Current Focus
Craftspace aims to initiate programmes of work which stimulate artistic excellence, critical thinking, curiosity and understanding of contemporary crafts in the widest social and cultural contexts.
Between 2023 and 2026 the focus of our work will investigate:
Craft in an expanded field
This means investigating crafts practice through a range of interdisciplinary media and mediums. We are continuing to work on a series of projects called Craftspace Curates to commission new interdisciplinary collaborations which present craft, makers and stories of making in unusual ways.
We are working with different partners to commission new productions. Currently we are developing partners to create a touring version of the play Yarning by Trevor Pitt, originally co-produced by Trevor Pitt, Craftspace and MAC.
Craft in the Midlands
Our major touring exhibition, Made in the Middle, launched at Leicester Gallery in January 2025. The exhibition draws together 37 regional artists whose work highlights the innovative contemporary crafts being made in the Midlands today. The artists represent the region’s vibrant and diverse creative community and include both emerging talents and established names.
Developing artistic talent from the Midlands and beyond
In:Site Festival takes place bi-annually. It provides an opportunity for selected new arts graduates from around the country to create bespoke artworks with communities.
Crafting Pathways is a project developed in partnership with the King’s Trust and South and City College, for four young people to develop their artistic skills, interests and identities in collaboration with four exhibiting artists from Made in the Middle.
Making Together
Our ongoing work with families focuses the value of making together in early years.
Social Justice
Our ongoing Making For Climate Change project is a social action programme for young people 16-25. Using Craftivism (craft + activism) as a focus, it facilitates young people to develop a sense of agency and motivation to campaign for change and become more active in their communities.
Social Enterprise
Shelanu Women’s Craft Collective will continue developing as a social enterprise, transitioning migrant and refugee women from participants to creative producers diversifying the marketplace. We will widen our participatory programme in partnership with key voluntary sector groups across Birmingham targeting economically inactive and socially isolated women through the Women’s Maker Movement project.
Consultancy and Research
Craftspace undertakes a limited amount of consultancy work that has a good fit with its core values and programme. Currently we are working with British Council’s global Crafting Futures programme to research and deliver UK craft study tours.
We continue to work with a range of Higher Education partners developing research projects and networks that link with themes of community development, health and well-being and creative asset mapping.
Find out more about our approach and how we work in partnership here.
