• Economy & Enterprise Hayley Beckley - One for Solace (work in progress). Photo credit: Kate Rossin

    Economy & Enterprise

  • Economy & Enterprise Tim Boswell - Spooks. Photo credit: Darren Weed

    Economy & Enterprise

  • Economy & Enterprise Emily-Kriste Wilcox - Tall faceted vessel. Photo credit: Kate Rossin

    Economy & Enterprise

  • Economy & Enterprise Vicky Shaw - Bowl & Cylinder composition. Photo credit: Kate Rossin

    Economy & Enterprise

  • Economy & Enterprise Chloé Smith - Hakudo Diffuser. Photo credit: Martin Avery

    Economy & Enterprise

  • Economy & Enterprise Clare Wilson - Cane Studies. Photo credit: Simon Bruntnell

    Economy & Enterprise

  • Economy & Enterprise Theo Wright - When Waves Collide, Distortion. Photo credit: Andrew Moore

    Economy & Enterprise

  • Cultural contribution of craft Dauvit Alexander - Run of the Mill. Photo credit: Kate Rossin

    Cultural contribution of craft

  • Cultural contribution of craft Aneta Brudkowska - Lidded Pot and Espresso Mugs. Photo credit: Kate Rossin

    Cultural contribution of craft

  • Cultural contribution of craft Jennifer Collier - The Midlands lampshade. Photo credit: Iain Perry

    Cultural contribution of craft

  • Cultural contribution of craft Sally Collins - Sugar Bomb. Photo credit: Kate Rossin

    Cultural contribution of craft

  • Cultural contribution of craft Sue Dyer - The Movement of flight and flora. Photo credit: Kate Rossin

    Cultural contribution of craft

  • Cultural contribution of craft John Grayson - La Brexiteuse à petits talons. Photo credit: John Grayson

    Cultural contribution of craft

  • Cultural contribution of craft Interlace - Halo. Photo credit: Joanne Withers

    Cultural contribution of craft

  • Cultural contribution of craft Jane Littlefield - Mine. Photo credit: Ian Daisley

    Cultural contribution of craft

  • Social contribution of craft Michala Gyetvai - Islands. Photo credit: Kate Rossin

    Social contribution of craft

  • Social contribution of craft Zoë Hillyard - Ceramic Patchwork. Photo credit: Kate Rossin

    Social contribution of craft

  • Social contribution of craft Spencer Jenkins - Transgene 3. Photo credit: Spencer Jenkins

    Social contribution of craft

  • Social contribution of craft Sandra Owens - Viral. Photo credit: Kate Rossin

    Social contribution of craft

  • Social contribution of craft Robyn Smith - Let me pick your brain. Photo credit: Richard Battye

    Social contribution of craft

  • Social contribution of craft Melanie Tomlinson - Ghost Horses and Guns. Photo credit: Richard Battye

    Social contribution of craft

  • Social contribution of craft Libby Ward - From the deep necklace. Photo credit: Kate Rossin

    Social contribution of craft

  • Social contribution of craft Kay Williamson - Correspondence Give it a Whirl. Photo credit: Kate Rossin

    Social contribution of craft

  • Exploration of Materials Aimee Bollu - Beauty in Space. Photo credit: Kate Rossin

    Exploration of Materials

  • Exploration of Materials Rachel Butlin - Five part statement walnut necklace. Photo credit: Kate Rossin

    Exploration of Materials

  • Exploration of Materials Rachel Carter - Shell Form with Alternating Flat Knots. Photo credit: Kate Rossin

    Exploration of Materials

  • Exploration of Materials Rajesh Gogna - Architect #1

    Exploration of Materials

  • Exploration of Materials Anna Lorenz - Transformed. Photo credit: Kate Rossin

    Exploration of Materials

  • Exploration of Materials Kate Mead - Silver Wrapped Pearl Neckpiece. Photo credit: Kate Rossin

    Exploration of Materials

  • Exploration of Materials Clare Pentlow - Pattern Play. Photo credit: Craftspace

    Exploration of Materials

  • Exploration of Materials Zoe Robertson - Re:Animate. Photo credit: Kate Rossin

    Exploration of Materials

  • Exploration of Materials Karina Thompson - All the things you are not yet (Cloth of Gold). Photo credit: Karina Thompson

    Exploration of Materials

2016 exhibition

In December 2016, Craftspace launched the eighth Made in the Middle exhibition, at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry. This edition, developed in partnership with the Herbert, presented thirty-two makers from across the Midlands. The exhibition reflected the strength and quality of making in the region at that time. From emerging to established makers, the exhibition highlighted a wealth of careers, materials and processes.

This edition continued Craftspace's practice of critically considering the place of craft and makers in today's society. Following recent and continued political uncertainty, with cuts to education and the arts, this Made in the Middle examined, highlighted and championed the true value of craft. At a time when craft education is at risk, we explored craft's intrinsic value to society, culture and the economy. This is revealed through the exhibitors' work, their careers and the action research project Crafting Enterprise.

Entrepreneurship and the strength of collaboration are underpinning themes across this year's Made in the Middle. The work in the exhibition also revealed new developments within the craft sector, particularly the use of digital technologies.

Each exhibitor has a distinctive practice, but elements of their approaches or their careers overlapped. For this exhibition, their work is explored within four themes: value to the economy and the enterprising spirit, the importance of material knowledge, cultural importance of craft practice, and the contribution of craft to society.

Economically, craft is a vital source of revenue and innovation to the UK. It 'generates £3.4 billion for the UK economy [with] 150,000 people...employed in businesses driven by craft skills.' (Crafts Council, 2014)

The careers of the exhibitors featured in the exhibition, although varied, all demonstrated entrepreneurial skill and an ability to adapt to remain successful.

For more information on the current exhibition please visit: www.craftspace.co.uk/made-in-the-middle-2016/

For projects and events associated with the exhibition please visit the exhibition blog: http://madeinthemiddle.craftspace.co.uk/

Made in the Middle exhibition tour:

  • Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry
    2 December 2016 – 19 February 2017
  • Parkside Gallery, Birmingham City University
    6 March – 29 April 2017
  • The National Centre for Craft & Design, Sleaford
    13 May – 9 July 2017
  • Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton upon Trent
    30 September – 25 November 2017
  • Rugby Art Gallery & Museum
    10 February – 7 April 2018

We'd love to hear what you value about craft and making as Made in the Middle tours the region. You can let us know through the Get Involved page

Made in the Middle is a partnership between Craftspace and the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in collaboration with The National Centre for Craft & Design.
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