Can’t quite believe it, Craftspace has reached the grand old age of 40. That’s 40 years of ground breaking projects, exhibitions and general craft based loveliness across the West Midlands and beyond.
What is Craftspace?
For those of you who may not be aware of the West Midlands based charity, here’s an excerpt from the Craftspace website detailing their good works:
“Craftspace initiates creative programmes which stimulate artistic excellence, critical thinking, curiosity and understanding of contemporary crafts in the widest social and cultural contexts.
Each project is bespoke. Artists, participants and partners are involved in planning, research, development, documentation and reflection.
Projects are inclusive and mutually supportive. Creative, social and personal development is as valued as technical skill.
Our work brings about positive outcomes for those who take part and their communities. These can be an improved sense of health and wellbeing, confidence, learning new skills or giving a platform to technical expertise and creative excellence. We support entrepreneurship through craft, with particular interest in social and economic impact.”
We go back a long way
Sarah and particularly Jon have been fortunate to have worked with Craftspace on a number of projects over the years and were delighted to be invited to their birthday celebrations at the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC). The pair jumped in the van last Friday and headed into the city.
What a team!
The Craftspace team is made up of a group of wonderful individuals, many of whom have been there from the early days. It was so nice to catch-up and chat about projects past and present. Guests also had the opportunity to wander around Made In The Middle a touring exhibition of contemporary craft organised by Craftspace and currently on show at MAC.
Commemorative quilts
As part of the 40th celebrations, Graphic storyteller Stewart Francis Easton was commissioned to create x4 hand-crafted quilts, 40 Objects for 40 years – each object representing or telling a vital part of the Craftspace story. Jon’s work is referenced twice: The interactive clay heads made by Jon for 2005 Treasure Boxes project make an appearance on a quilt as does his potter’s wheel on another – the wheel symbolising wonder and participation. Everyone wants to have a go!
Here’s to the next 40!
We’ve enjoyed and very much value our long standing relationship with Craftspace, many of our interactions having a profound and lasting effect on our own practice. Keep up the good work Craftspace – we love yah!
