• History
  • Introduction
  • Exhibition Essay
• Makers
  • 30 Years 30 Makers
• Resources
  • Press/Reviews
  • Videos
  • Action Research
    • At Home 2002
    • At Home II 2006
    • Apprenticeships in the Making 2012
  • Conferences
  • Catalogues
  • Education Resources
• 2016 exhibition
  • Crafting Enterprise Action Research
  • Crafting Enterprise meets Made in the Middle

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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