Göteborg (Campus Steneby), Sweden | 9.-12.10.2025​

Grave Marker Conference 2025 brought together blacksmiths, researchers, and cultural professionals to explore how traditional grave markers could meet contemporary needs for remembrance.

Grave Marker Conference 2025 | Forging Future Rememberance

Discover the sustainable, innovative, and meaningful grave markers crafted by local blacksmiths. This conference delved into:

  • Unique, High-Quality Craftsmanship: Tailored designs that honor loved ones.
  • Support for Local Economies: Preserve regional traditions and boost local businesses.
  • Environmental Responsibility: Reduce carbon footprints with locally sourced, recyclable metals.
  • Cultural Preservation: Revitalize disappearing customs and traditions.
  • Modern Adaptation: Blend contemporary needs with traditional values for personalized memorials.
  • Be part of a movement that supports healing, cultural identity, and environmental sustainability. Join us to learn, share, and celebrate this important tradition!

Recordings

Find the recordings here

PROGRAM TALKS

Jokum Lind Jensen ”Contemporary Interpretations of Historic Blacksmithing”


Prof. Heiner Zimmermann ”Modern adaption of Grave Markers”


Prof. Jorge Manilla ”Art work based on Death”


Delyth Done MBE ”Idea Development”


OPEN FORUM

Annie Higgins ”The Body in Metal”


Antti Nieminen ”Grave Markers in Finland”


Geert van der Vossen ”Coronaflowers”


Janne Hilmersson ”How Art Shapes our Understanding of Loss and Remembrance”


Gustav Thane ”What is Knowledge”

The Program

See the full program

Friday 10th October

7.30-8.30 Breakfast Matsal

8.30-9.30
Welcome and Introduction
Samlingsal
With Prof. Heiner Zimmermann and Tobias Birgersson

9.30-10.30
Contemporary Interpretations of Historic Blacksmithing. 
Samlingsal
With Jokum Lind Jensen

10.30-11.00
Coffee break (Fika)

11.00-12.00
Modern adaption of Grave Markers
Samlingsal
With Prof. Heiner Zimmermann

12.00-13.30
Lunch Matsal

13.30-17.00
Workshops and Demonstrations

18.00
BBQ Foodtruck outside the Workshop

17.00-20.00
Open Forum and Socializing

17.30
Talk: ”What is Knowledge? Artistic Research in Blacksmithing” Gustav Thane

18.30
Talk ”Gravecrosses from Finland” Antti Nieminen

19.30 Opening IronNote Exhibtion

20.00
Sauna and Pub

Saturday 11th October

7.30 – 8.30
Breakfast Matsal

8.30-9.30
Art work based on Death
With Prof. Jorge Manilla

9.30-10.30
Idea Development
With Delyth Done MBE

10.30-11.00
Coffee break (Fika)

11.00-12.30
Group Work. Question Generating around Grave Markers.

12.30-13.30
Lunch Matsal

13.30-17.00
Workshops and Demonstrations

18.00
BBQ Foodtruck outside the Workshop

17.00-20.00
Open Forum and Socializing

17.30
Talk: ”How Art shapes our Understanding of Loss and Remembrance” by Jan Hilmersson

18.30
Talk:”The Body in Metal” by Annie Higgins

19.30
Talk: ”Corona Flowers” by Geert van der Vossen

20.00
Sauna and Pub

>> More information available on the event’s official website <<