Makers’ Island II evaluation - employment, economy, and tourism
This report evaluates the Makers’ Island II initiative by analyzing trends across a range of key parameters for the period (where possible) from 2017 to the most recent year with available data. Since 2019, the Regional Municipality of Bornholm has continuously supported the craft sector and the large, thriving ecosystem surrounding it. In total, there have been two initiative periods: Makers’ Island I (2019-2022) and Makers’ Island II (2023-2025), with a recent municipal council decision to support the Makers’ Island initiative for another four years.
The establishment of the Makers’ Island steering committee and secretariat has been crucial in achieving strengthened collaboration among stakeholders within and around the craft sector, bolstering crafts and craftspeople on Bornholm, and leading to crafts now being perceived as one of the island’s key strengths by local, national, and international stakeholders, as well as visitors.
When comparing the impressive figures provided by the register analyses with the investment made by the Regional Municipality of Bornholm and partner organizations, it is clear that this has been a sound investment. The results indicate that the Makers’ Island initiative has helped drive development in Bornholm’s craft sectors that compares favorably to the development of craft sectors in the rest of Denmark, benefiting the entire Bornholm community.
Seven sub-conclusions from the Makers’ Island II evaluation:
1. Revenue: The relative growth in revenue for craft businesses exceeds the average development of other industries on Bornholm. This is unique to Bornholm.
2. Added value: The relative growth in added value for craft businesses is very impressive. It far exceeds the relative growth in added value for the average of other industries on Bornholm.
3. Employment: Significant growth in employment within the craft sector on Bornholm. The relative growth exceeds the development in (the average of) other industries on Bornholm as well as in craft sectors in the rest of Denmark.
4. Business income: Business income per person within the craft sector has increased by 20% (2017-2023), which is 5 percentage points higher than the average for craftspeople in the rest of Denmark and for other industries on Bornholm and in the rest of Denmark.
5. The Royal Danish Academy’s Design School in Nexø: Continuously increasing application numbers; positive impact on residency, and important synergy with the established craft environment.
6. Crafts as a tourism magnet. Crafts continue to have great significance for tourism and are mentioned more frequently as a reason for choosing to visit Bornholm. The number of feature articles about Bornholm’s crafts is also continuing to rise. Craft-generated tourism has an impact even outside the craft sector itself. It is estimated that craft-generated tourism on Bornholm creates a total added value of DKK 52 million/year and approximately 125 jobs.
7. Practicing craftspeople are experiencing significantly increased visibility and many resulting invitations. They have become much easier to ‘find,’ especially for international stakeholders who wish to visit, promote, or collaborate. They have seen a marked increase in inquiries and invitations, particularly at an international level, which they highly value. This is significant for inspiration, recognition, professional practice, and development – and also impacts the finances of their businesses. The broad, strong collaboration on the island supports growth and development in a number of ways.
Below is a link to a summary of the report
