At the Borders of Iron

At the Borders of Iron (IronNotes) is a series of events and a network that gather professionals, makers, students and broader audiences around the common theme of metal. With a strong background in metalworks and blacksmithing network brings together artists, creators, designers, producers and educators from five different countries to broaden the view of the use of metal in the society today. Project consortium seeks to find ways to strengthen the awareness of blacksmithing tradition, its possibilities to enhance regionality and co-operation between several countries.

There are six partners in the consortium: LAB University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Design and Fine Arts (Finland), ME-talli Oy (Finland), Gothenburg University (Sweden), Associazione Autonoma per la Biennale d'Arte Fabbrile (Italy), Estonian Academy of Arts (Estonia) and Oslo National Academy of the Arts (Norway). All collaborating parties in this project, resonate around the material metal in terms of education, professional fields, institutions, and general audiences. New needs in a rapidly changing society, also challenges old craft trades, such as blacksmithing, to reflect, adapt and re-invent their roles in society. In this project this process of development and exposure can be initiated and stimulated.

The project adopts a society-wide approach. Its target groups include academia, with universities and their staff with the competence and interest towards metals as well as researchers in the relevant fields such as cultural studies, students of all ages and young people potentially interested in this culture, blacksmithing professionals as well as communities, cities and societies in general.