Design, arts and crafts can add value to the tourism industry

Strong in form

The two-year project Formstark Norrbotten explored the possibilities of how design, crafts and handicrafts can create added value in the visitor industry. The project was owned by the Resource Center for Art Norrbotten, and Silvermuseet was involved as an actor in the tourism industry.

Together with the textile artist Ida Isak, the KARRA! patch, in two sizes, was developed. The patches are woven in hand-dyed wool yarn. Ida Isak's own description of the patches says: " The idea behind the patches is to enhance garments or other textiles that you want to continue wearing and give new memories and meanings. Patches that can cover holes, stains, reinforce or just lift something you are tired of.

The patches, inspired by the patterns and textiles in the museum's collections as well as the colors of Arjeplog's surroundings, serve not only as a patch but also as a memory from here. In addition, they generate attention to Ida Isak as an artist.

Curious to know more? Read about the project, check out Formstark's account on Instagram or their page on Facebook.
On Ida Isak's website you can get to know the artist and her work.

Project manager for the Silvermuseet: Lotta Eriksson

A turquoise wool sweater hangs on a hanger. The sweater has three sewn-on "Karra" patches in different colors, pink, orange and lighter turquoise.

Photo: Ida Isak

Woven patches in natural colored wool yarn. There are a few small and a few large patches, all multi-colored with different patterns consisting of squares and lines.

Photo: Ida Isak