Handicraft and IT

Future of Crafts in an Age of Technology

Crafts are the manifestation of art, culture, identity of every civilization, which in addition to economic benefits, are one of the most important factors influencing on other cultures and civilization. Generally speaking, handicrafts open a window into history of a nation. Iranian artists’ Creativity and innovation, has made Iranian handicrafts one of the most significant and well-known handicrafts in the world. Development of handicraft sector hold various benefits including job creation and lower cost for creating more job opportunities compared to other industries, local production of raw materials and tools, and creating high added value.  Despite the above mentioned benefits in handicraft sector, there are many barriers to develop this sector. One of the problems most of artists are faced is not having equal opportunities to access international markets. There are many Art and craft lovers around the world who are enthusiastic to have the exquisite and authentic handicrafts in their collections, but most of the time local artists do not take any advantage of selling their works to final consumers due to high margins of the middlemen in handicraft market. Adopting Traditional marketing methods and lack of effective and new marketing programs are among the barriers which prevented local handicraft artists to access global markets. Using internet and other information and communication technologies in is an alternative way which facilitate art and craft products marketing.

Today, Internet and other information and communication technologies have revolutionized businesses and made significant improvements in their practices over the recent years. Trades between individuals, companies and governments, are changing from traditional methods to trading via IT systems. The distinctive characteristics of information and communication technologies compared to other technologies is that it has redefined the paradigms of social behavior and structures. Collecting, categorizing, saving and publishing the information including voice, video, text or digit, through these technologies extensively has been used in different parts of daily life which facilitates quick access to information regardless of geographical distances and time limitation.

In creative industries, Internet and digital technologies have radically re-shaped many of the creative industries, including music, publishing and film. These technologies have greatly amplified the potential market for creative products. Craft might seem to be relatively immune from such trends. The sector emphasizes the authenticity and uniqueness of its products and services, and there is a widespread belief that people like to hold an object in their hands before buying it – and that this physical experience cannot be replicated online. But it is noteworthy that crafts could be custom- made and personalized based on the favorite features of customers around the world. This characteristic of handicrafts, in one hand, enables artisans to sell on a tense market and on the hand enable customers to find unique products. This is an opportunity which internet, websites, e commerce platforms and online shops provide for artists to present their works to the national and international markets. Adopting internet in craft marketing can open up new doors to new markets, and overcome the perception that online selling doesn’t work for craft products. Production technologies such as laser cutting have opened up new possibilities for makers, but they are mostly used in universities and colleges, and are therefore shaping the next generation of craft-makers.

It seems that applying the above mentioned technologies as a powerful tool to conserve, promote, training and marketing of crafts is essential. It provides a ground for artists –especially in developing countries which are rich in art and crafts but have a limit access to new markets and need to support and an integrated marketing program – to compete in global markets. In this case the artists can focus on their works to create valuable handicrafts and present them to new potential markets. Selling crafts through traditional marketing methods in today’s complicated markets has limited utilizing aesthetic and artistic potentials of craft sector for cultural, social and economic development. Integration of Information and communication technologies into art and craft sector will make it possible.