Made In The Middle touring exhibition

Contemporary craft from across the Midlands

ClareWillard, Skye2009 (detail)

Made in the Middle is an open exhibition originated by Craftspace and selected by an expert panel. Previously showing contemporary craft from the West Midlands, this year the exhibition has been expanded to include the East Midlands and celebrate creative practice across the whole region.

This exhibition brings together 35 makers whose diverse practice reflects the wealth of high quality work produced across the region and the talent nurtured in the Midlands. In a changing economic climate this Made in the Middle considers ‘Pathways to Craft’ through selected case studies to draw out the various routes to careers in making. The exhibition aims to demonstrate alternative ways to approach making, not only through the exhibitors’ experiences but also through the action research project Apprentices in the Making.

Made in the Middle also reflects on developments in craft. In recent years the use of digital processes and technologies has grown significantly. A focus on digital work highlights the growing interest in these processes and how makers are pushing technology to create innovative work. 

Made in the Middle is a partnership between Craftspace and mac birmingham in collaboration with The National Centre for Craft & Design.

Craftspace is a crafts development organisation working to increase opportunities for makers, as well as access to and participation in contemporary crafts for all audiences. We aim to initiate programmes of work which stimulate artistic excellence, critical thinking, curiosity and understanding of contemporary crafts. We do this through different scales of touring exhibitions, socially engaged creative interventions, participatory projects, action research and consultancy.

Our social projects are targeted at disadvantaged communities and aim to empower through skills development, well-being and cohesion. To support our work through donation or partnership go to www.craftspace.co.uk

Media Partner

Craftspace is delighted to announce that Craft & Design magazine will be its media partner for Made in the Middle. Look out for features about the exhibition in Craft & Design throughout the exhibition’s tour.  

“In light of the current economic climate and University course closures within the arts, we are interested in exploring ‘Pathways to Craft’ through the exhibition. In addition to the makers who have accessed the industry through higher education, we will also be featuring those exhibitors who have adopted alternative routes into craft.”

Emma Daker, Exhibition Organiser.

Makers

Maggie Smith
Michelle Arieu
Imogen Aust
Jenny Creasey
Anna Collette Hunt
James & Tilla Waters
Jon Williams
Pottinger & Cole
Charlotte Clark
Stuart Akroyd
Li-Chu Wu
Mandana Thompson
Esther Lord
Anna Lorenz
Kevin Grey
Marcus Steel
Ruth Spaak
Imogen Luddy
Zoe Hillyard
Jennifer Collier
Jan Garside
Janette Matthews
Amy Twigger Holroyd
Karina Thompson
Clare Willard
Norman Cherry
Kate McBride
Laura McCafferty
Andrew Tanner
Gill Wilson
Vanessa Cutler
Yoko Izawa
Gareth Neal 

Our Partners are:
mac birmingham
www.macarts.co.uk
The National Centre for Craft & Design
www.nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk

Download the Teacher’s Pack here:

http://www.craftspace.co.uk/page.asp?fn=2&id=82&stp=12&grp=2&tab=0