About
Avant Craft is a London-based curatorial and editorial platform dedicated to contemporary Italian craft and collectible design.
Through exhibitions, original editorial content and collaborations with independent artists and designers, we create opportunities to discover the cultural narratives, materials and making processes that shape contemporary craftsmanship. We believe that craft is more than the creation of beautiful objects—it is a form of cultural knowledge that connects heritage with contemporary design.
Sustainability, for us, begins with relationships. We cultivate long-term collaborations with a community of independent artists and designers who share our commitment to quality, authenticity and responsible making. By championing small-batch production and enduring craftsmanship, we encourage a slower and more thoughtful approach to collecting—one that values provenance, material integrity and lasting cultural significance.
Directed by Valeria Zerbo and co-curated with Amalia Di Lanno, Avant Craft believes that the intelligence of the hand remains one of the most relevant forms of creative knowledge today. Through exhibitions, editorial research and cultural programming, we seek to contribute to the growing international conversation around contemporary craft.
Editorial Method
Our Journal is built on direct conversations with artists and designers, offering thoughtful perspectives on material culture, craftsmanship and contemporary design.
Read more about Our Editorial Method.
In the Press
"Unique pieces, independent artists and designers, limited editions, a profound respect for Italian tradition, and a desire to tell stories that celebrate culture, design and art."
"These works present a picture of contemporary Italian ceramics as a constantly evolving field, redefining the expressive possibilities of the medium."
"They introduce international audiences to a selection of independent Italian artists and designers whose practices explore ceramics as a field of material investigation, sculptural experimentation, and cultural continuity."
FAQ
What is Avant Craft?
Avant Craft is a London-based curatorial and editorial platform dedicated to contemporary Italian craft and collectible design. Through exhibitions, original editorial content and collaborations with independent artists and designers, we connect collectors, interior designers and cultural audiences with the people, materials and ideas shaping contemporary craftsmanship.
What makes Avant Craft different?
Avant Craft brings together curation, storytelling and cultural programming. Alongside carefully selected collections, we publish original interviews, exhibition reports and essays that explore the relationship between craft, art and design. Rather than presenting objects in isolation, we reveal the cultural narratives behind them.
Who are the artists and designers behind the collections?
We collaborate with independent Italian artists, designers and artisans whose work combines heritage craftsmanship with contemporary research. Each maker brings a distinct voice, grounded in material knowledge, experimentation and a deep respect for traditional techniques.
Who is Avant Craft for?
Our community includes collectors, interior designers, architects and design enthusiasts who seek objects with cultural significance and lasting value. They collect not only for beauty, but for the stories, craftsmanship and ideas each work embodies.
How can I stay updated?
Subscribe to the Avant Crafts Journal to receive monthly stories, makers’ portraits, and early access to new releases.
For professionals
We collaborate with interior designers, architects, galleries and cultural institutions seeking meaningful ways to integrate contemporary craft into exhibitions, interiors and public programmes. Alongside sourcing exceptional works, we provide the editorial context that helps communicate their cultural and material significance.