Ceramics is one of the oldest art and craft forms created by mankind, and today ceramic know-how has gradually spread all over the world, creating districts and clusters of artists, craftsmen, associations, art schools and museums. National and international networks have been built and consolidated through cultural, productive and institutional collaborations, developing contacts and cooperation, organising and promoting events such as festivals, markets, workshops, symposiums, exhibitions and awards. Artistic ceramics represents a central part of the European tradition, and from a production point of view it is mainly made up of small and micro enterprises that were affected by the economic crisis of 2008 and by competition from low-cost production.