Opening at the end of May, Loewe’s Craft Prize will take on an immersive new look this year. Current restrictions in France mean the annual event has been forced online, giving anyone the chance to peruse this year’s digital-only exhibition at Musée des Arts Décoratifs from anywhere in the world.

Since 2016 this event has showcased the best in global craft and, in spite of this year’s new-look competition, the standard in talent remains unchanged. Featuring 30 finalists from six continents and eighteen different countries, the exhibition sees a clear shift towards sustainable materials and processes. Spanning a typically wide array of form and texture, including textile, ceramic, porcelain, wood, copper, raisin, metal, paper, glass and lacquer, the range of objects on show is testament to the competition’s perpetual emphasis on innovative experimentation.

Speaking of innovation – this year’s exhibition is viewable like never before thanks to a nifty piece of technology. This is no mere online exhibition, viewers will actually have the chance to stroll virtually between displays in the Great Hall of Musée des Arts Décoratifs, which has been modelled for the first time in 3D. Pushing the tech further still is a new augmented reality service that allows viewers to pore over each item as though handling it in person. The announcement of this year’s €50,000 prize winner will coincide with the exhibition’s opening on the 25th May and will be chosen by a jury of twelve leading figures from across the world’s of architecture, design and art, including last year’s winner Genta Ishizuka.

The exhibition will be available to view online at loewecraftprize.com from 25th May 2021.