Craft Fellowships at MAC Birmingham

A partnership between MAC Birmingham and Craftspace

A group portrait of the 5 Craft Fellows.

Craft Fellows 2018. (Photo: Kate Green)

Consultancy
Birmingham
April – December 2018

Scroll down for expert advice on starting a career as a professional craftsperson from the arts professionals who led each session.

I feel a renewed confidence in myself and my goals because of this workshop. I know that if I write it down, break it down into small, manageable steps and then take action I can achieve my goals. Even the big ones that feel scary and daunting.

Danielle Laurent

From April to December 2018 Craftspace supported the programme for Midland’s Arts Centre (MAC) Craft Fellows scheme.

Over nine months, five graduates from Midlands craft degree courses undertook a programme of professional development and skills-building to prepare for their own practice. Each fellow was also commissioned to create new work which resulted in an exhibition at MAC from November 2018 – March 2019.

The scheme included:
* support and guidance in developing their professional practice and business acumen
* training & professional development opportunities
* space and resources to explore and make
* opportunities to present work and receive critical feedback
* professional and business development events
* mentoring and master classes from professional makers
* an Artist’s Pass to access studio facilities at MAC
* a commission of a new piece of work that was developed during the Fellowship and exhibited at MAC at the end of the fellowship period

We have created blog pages to share the fellow’s experiences of each of the sessions, as well as Top Tips from the facilitators who share a wealth of expertise in business and craft.

The Craft Fellows were Stuart Crabbe, Danielle Laurent, Laura Marriott, Amy McCranor and Amarah Simms.

Click on the links to read the fellow’s blog posts and get the top tips from the experts at each session:

Craft Fellows programme



Where Next

Craft Fellows: Product photography training

Photographer Yeshen Venema gave the Craft Fellows tips on taking the best product photos

craft fellows sitting around a circle table

Craft Fellows: Fundraising and application writing

Matt Roberts led a session on applying for funding

Craft Fellows: Textiles Masterclass

Textiles masterclass with Richard McVetis and Vanessa Rolf

craft fellow using blow torch to solder silver

Craft Fellows: Masterclass with Rita Patel

Jeweller Rita Patel led a jewellery skills workshop



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