At the core of the project is a 10-month Living Lab project. The Lab will “explore, develop and test measures of the cultural value and wellbeing attached to craft by racially minoritized communities who are excluded from the cultural space of craft.” The point of the project is to address “structural omissions of the experiences of makers of colour from the cultural space of craft, [and, as such] our project will co-develop authentic research tools grounded in the reality of individuals’ and local communities’ lives.”
Additionally, by holding two place-based craft making events, the project will ‘develop and test research tools that investigate the meanings and cultural value of craft and specifically the impacts of race, racism, immigration and migration on cultural production, making and value.’ It is hoped this approach will generate more nuanced understandings of the difference culture makes and promote creative practices and research with social justice central to measures of cultural value.
The above descriptions of projects and programs funded by the Crafts Council reveals
the nature of its work and the depth of its commitment to supporting craft throughout the UK. A list of Craft UK members available on the website provides access to a number of organizations and businesses, through which it becomes possible to view the work of craftsmen and makers across the region.The list includes members in London, the Midlands, the North, the Southeast, and the Southwest,
Craft Scotland
Craft Scotland is the national development agency supporting makers and promoting craft. A registered charity supported by Creative Scotland, it is a public body that supports arts, screen, and creative industries across all parts of Scotland. It also distributes funding from the Scottish government and the national lottery. (See: https://www.creativescotland.com/)
Craft Scotland sees its role as not only championing high-quality, diverse contemporary craft but educating consumers about craft to promote Scotland’s cultural, economic, and social well-being as well as creating opportunities for craftspeople to exhibit and sell their work in and beyond
Right:
The Maker Revolution: Can Craft Save Our Cities
Video Courtesy of:
Craft Council
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