At the Crafts Council, we want to empower communities to tell their stories through craft by using our resources – our new London gallery, our collection, our research, our magazine and our digital platforms – and by drawing on the knowledge and passion of our staff. This is exactly what we’ll be doing with the launch of our campaign Make! Craft! Live! this month, which marks 50 years of the organisation.
This year-long programme of 50 events, hosted by the Crafts Council and partners, will celebrate the possibilities of craft as we emerge from this difficult time. They will take place in our own gallery, as well as community centres, museums, galleries and craft studios across the UK (and online) from October 2021 to October 2022. The exhibitions, learning events and fairs will explore the big societal issues that craft can help address, such as equity and social justice, mental health and wellbeing, and the climate crisis. They will particularly showcase and support makers from Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTQIA+ community and disabled makers, ensuring we are inclusive and relevant to all communities.