• Introduction
• For makers
  • Credit Crunch Feature
  • Emerging makers
  • Developing makers
  • Established makers
  • Useful resources
• For curators
• Buying and selling craft
• Research & resources

'Break the Pattern' (20x10cm) bowl, cut and engraved glass by Heather Gillespie; Photo: Tas Kyprianou, 2008

Encouraging enterprise and creative business for new makers

• 

  'Ethereal 1' (37x31cm) neckpiece, natural and hand-dyed printed silks, silver frames by Kathryn Partington; Photo: Tas Kyprianou, 2008

  In 2008, the Crafts Council has been reviewing and evaluating its strategies for the support and nurture of emerging makers. As part of this review, we commissioned BOP Consulting to undertake an external study of Next Move, the Crafts Council's graduate start up scheme.

  At 'Higher Value', a conference, held in November 2008, we explored the broader issues around support for new graduates, exchanging ideas and models of practice with Higher Education Institutions and other stakeholders involved in this area.

What's the future for Next Move?

There will not be another intake of Next Move.

• 

  Ekta Kaul, Next Move Placement at Bath Spa University, Photo: Tas Kyprianou, 2008

  The initial findings from the BOP Consulting evaluation were these: that while there is a definite need for support of this kind, Next Move, in its current format, may not be the most relevant, efficient and best-practice model. The economic climate for recent graduates, has evolved considerably since 2001, the year of the scheme's inception and, in addition, we have seen major developments in teaching practice and funding within Higher Education, as well as changes within the Crafts Council itself.

We need to take all these factors into account when looking at our future programme for emerging makers.

The Maker Development team will be working over the next year to develop new models for support. These will build on the recommendations from the BOP report, on themes arising from the Higher Value conference and on information from a range of other sources. We will be talking to many of our partners, as well as other organisations offering Career and Professional Development for makers.

Support for emerging makers will continue to be an important part of the Crafts Council's professional development strategy, and further developments and any new programmes will be announced on this page and in our e-bulletin.

Next Move background

The Next Move scheme has run for eight years. Working in partnership with Higher and Further Education Institutions, Next Move has supported 56 makers, all new graduates from BA and MA applied arts and 3D design courses. By providing annual, two-year placements at leading higher education institutions throughout the UK, with access to workspace and specialist equipment, maintenance and equipment grants and business training and support, it has allowed these makers to set up creative practices within a protective environment and supportive framework.

In a survey of recipients, 89% of respondents stated that their practice changed as a result of participating in Next Move. Nearly a third, 30%, said that it had helped them to open up new markets, locally or internationally.

'I have managed to set up a business with skill and confidence' Next Move Evaluation, BOP Consulting, 2008.

Current Recipients

There are currently eight placements running, based at six colleges.

Bath Spa University - Ekta Kaul, textiles; and Claire Loder, ceramics
School of Jewellery, Birmingham - Kathryn Partington, jewellery
University of Sunderland - Shannon Clegg, ceramics
University of Wolverhampton - Clare Willard, textiles; and Heather Gillespie, glass
UWIC, Cardiff - Michelle Aked, ceramics
Swansea Metropolitan University - Anthea Walsh, textiles

This intake commenced in autumn 2007 and will complete in autumn 2009 (Group G).

For more information please contact the Maker Development team. Email: makerdev@craftscouncil.org.uk