Buy Craft

1. I'm looking for a craft maker. How can the Crafts Council help me?

   Photostore is our online visual database of selected craft makers. You can search by the name of the maker, by discipline, and by keyword. You'll find images of work, contact details of the maker, and a brief description of their other work. To access Photostore, click on the link on the homepage of our website.

   The Craft Directory lists over 3,000 designer-makers based in the UK. You can search the directory by maker's name, location, craft discipline, and a host of other search terms.

2. I want to commission some craft work. How can the Crafts Council help me?

   The Craft Directory has the facility to search makers by discipline and by the types of work they create. You can search for makers that can help you design and realise an object. You can also find out more about commissioning craft here.

3. Where can I buy contemporary craft?

   Go to the Craft Directory on our website where you can find a gallery or craft outlet in your local region and throughout the UK.

   Our What's On listings give details of fairs and events across the UK, and Crafts magazine produces an annual guide to crafts shops and galleries in the UK.

   You can also visit the Crafts Council Research Library and use the directories; in particular The Crafts Galleries Guide provides details and a short review of UK and International craft galleries.

Make Craft

4. I want to set up a craft business. Does the Crafts Council have any advice?

   Regional agencies and crafts societies can help you build a network of contacts who can advise and support throughout your career. Find your regional agency and craft society in our Craft Directory where they can be searched by location and by the services they offer.

   Visit the Crafts Council Research Library or take advantage of our Information Service to help you find specific information that you may need to develop your craft practice.

5. I'm a maker looking for funding opportunities. How can the Crafts Council help me?

   Our Craft Directory can help you locate organisations and opportunities for awards and other sources of funding.

6. How do I price my work? Are there any guidelines to follow?

   The Craftscotland Business factsheet (2005) has an introduction to pricing your work. Subscribers to a-n: Artists' Information Company can also access the report "Establishing a charge for a working artist" which draws on the experience of Chartered Accountant Richard Murphy. These items can be accessed at our Research Library.

7. Where can I find Craft outlets to sell my work?

   Search the Crafts Council's Craft Directory for retail outlets and galleries.

   Look at Crafts which has listings of craft outlets in every issue. The July/August edition of the magazine contains a complete Craft Shops and Galleries UK Guide. The magazine can be bought from most newsagents, or you can subscribe online.

See Craft

8. I'd like to go to a craft event or fair. Where can I find details of these events?

   The Crafts Council coordinates a range of contemporary craft events and exhibitions throughout the year. Details of all our current and forthcoming exhibitions can be found in the What's on area of our website.

   COLLECT: The International Art Fair for Contemporary Objects, takes place each spring in London.

   Our Craft Directory can help you search for other organisers of craft fairs in the UK and internationally.

   Crafts magazine highlights forthcoming events and can be bought from most newsagents, or you can subscribe online.

9. I'm looking for a crafts person to lead a workshop. Can the Crafts Council help me?

   We host an Opportunities database. You can add your request to this database by emailing us at reference@craftscouncil.org.uk giving full details of the opportunity/workshop (e.g. craft discipline, location, dates, duration of workshop, responsibilities and fees paid). Please include a closing date by which time you would like to hear from interested makers.

10. I'm interested in finding out more about contemporary craft. Where can I find a suitable resource centre or library?

    You can book an appointment to access the Crafts Council Research Library by emailing reference@craftscouncil.org.uk or calling 020 72787501. The service is open on Wednesdays or Thursdays. The Research and Information Team are available to answer your queries by phone, email, and post throughout the week.

    You can search the Craft Directory for alternative libraries which hold materials on crafts and the decorative and applied arts.

11. I work in an area of visual arts not covered by the Crafts Council. Where should I go for similar advice and support?

    A number of organisations can offer you information and support.

    Arts Council England offers artists in England funding opportunities, and support and information about their practice. Other areas of the UK are covered by the Scottish Arts Council, the Arts Council Wales and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, which can all offer similar advice and information.

    a-n: The Artists Information Company offers listings, networking events and information on artists' practice. There are many regional agencies which offer professional development services to those working in the creative industries. Further information can be found through the Craft Directory area of our website.