceramics. The programme, promoted by Unioncamere Emilia-Romagna as part of the Mosaic project, is not only a training opportunity but also a real cultural and professional exchange. Participants will come into direct contact with art schools, research institutes, historic companies and innovative players in the sector. They will observe at close quarters a production system that has skilfully integrated traditional craftsmanship, scientific research and collaboration between public institutions, universities and companies. In Emilia-Romagna, in fact, you also learn a different way of doing business: cooperative, interconnected and capable of regeneration. Those who work within this system – or even access it temporarily – have the opportunity to observe and absorb a way of working that serves as an example: interconnected, cooperative and competitive.
The context in which this training experience takes place is no coincidence: Emilia-Romagna is one of Europe’s most advanced models of territorial development based on production districts. With a widespread, highly integrated and cluster-based entrepreneurial fabric, the region has built up a network of specialisations that combines manufacturing tradition, technological innovation and applied research. The figures speak for themselves: in the first half of 2024 alone, exports from the industrial districts of Emilia-Romagna exceeded €11 billion, confirming steady growth that brought exports to over €22 billion in 2023. Within this ecosystem, the ceramics cluster – with centres such as Faenza, Imola and Sassuolo – stands out for its ability to combine a heritage of craftsmanship with a drive for innovation. Centres such as the “Centro Ceramico” and institutes such as ISIA and ISTEC-CNR are at the heart of this cluster, where new materials are tested, technologies are transferred and the skills of the future are developed. Those who work within this system – or even access it temporarily – have the opportunity to observe and absorb a way of working that sets an example: interconnected, cooperative and competitive.
“For foreign artisans working in the ceramic sector”, says Guido Caselli, Deputy manager of Unioncamere Emilia-Romagna, “training represents a fundamental opportunity to refine their skills, discover new techniques and deepen the local know-how, which is renowned throughout the world.
The exchange of knowledge between artisans of different nationalities and between local and international experts enriches our sector, creating an environment of continuous growth and innovation. Training and study visits is not only a way to improve one’s skills, but also a bridge that connects different cultures, fostering dialogue and collaboration.
Furthermore, Faenza and Emilia-Romagna offer an ideal context for building networks of contacts and business opportunities. The network between foreign and local artisans can lead to creative collaborations, shared projects and new market prospects.
In conclusion, investing in professional training and the exchange of know-how is essential to strengthen the artistic ceramic sector, promote innovation and create an ecosystem of global and local artisans who work together to keep this precious tradition alive.