Craftspace

Craftspace Craftspace is a charity creating opportunities to see, make and be curious about exceptional contemporary craft.

?Here’s a round-up of what’s on…We are so excited to be hosting a now *sold-out* Off-Loom Weaving workshop as part of B...
05/06/2026

?
Here’s a round-up of what’s on…

We are so excited to be hosting a now *sold-out* Off-Loom Weaving workshop as part of Birmingham Design Festival ! It will be in their Analogue Hub at Howells on Thursday 11 June at 2.00pm until 4.00pm. You can join the waitlist at bdf.events

At 11am on Thursday 11th June, jeweller and educator Dauvit Alexander considers how craft and making can be powerful tools in engaging people with socially-challenging issues. He will discuss his long-term project “Swords into Ploughshares: Knives into Jewels” which focussed on getting young people to think about knife crime in constructive ways, using the workshop and exhibition space as a catalyst for conversations.

At 4pm on Friday 12th June, wood artist Jan Waterson will be talking about the evolution of his practice, reflecting on how his relationship with craft has developed and how this is expressed in his most recent collections.

Head to their website to explore the talks and workshops going on over the festival, and to book your place. Most of the talks are free!

ALSO:

We're featured in the next issue of the Midlands Arts Papers!

Midlands Arts Papers is an open-access online journal and collaborative curatorial programme between the University of Birmingham and cultural partners across the Midlands. The latest issue will focus on craft, the decorative arts and related areas such as industrial art, which are central to museum collections, art education and art practices in the Midlands.

We're attending the launch on 12th June at the Birmingham and Midlands Institute, where the agenda will include a conversation about starting a craft and decorative arts network.

We'll be displaying our 40 Objects for 40 Years quilts by Stewart Easton , see you there if you're going.

ELSEWHERE:

Serendipity Arts Festival is happening in London this weekend. Head over to their website to explore their programme and get involved!

We’re celebrating 40 Objects for 40 years Claire’s Coming Out Dress (2000) - Grayson Perry A Sense of Occasion Touring E...
03/06/2026

We’re celebrating 40 Objects for 40 years


Claire’s Coming Out Dress (2000) - Grayson Perry
A Sense of Occasion Touring Exhibition

Grayson Perry made and wore this dress for his alter-ego Claire’s coming out ceremony and party. It was co-commissioned through the Contemporary Art Society collecting scheme by Craftspace and Nottingham Castle: Museums & Galleries for our touring exhibition ‘A Sense of Occasion.’

The exhibition highlighted occasions that were marginalised or hidden. You couldn’t buy a coming out card for someone in those days. Through the dress, Grayson explored themes of identity and gender.

Craftspace has always ‘filled the gaps’ and created space for underrepresented cultures and people.

This was our current Director’s first curatorial contribution to Craftspace's artistic programme & reflected her lived experience as well as leadership as a Q***r South Asian person.

Nominated by: Deirdre F, Director

To celebrate Craftspace’s 40th Anniversary, we commissioned the artist Stewart Francis Easton to create an artwork which would explore the story of Craftspace through 40 objects. Stewart created a series of four beautiful graphic quilts. You can see them on our website via the link in our bio.

?Here’s a round-up of what’s on…There are a few tickets remaining for our weaving workshop at Birmingham Design Festiva...
29/05/2026

?
Here’s a round-up of what’s on…

There are a few tickets remaining for our weaving workshop at Birmingham Design Festival .

It will be in their Analogue Hub at Howells, on Thursday 11 June from 2.00pm until 4.00pm. Tickets start at £10, and are available via their website bdf.events

ELSEWHERE

Like us, Cockpit Studios also turn 40 this year!

Since 1986, they have provided affordable studio space for makers and helped thousands of creatives to build sustainable careers.⁠ Their open studios event is fantastic for seeing behind the scenes and for anyone who wants to buy some excellent contemporary craft.

Cockpit Studios 40th Anniversary Summer Open Studios:
4-7 June in Bloomsbury and on 12-14 June in Deptford.

Including friends of Craftspace:




Image by Hayley Salter.

