Mazda is celebrating the successful opening of its participation in Homo Faber 2024. Organised by the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship and its partners, Homo Faber 2024 invites visitors to explore the essential role handmade objects play in our daily lives. Through the theme ‘The Journey of Life’, devised by the Foundation’s Vice-Chair, Hanneli Rupert, and interpreted by Art Directors Luca Guadagnino and Nicolò Rosmarini, the exhibition showcases exquisite objects by artisans from all over the world, revealing how craftsmanship is woven into the fabric of our lives. Ikuo Maeda, Global Head of Design at Mazda, and Jo Stenuit, European Design Director at Mazda, were among the distinguished guests.
The vibrant pre-opening event in Venice (29th to 31st of August) featured more than 800 objects, made by over 400 artisans, from 70 countries around the world, and represented 105 different crafts. It was attended by VIP guests as well as leading lifestyle and design media and marked the beginning of Mazda’s journey alongside global artisans and designers at one of the world’s foremost showcases of contemporary craftsmanship. The collaboration showcases Mazda’s commitment to excellence in craftsmanship as expressed in the brand promise “Crafted in Japan”.
As part of Homo Faber’s ‘The Journey of Life’ theme, Mazda seamlessly integrated its rich tradition of Kodo Design, Monozukuri, and Takumi craftsmanship into the event, presenting a bespoke exhibition and interactive workshops. Immersive papercraft workshops allowed visitors to try their hands at pocket globe making or Japanese bookbinding guided by Italian master artisans. Placing craftsmanship traditions and human talent at the heart of its design philosophy, Mazda inspires visitors with exhibits from journeys around the world shown in its #MazdaDiscovers YouTube series, where content creators embark on road trips to meet local artisans and tell their stories. The most recent episode of #MazdaDiscovers explores the timeless craft of globe-making with Leonardo Frigo, a master of this ancient Venetian art, and one of the artisans collaborating with Mazda. During Homo Faber 2024, visitors are invited to build a pocket-globe, preparing the paper for printing with a hand press and tracing the paths of ancient explorers to map their own journeys of discovery across the world.
Visitors also discovered the timeless craft of bookbinding, with a step-by-step tutorial led by the master artisans of Antica Legatoria Ofer. They can craft their own travel journal: every stitch and fold breathes life into the pages using the Japanese stab binding technique.
The pre-opening days attracted guests from around the world, offering them the opportunity to immerse themselves in Mazda’s vision and commitment to craft. In addition, media and VIP guests were invited to participate in the above-mentioned papercraft workshops and craft a souvenir of their personal journey at Homo Faber 2024.
Reflecting on the successful start, Ikuo Maeda, Global Head of Design at Mazda and special guest at the event, remarked: “At Homo Faber, you see the core value of Mazda: We want to create beautiful forms through Japanese artisanship. I feel a strong bond to everything I have experienced here. Celebrating crafts and paying tribute to artisans is deeply rooted in our DNA. There is more to a product than just its features and technology – it should create emotions and provide a good feeling.”
Jo Stenuit, European Design Director at Mazda, echoed these sentiments: “Through our involvement in Homo Faber, we’ve demonstrated how our philosophy—rooted in Japanese artistry—resonates deeply across different disciplines. Creativity and craft lie at the heart of our designs. Here, we’ve been able to celebrate that dedication alongside some of the world’s finest artisans.”
Katarina Loksa, Head of Brand at Mazda Motor Europe, praises Homo Faber 2024 as a celebration of makers: “We are proud to invite visitors at Homo Faber to become artisans themselves and try their hand at pocket globe making or Japanese bookbinding, guided by Italian master artisans. This experience perfectly reflects Mazda’s brand philosophy of blending heritage, creativity and a human touch.”
For more information on Mazda’s activities at Homo Faber 2024 and to explore upcoming workshops and exhibitions, please visit homofaber.com/our-experiences
Homo Faber 2024: The Journey of Life takes place in Venice from the 1st to the 30th of September. Booking is now available on homofaber.com, with limited tickets available on site, on the day.
