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Making value: the economic and social contribution of craft makers. New research from the Crafts Council

Date uploaded: January 10, 2010

Craft makers and organisations and those working with makers are invited to contribute to an exciting new national research project commissioned by the Crafts Council. Making value is a qualitative study to explore and evidence the value added by craft makers to other sectors (economic, education, health and community). Comprising a literature review and interviews with makers pursuing a portfolio practice, the organisations with which they work and the agencies that provide them with support, the research will include:

  • analysis of the nature and value of craft based creativity, skill, knowledge and learning, as applied to a range of economic sectors and education, health and community contexts
  • identification of the challenges and opportunities of a pluralistic craft practice in terms of creative and commercial development
  • assessment of the significance of cross-sector portfolio working in relation to policy frameworks (eg economic development, education, wellbeing, diversity and sustainability)

The research findings will be used to inform policy making, enhance strategic planning and support effective programme delivery by educators, development and delivery agencies engaged in supporting contemporary craft.  Research documentation, including case studies, will be launched at the Crafts Council conference on 22 June 2010.
We warmly welcome participation in this research from those who can contribute in one or more of the following ways:

  • identifying evaluations of programmes and projects evidencing the economic and/or social impact of makers
  • providing information on education programmes and support service agency models aimed at developing makers’ portfolio practices
  • suggesting individual makers as interviewees

Further information about the project

Contact details:

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: Mary Schwarz, Research Consultant, on 01626 362363.

Crafts Council, 44a Pentonville Road London N1 9BY
Phone:
+44 (0)20 7278 7700
Fax: +44 (0)20 7837 6891

The Crafts Council