The programme includes new teaching guides and practical workshops with artisans to promote creativity, sustainability, and the transmission of popular culture among students.
The Ibero-American Craft Museum of Tenerife (MAIT), under the administration of the Tenerife Council, is reinforcing its commitment to education and the promotion of cultural heritage with the launch of the Educational School Plan for 2025-2026. The programme, aimed at all educational levels, includes guided tours of the museum, educational workshops, and activities in schools, with the aim of allowing students across the island to learn about, appreciate, and experience traditional Canarian crafts in connection with Ibero-American craftsmanship.
Efraín Medina, the Councillor for Employment and Education, states, “The Tenerife Council continues to invest in education as a tool for social transformation, dissemination, and social cohesion. Craftsmanship not only represents our identity and our past, but it also holds future opportunities linked to sustainability, innovation, and employment.”
He also emphasises the museum’s role as a learning space: “MAIT is a privileged place for the transmission of knowledge. A museum lacks purpose unless it can communicate, inspire, and educate. With this programme, we strengthen the bond between culture, tradition, and education.”
Main Innovations for 2025-2026
This year, the MAIT is introducing a new educational resource: “The Crafts of MAIT”, Teaching Guides focused on two traditional craft trades: Traditional Pottery in Tenerife and Percussion Musical Instruments. Additionally, two new traditional craft trades will be offered for work in schools from the secondary education level: Palm Weaving and Percussion Musical Instruments. Finally, a variation on the theme of Natural Dyes will be provided through a workshop that will involve making calligraphy/watercolour ink from cochineal.
A Complete Educational Offering
The educational programme is structured around two main axes:
1. Education in the Museum (La Orotava) with guided tours tailored to each educational stage, allowing for a focus on specific themes or trades. Practical workshops will cover Toy Making, pottery, jewellery making, doll making, Natural Dyes, Traditional Pottery, Masks, among others.
2. Education in Schools, through Craft Days with live demonstrations and practical workshops conducted by master artisans. This includes both theoretical and practical components with artisans on two new themes: Palm Weaving and Percussion Musical Instruments. Aimed at secondary education, baccalaureate, and vocational training groups, sessions will be limited to a maximum of 25 participants.
Registration
The call for applications will be publicly announced to all educational centres in Tenerife, with the application period opening on 15th September 2025, until available slots are filled. Applications will be processed in order of arrival via email at [email protected] (with a minimum of one month’s notice), alongside a completed attached form available on the website www.artenerife.com, where more information can also be found.
