06/23/2026
Craft Futures is a design innovation initiative by MASS that advances regenerative manufacturing through locally sourced sustainable materials, bio-based product development, and craft traditions. By combining material innovation, traditional knowledge, and entrepreneurship trainings, the initiative creates environmentally responsible products while strengthening local economies and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
Over the past few months, the African Design Centre (ADC) fellows at MASS engaged in a series of material investigations with the Craft Futures program in Kigali.
Together the fellows have been looking at natural dye systems, tracing more transparent and sustainable timber supply chains, and uncovering the material potential of sugarcane pulp as an emergent biomaterial.
Through testing, iteration, challenges, and happy accidents, the work continues to unfold as an ongoing process of material inquiry and experimentation with great potential.
This research continues the ADC’s mission of equipping and elevating African designers to shape and lead transformative models of equitable, regenerative development.
Applications are open for the next cohort of the ADC fellowship, learn more and apply on our website!
“Designers in Africa have an equal responsibility to contribute aesthetics to beauty in the world,” said Christian Benimana, MASS Co-Executive Director. “At MASS, we’ve built our work on that foundation. We’ve demonstrated that world-class design can emerge from local craft traditions, producing materials and furnishings for buildings across the continent and build-up context appropriate economies in the process.”
Learn more in our latest newsletter linked in our bio!
