Contemporary Craft Work: Creating meaning and value in everyday objects

Craft beer, craft coffee, craft bicycles, craft soap, craft burgers, craft furniture – the idea of craft has spread along the high street in the last five years, affecting what we drink, eat, wear, and sit on.

But what does ‘craft’ really mean? Can anyone do it and call their products crafted? And how is Birmingham and the Midlands region supporting this prevailing industry?

Join Dr Scott Taylor for a showcase celebration of craft work as we come together with makers and artisans from all sectors in the Midlands, alongside those researching and teaching contemporary craft work, and consumers of craft products.

Hear from a panel of craft industry experts who will shed light on the resurgence of independently crafted wares, how a successful business model can be built around this, and what new innovations in technology will mean to artisans in the future.

The panel will comprise of makers from jewellery, ceramics, woodworking and the food and beverage sector, including Rosie Ginday Founder of the home-grown craft social enterprise Miss Macaroon.

You will also hear from the authors of The Organization of Craft Work: Identities, Meanings and Materiality which presents an analysis of craft work from around the world whilst drawing on accounts of shoemaking, food production, winemaking and brewing, and tailoring. 

Panel

Chair: Dr Scott Taylor 
Jonny Ambrose – Ambrose Art Auto
Kat Evans – Kat Evans Ceramics
Rosie Ginday – Miss Macaroon
James Newman – James Newman Jewellery

Register now

This event is part of the Festival of Social Science which runs from 3-10 November 2018. See what other events are taking place in the College of Social Sciences at the University of Birmingham.