The Think Tank Summit 2026 of the Craft Economists and Academics 50 Forum opened in Wenzhou's Longwan district. [Photo/Longwan district publicity department]
The Think Tank Summit 2026 of the Craft Economists and Academics 50 Forum opened in Longwan district, Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, on Sept 12, hosted by the China National Arts and Crafts Society and the Wenzhou municipal government.
This event brought together global think tank experts, industry elites, and master artisans to explore innovative pathways for integrating fashion with traditional crafts.
Launched in Longwan in November 2022, the Craft Economists and Academics 50 Forum has brought together more than 100 experts from five continents to exchange ideas on the development of arts and crafts.
A key highlight this year was the introduction of the concept of integrating local cultural roots with fashion and industry, transforming cultural resources into vibrant assets with cultural and market value.
Ana Cristina Mendes, president of the European Crafts Alliance Board of Directors, stressed the importance of collaboration among artisans, marketers, and technologists to give crafts a "voice." She praised the forum as a platform for exploring the fusion of local culture and fashion.
Wenzhou boasts 13 national and 90 provincial arts and crafts masters, with UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage crafts. The city continues to blend tradition with fashion and technology, creating innovative products like traditional embroidery in custom suits and boxwood carvings in trendy toys.
