Nóema Announces the 15 Finalists of the Inaugural Craft Prize

The interdisciplinary cultural platform Nóema has unveiled the 15 finalists of the inaugural Nóema Craft Prize, a new initiative dedicated to celebrating excellence, innovation, and artistic vision in contemporary Greek craftsmanship.

The first edition of the prize attracted hundreds of submissions from across Greece, reflecting the richness and diversity of the country’s contemporary craft scene. Working across materials ranging from marble and clay to wood and textiles, participating creators presented works that challenge conventional boundaries and reinterpret traditional techniques through a contemporary lens.

Following a review process led by an international Experts’ Panel, 15 finalists were selected based on technical excellence, creative authenticity, and their ability to engage with tradition in innovative and conceptually compelling ways. The panel brings together leading figures from the fields of art, design, architecture, and culture, including Pierre Alexis Dumas, Leanne Sacramone, Eva Vaslamatzi, Kostis Velonis, Irini Geroulanou, Angeliki Giannakidou, Tina Daskalantonaki, Loukia Thomopoulou, Virginia Matseli, Vana Xenou, Helli Pangalou, Kostas Stasinopoulos, and Yorgos Tzirtzilakis.

The works of the finalists are currently on view in a specially curated exhibition at the historic Tobacco Factory of the Hellenic Parliament in Athens, running through 30 June. The exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to discover a new generation of makers whose practices bridge craftsmanship, contemporary art, design, and cultural heritage.

At the conclusion of the exhibition, an international jury comprising Manuela Luca Dazio, Nicoletta Fiorucci, Amin Jaffer, Gerasimos Gianopoulos, Katerina Gregos, Elina Kountouri, and Konstantinos Papageorgiou will announce the winners. The Grand Prize includes a €30,000 award intended to support the further development of the recipient’s work, while two Special Mentions of €5,000 each will also be presented.

Conceived as a platform for dialogue between craftsmanship, contemporary art, design, architecture, and emerging technologies, Nóema aims to foster new forms of collaboration and cultural exchange. The Craft Prize marks the platform’s first major initiative and signals its commitment to supporting the future of contemporary making in Greece.