We’re celebrating 40 Objects for 40 years The Custard Factory, Birmingham The Custard Factory was Craftspace’s home for ...
27/05/2026

We’re celebrating 40 Objects for 40 years


The Custard Factory, Birmingham

The Custard Factory was Craftspace’s home for 20 years. The Victorian factory in Digbeth, which was once the home of Birds Custard, was converted into offices ad artist’s studios.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s it hosted a thriving community of artists and creative organisations. We worked amongst inspiring people and organisations such as card designers Cinnamon Aitch, jeweller Sara Preisler, Simona Meddings of Lionart (who now runs General Office Gallery/Studios in Stourbridge), Creative Alliance, Capsule Supersonic Festival and Maverick TV. Sharing resources, ideas and spaces.

Nominated by: Lisa Falaschi, our Marketing Manager, who has worked at Craftspace since 1999.

To celebrate Craftspace’s 40th Anniversary, we commissioned the artist Stewart Francis Easton to create an artwork which would explore the story of Craftspace through 40 objects. Stewart created a series of four beautiful graphic quilts. You can see them on our website via the link in our bio.

1. Drawing of the Custard Factory by Stewart Francis Easton.

?Here’s a round-up of what’s on…We are so excited to be hosting an Off-Loom Weaving workshop as part of Birmingham Desi...
22/05/2026

?
Here’s a round-up of what’s on…

We are so excited to be hosting an Off-Loom Weaving workshop as part of Birmingham Design Festival

It will be in their Analogue Hub at Howells (B5 6ET) on Thursday 11 June at 2.00pm until 4.00pm. Tickets start at £10, and are available via their website bdf.events

Head to their website to explore the talks and workshops going on over the festival, and to book your place. Most of the talks are free!

ELSEWHERE:

Some of our staff have been listening to the Material Matters podcast with Grant Gibson and Leah Jensen about sewing as emotional repair. It's amazing how making can support the mind though difficult times.

.matters_grant.gibson .jensen

Images:
1. Off-Loom Weaving workshop.
2. Detail of 'MRI Scan', a page from Brain Tumour Book by Leah Jensen.

Our Director is a Trustee of The Crafts Study Centre and has worked with Director Stephen Knott to consider and open dia...
20/05/2026

Our Director is a Trustee of The Crafts Study Centre and has worked with Director Stephen Knott to consider and open dialogues about representation and diversity in collecting and programming. It's the last chance to see Black Atlantic Makers on until 23rd May co-curated by Stephen and Paula Ogun Hector. The centrepiece is the Tapestry of Black Britons including a new panel on African Romans. Around that is a thoughtfully curated selection of exquisite, skilled and joyful artworks which reveal shared histories and diasporic connections. Lookout for other fascinating sections 'The Raw Origins of a Diaspora' a decolonial perspective on materials and powerful images from The Black Artisans.


Images:
1. Tapestry of Black Britons
2. Doreen Gittens
3. Donald Baugh
4. The Black Artisans
5. Marcia Bennett-Male

We’re celebrating 40 Objects for 40 years ‘We can’t stop the waves’ tile (2013) by Craft in Mind project participantYout...
19/05/2026

We’re celebrating 40 Objects for 40 years


‘We can’t stop the waves’ tile (2013) by Craft in Mind project participant
Youth Craftivism Project with artist Carrie Reichardt

This tile was made as part of the Craft in Mind project (2013). A youth craftivism project, with artist Carrie Reichardt, they used making as a tool for activism while exploring mental health.

‘I chose this tile when the project finished because I really liked the image and the phrase with it. Things can get very busy at Craftspace and sometimes it can feel a little overwhelming. However, it’s a lovely team to work in and there is always support. The phrase also reminds me that, no matter how much you plan, things can change and you learn how to roll with it.

I keep it on my desk. It also reminds me about the impact our projects can have. Plus, it’s well made and a great image!’

Nominated by:
Emma D, Craftspace’s Exhibitions and Projects Development Manager.

To celebrate Craftspace’s 40th Anniversary, we commissioned the artist Stewart Francis Easton to create an artwork which would explore the story of Craftspace through 40 objects. Stewart created a series of four beautiful graphic quilts. You can see them on our website via the link in our bio.

This week is Creativity and Wellbeing week! - search online for events in your area.

