Online resources for craft careers from The Crafts Council, the national development agency for contemporary craft.
Craft careers in the UK are developing in exciting ways, with increased sales and many practitioners taking up new materials and technologies. However craft business remain small, with the vast majority employing less than four people. It is easy to feel isolated from support, networks and professional development.
Check out some of these useful resources for contemporary craft and careers:
Professional development for craft
Get information on continuing professional development schemes for craft makers:
- Crafts Council Collective - a programme of CPD provision that covers networking events; opportunities for business and creative growth
- Curators – including the Spark Plug Curator Award, annual conferences, opportunities to borrow from the collection and a resource of useful advice for curators
- Research and information – the latest thinking and perspectives on the sector. Essential reading for makers, students and researchers of contemporary craft.
Information and resources for craft
"Everyone should have the opportunity to make, see, collect and learn about craft."
The Craft Directory can help you make connections and find new opportunities for your career:
- Craft makers – the National Register of Makers is a comprehensive online directory for contemporary craft makers.
- Craft organisations – over 700 organisations who work with contemporary craft.
- Opportunities – jobs and awards in contemporary craft from a range of organisations.
The Crafts Council
The Crafts Council’s goal is to make the UK the best place to make, see, collect and learn about contemporary craft. Their values are as follows:
- Craft plays a dynamic and vigorous role in the UK’s social, economic and cultural life.
- Everyone should have the opportunity to make, see, collect and learn about craft.
- The strength of craft lies in its use of traditional and contemporary techniques, ideas and materials to make extraordinary new work.
- The future of craft lies in nurturing talent; children and young people must be able to learn about craft at school and have access to excellent teaching throughout their education.
