Craft Week Scotland will run from Monday 9 to Sunday 15 November with a series of events, workshops and opportunities to buy design-led contemporary craft handmade in Scotland
The first ever Craft Week Scotland has been announced today as Scotland’s thriving craft sector comes together in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Developed by Craft Scotland as a nationwide initiative to raise awareness of the vibrant craft sector and boost sales for both makers and craft destinations this week long celebration of craft will showcase the work of internationally renowned and emerging makers working in everything from furniture to jewellery, ceramics, textiles, glass and more. In addition craft destinations across Scotland will welcome visitors subject to government guidelines.
From Orkney to Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland is home to over 3000 makers and businesses working in contemporary craft. Scotland’s vibrant craft scene sees makers from around the world move to Scotland joining home grown makers and emerging talent. Many are inspired by Scotland’s beautiful landscape, others reimagine traditional crafts for the 21st century while many more embrace the opportunities for making with new technologies. Sustainable practice material provenance and technical excellence are key themes to be found in Scottish craft today. Showcasing all of this, the inaugural Craft Week Scotland looks to champion the country’s craft riches online and in person.
Speaking at the announcement of Craft Week Scotland, Craft Scotland Director Irene Kernan said: “As the national development agency for craft, one of Craft Scotland’s key aims is to promote high quality contemporary craft practice locally, nationally and internationally. Feedback from our recent COVID-19 Impact Surveys demonstrated the serious economic impact of the pandemic on Scotland’s craft sector and participants highlighted that both makers and craft destinations need increased support in reaching audiences.
During the vital Christmas selling period, the Craft Week Scotland campaign is to encourage people to visit, engage with and buy from makers and craft destinations, including galleries, venues, independent shops and small businesses. We want to encourage Scotland to shop handmade and local, and we are keen to promote even more makers and venues across Scotland and showcase the breadth of contemporary craft that is happening today.”
The Craft Scotland COVID-19 Impact Survey for Makers from Spring 2020 showed the emerging impacts of the pandemic on Scottish makers detailing; the loss of income, challenges of accessing studios/equipment and pivoting to online selling, and their experiences of the funding/grants landscape. Additionally, the Survey for Venues, Studios & Curators shows the emerging impacts of the pandemic on the Scottish infrastructure detailing; the loss of income/cash flow and the challenges of adjusting and reworking programmes.
During Craft Week Scotland, Craft Scotland will also run a series of talks and In Conversation events with makers and industry experts looking at a range of topics including craft and the community, career routes into craft and will be sharing makers events and activities across the country. Full details of Craft Week Scotland are available on www.craftscotland.org and updated activity can be followed using the hashtag #craftweekscotland
Listings Information
Craft Week Scotland
9 – 15 November
Various venues and online at www.craftscotland.org