Images:
1. Tile drawing by Stewart Francis Easton.
2. We can’t stop the waves tile.
3. More tiles from the project.

?Here’s a round-up of what’s on… will be selling at 's Arts Market on Sunday. They’ll be selling Shelanu’s collectio...
15/05/2026

?
Here’s a round-up of what’s on…

will be selling at 's Arts Market on Sunday. They’ll be selling Shelanu’s collections plus some unique pieces and framed enamel works.

Please do come along to browse extraordinary handcrafted treasures from our local creative community. It's free to attend and takes place from 10am - 5pm in MAC's Foyer.

Sun 17 May | 10am - 5pm | FREE | MAC's Foyer

ALSO:

Applications are now open for the Ceramics Fair! ⁠
⁠
Ikon Ceramics Fair takes place on Sunday 12 July (11am-4pm) and celebrates the art of ceramics from across the region. ⁠
⁠
If you are a local independent ceramic artist, apply for a stall via the link in their bio. The cost is £30. ⁠
⁠
Application deadline: Monday 1 June, 12pm. ⁠

ELSEWHERE:

We’re celebrating 40 Objects for 40 years A big mug (of tea) - James and Tilla Waters Birthday present for staff memb...
14/05/2026

We’re celebrating 40 Objects for 40 years


A big mug (of tea) - James and Tilla Waters
Birthday present for staff member

This mug was a gift from all the member of staffs on a ‘special’ birthday. A tea lover who likes a BIG mug. It is made by artists who have exhibited in Made in the Middle exhibitions over the years, bringing back memories from a long career working in at Craftspace.

It is lovely to drink from and something to really look forward to, especially first thing on a Monday morning. A beautifully made mug which is well used and treasured (one of the first things that was ‘saved’ after the flood in our office).

Nominated by:
Lisa F, Craftspace’s Marketing Manager.

To celebrate Craftspace’s 40th Anniversary, we commissioned the artist Stewart Francis Easton to create an artwork which would explore the story of Craftspace through 40 objects. Stewart created a series of four beautiful graphic quilts. You can see them on our website via the link in our bio.

Images:
1. Massive Mug drawing by Stewart Francis Easton.
2. Full mug of tea. Mug by James and Tilla Waters.
3. All of the office mugs, plus illustrations by Smilla.
4. Mug next to the blue quilt by Stewart Francis Easton.

?Here’s a round-up of what’s on… will be selling at 's Arts Market next weekend. Please do come along to browse extra...
08/05/2026

?
Here’s a round-up of what’s on…

will be selling at 's Arts Market next weekend. Please do come along to browse extraordinary handcrafted treasures from our local creative community. It's free to attend and takes place from 10am - 5pm in MAC's Foyer.

Sun 17 May | 10am - 5pm | FREE | MAC's Foyer

ALSO

Look out for some of our recent project artists if you're at London Craft Week , 11-17 May.

Made in the Middle exhibitor Clare Pentlow is part of the Future Icons exhibition which is part of London Craft Week.

15 - 21 May | Open 12 - 6pm daily | FREE | 83 Rivington Street, EC2A 3AY

Annie Higgins , who has been working with us exploring Q***r Metals and Q***r Ecology, is doing a demonstration at the V&A with on the 12 May, in the morning. Annie also has work on show, developed during her residency at Bishopsland Educational Trust , at Cutlers' Hall on 12 May.

Demonstration - Tues 12 May | 11am - 4pm | FREE | V&A South Kensington, SW7 2RL
Exhibition - Tues 12 May | 3:30 - 7:30pm | FREE, booking essential | Cutlers' Hall, EC4M 7BR

ELSEWHERE

Some of us are hoping to visit THREAD group exhibition, on at the Sarah Myerscough Gallery until 16 May. The exhibition is an international survey of woven work, highlighting how the ancient craft reflects creative communities and exchange. The exhibition essay has been written by Emma Crichton-Miller , who also wrote the exhibition essay for Made in the Middle.

Until 16 May | Open 11am - 5pm daily | FREE | The Schoolhouse, W1K 6TG

Address

Unit 204, 60 Frederick Street
Birmingham
B1

Telephone

+441216086668

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