Association of Arts and Crafts Baden-Wuerttemberg Germany

Initiated by the English Arts and Crafts movement at the end of the 19th century, many associations, schools, and museums were founded all over Europe. In Germany southwest region, two associations were founded, 1876 in Stuttgart and 1885 in Karlsruhe. Later they were combined and merged to the existing BdK in 1947 with headquarter in Stuttgart, the capital of the state Baden-Wuerttemberg in South West Germany.

BdK is a cultural non-profit organisation with the aim to cultivate and support contemporary applied arts. By organizing exhibitions and fairs, at regional and international level, we want to draw the attention of the broad public towards our unique field of arts and, at the same time, support our members in their wide field of professional expertise.

Our members are specialized in the field of arts, crafts, and design. All of our members are qualified in their professions by studies and/or apprenticeships, and they are working independently in their own workshops and studios. The results of their works have to be sophisticated, and of high technical quality, to ensure a significant contribution to the contemporary field of applied art. A committee decides upon the admission of the new members.

The BdK is closely co-operating with museums, local authorities, and the ministry of finance and economy in the state of Baden-Württemberg. Regularly, exhibitions in the state museums in Stuttgart and Karlsruhe, as well as in the famous castle of Ludwigsburg, are taking place.

Biannualy our members are invited to take part to the competition of the States Award with following exhibitions in various cities. It is important for us to set up a network of artisans from other countries and regions, especially with The Finnish Association of Designers Ornamo. We invite them to join our exhibitions as guests and take part in symposia of various topics and materials.

Judith Brauner

BdK Bund der Kunsthandwerker Baden-Württemberg