Polish Creative Center in Milan

Crafted in Podlasie. Design Meets Heritage is a project positioned at the intersection of Polish design and cultural heritage, whose primary objective is to present the contemporary creativity of the Podlasie region. The project aims to demonstrate how contemporary design can become a concrete tool for enhancing endangered craft traditions and artisanal excellence. It is not a nostalgic return to folklore, but rather a conscious reinterpretation of intangible heritage, conceived to engage contemporary taste and the global design market.

Podlasie is a unique region where unspoiled nature and centuries-old history merge into a landscape of great intensity. A land of primeval forests and traditional villages, it still preserves artisanal knowledge, music, and rituals rooted in ancient traditions. Located at the crossroads of Poland with Lithuania and Belarus, it stands out for the richness of its techniques, forms, and symbols, while maintaining a strong cultural identity and a recognisable craft language. This atmosphere makes the region an ideal starting point for a project that unites tradition and contemporary design, interpreting heritage as a living organism.

The exhibition “Crafted in Podlasie. Design Meets Heritage” will present original projects and small series created independently or in collaboration between designers and masters of traditional craftsmanship from the Podlasie region. Traditional utilitarian objects will be transformed into design works, contemporary interior elements, and luxury pieces. The collection includes wooden objects, such as reinterpretations of traditional Podlasie architecture and woodworking craftsmanship, transformed into furniture pieces or large scale marquetry inspired by the region’s nature. Textiles and large tapestries created using modern or traditional techniques in a contemporary form, such as double weaving, will also be presented. Objects balancing between function and sculpture include ceramic totems inspired by the spirituality of Podlasie, experimental lamps that use light to create a magical atmosphere, and concrete vases with striking fluorescent details. There are also contemporary interpretations of traditional straw decorations, such as the Podlasie “spiders,” as well as vases created using weaving techniques.