At the Borders of Iron

At the Borders of Iron (IronNotes) is a series of events and a network that gather together professionals, makers, students and broader audiences around the common theme of metal. With a strong background in metalworks and blacksmithing this network brings together artists, creators, designers, producers and educators from five different countries with different kinds of events to broaden the view of the use of metal in the society today Estonia, Finland, Italy, Norway, Sweden. This consortium seeks to find ways to strengthen the awareness of blacksmithing tradition, its possibilities to enhance regionality and co-operation between several countries. With different types of events the aim is to open the role of metal also to broader audiences with themes that link people with this special material culture.

There are six partners in this consortium: four different universities, one blacksmithing biennial and one blacksmith company. In the project, every partner has their own network within the arts and crafts and metal fields. During the project years, every partner will be either hosting or taking part in different types of events around the project theme, all together six different types of events.

At the Borders of Iron is a collaboration with the common denominator metal. In the name “At the borders of Iron” the word “iron” stands for the long heritage and cultural significance throughout history the material iron has had. 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.

While in the past this conversation has been at national levels, this project joins Europe as a place. It gives the opportunity to learn from each other. All participating parties have been developing knowledge in the field of material, craftmanship and technology, but have not earlier cooperated to share their knowledge. This is the opportunity to join resources and knowledge for extending the skills and expertise to professionals and society and to reach out from northern countries to southern Italy.

The field of memory is an ongoing dialog in society in many different areas. How do we remember, is a reflection of the society and culture and therefore a dynamic factor. New thinking and new approaches appear. Therefore, this project and the network is the beginning of a long cooperation between the partners. This cooperation will extend outside this project consortium during and after this IronNotes project.