3700 guests in three days: the toy village of Seiffen in the Ore Mountains became the meeting place for European toymakers. The village's former adventure pool was transformed into a large stage for craftsmanship, design and international networking. Even the location itself was a source of amazement: where water slides and pools were shut down 23 years ago, planes and saws resounded. With courage, craftsmanship and a large portion of community spirit, the event succeeded in awakening enthusiasm for crafts among all age groups.
International ties and new ideas
Over 45 exhibitors from Germany, the Czech Republic, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Japan and the USA showcased their skills. Among them was Portuguese street artist and designer Catarina Glam: "I've never been to a place that has so much to do with wood." Her enthusiasm reflected the basic idea of the festival: bringing international guests together with local traditions and forging new connections. The partner European Capital of Culture Nova Gorica/Gorizia 2025, which developed new games especially for the festival, was also present.
Tradition and the present in dialogue
Seiffen has been the home of wooden toys for centuries. During the Capital of Culture year, the craft became more visible than ever. Visitors could not only browse, but also take a look inside the workshops and experience how much work and skill goes into every figure. Current challenges were also discussed: global trade issues, prices and plagiarism. It became all the clearer how much regional craftsmanship benefits from international exchange - and how much wooden toys are in demand today.
Looking ahead
The festival showed how much future there is in wood and that tradition and innovation inspire each other. There is a great desire for a sequel: a biennial in Seiffen that celebrates the toy-making trade, the community and European togetherness. Wood on the stage, doors open, world in: the European Toymaking Festival is here to stay.
The European Toymaking Festival is an official part of the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 programme and is supported by the main project Makers, Business & Arts, coordinated by the Saxony State Association for the Cultural and Creative Industries. Organised by DENKSTATT Erzgebirge. The organiser is the municipality of Seiffen in cooperation with the Association of Erzgebirge Artisans and Toy Manufacturers. Supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Germany. The Toymaking Festival was initiated by Denkstatt Erzgebirge. It already took place in 2021 and 2023 as a specialist forum. This year's festival took place for the first time as a public festival with an expert forum.