Intensive Shoemaking Workshop at the Estonian Academy of Arts Tallinn Estonia
The Accessories Design Department of the Estonian Academy of Arts is pleased to host renowned Japanese shoemaker and artist Noriyuki Misawa for an intensive 8-day shoemaking workshop.
Noriyuki Misawa is an internationally recognized bespoke shoemaker, educator, and shoe artist based in Tokyo. He is the founder of The Shoemaker’s Class, a shoemaking school where traditional handcrafted footwear techniques are taught through intensive practical training. His work has received international recognition for combining craftsmanship, functionality, and artistic expression.
Course Information
Dates:
25 February – 4 March 2027
Duration:
8 days
Location:
Accessories Design Department
Estonian Academy of Arts
Tallinn, Estonia
Course Fee:
€1650
To secure a place in the workshop, participants are required to pay a €500 deposit within the payment deadline stated on the invoice. The remaining balance of €1150 must be paid before the start of the course.
Please note that places are limited and can only be guaranteed upon receipt of the deposit payment. Due to the advance purchase of materials and workshop preparation costs, the deposit is non-refundable.
Included:
All materials are included in the course fee.
Not included:
Please note that participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own accommodation, transportation, and meals during the workshop. Coffee, tea, and light snacks will be available throughout the course.
About the Workshop
During this intensive 8-day workshop, participants will create a pair of hand-welted shoes under the guidance of Noriyuki Misawa. The course focuses on the later stages of traditional shoemaking, particularly hand-stitched bottom construction, and provides hands-on experience in completing a full pair of shoes.
Participants will learn key processes including:
Lasting
Welt stitching
Outsole stitching
Bottoming
Heel building
By the end of the workshop, each participant will complete and take home their own pair of handmade shoes.
About
Noriyuki Misawa trained in Tokyo and Vienna and has spent more than two decades developing his practice as a bespoke shoemaker and artist. He is known for creating footwear that merges traditional shoemaking techniques with contemporary artistic expression. Alongside his bespoke work, he regularly teaches shoemaking workshops internationally and is dedicated to passing on craftsmanship to new generations of makers.
Application process
For registration please fill the registration form. For further information, please contact the Accessories Design Department at the Estonian Academy of Arts, workshop coordinator kelian.luisk@artun.ee
Application deadline: 30 September 2026
Selected participants will be notified by 12 October 2026.
Upon acceptance, participants must pay a non-refundable deposit of €500 by 26 October 2026 to secure their place. The remaining balance of €1150 is due by 15 January 2027.
Timeline:
Applications close: 30 September 2026
Acceptance notifications: 12 October 2026
Deposit (€500) due: 26 October 2026
Final payment (€1150) due: 15 January 2027
Course starts: 25 February 2027
Course ends: 4 March 2027
This workshop is part of the EKA Bookbinding and Accessories department 110 anniversary programme.
Alongside the workshop, the anniversary programme will include an international symposium, lectures, exhibitions, presentations, and other special events bringing together practitioners, researchers, alumni, students, and guests from the fields of accessories, footwear, fashion, and contemporary craft.
Workshop participants will have the opportunity to experience and engage with the wider programme taking place during the celebration period, creating additional opportunities for professional exchange, networking, and discussion within the international accessories community.
