Here are some more pictures from the inclusive zone workshop in Skopje, Macedonia and a few words from Zarko, the project coordinator from the British council in Macedonia:-

At the outskirts of Skopje, the campus of DUCOR – Partenija Zografski was an inspiring and creative workspace for the designers from UK and Macedonia as well as the craftspeople, students from EURM and the students and instructors from  the  school.

This five-day workshop was the fourth in the series co-organised by The British Council. Unlike Zagreb, Sarajevo and Osijek, where the three previous workshops took place, no formal organisation of designers exists in Macedonia and the so we found it was essential to create a network from scratch to support the project. Vesna Avramovska of the Macedonian Artisan Trade Association (MATA), graphic designer Marija Veteroska, who designed the visual identity for the project, and jewellery designer Biljana Klekackoska recruited young designers from their personal networks, while we arranged an open call to recruit the final participants.

The event was something new and different and after the workshop Vesna Avramovska, Creative Director at MATA said that “British Council introduced a completely new concept of Inclusive Design in Macedonia with the Inclusive Zone Workshop. Working in a group, together with other experienced product and graphic designers, students, artisans and students with special needs, for me as a product developer was a completely new experience.  The artisan’s skills were used in a new, innovative way. It was amazing how all of the participants worked with patience and devotion towards the same goal, to design and make designs for all in the Inclusive Zone Workshop. When the collaboration with British Council started at the beginning of this year I was not aware that this will culminate with such a successful exhibition and with these beautiful products. This workshop and the previous one in Osiek opened new opportunities and challenges for our organisation for sure.”

At the end of this exciting week, all three teams came up with an exciting portfolio of products in each area (felt, constructed and printed textiles and wood. The pictures here so some the tools and workbench that were created in the wood workshop. All the products were exhibited at the British Council Macedonia and at Skopje’s Skopje Creativa Festival 14-16 June, 2012.