Our Information Service aims to provide reliable and relevant signposting and information to everyone interested in contemporary craft.
A tailored service for contemporary craft
Whether you are a maker, a student, a gallerist, or a supplier, our resources can help you find the information you need and help you promote your work or services. Here you will find all the starting points you'll need to explore your options no matter what level your expertise.
-
Our online resource - The Craft Directory
Search for makers in our National Register of Makers, find opportunities in your discipline, and locate a supplier or advice service.
The Craft Directory lists over 4,000 makers, organisations and opportunities. It is an extensive and bespoke directory of information for contemporary craft practice.
-
-
Do you have services or opportunities for craftspeople?
If your organisation would like to be listed in the Craft Directory, or you have a great opportunity to offer to makers, please contact the Research & Information Team on reference@craftscouncil.org.uk.
Join the National Register of Makers
If you are a maker working in a contemporary craft discipline, creating new and innovative work, and generating a proportion of your income from your practice, you are eligible to join our online directory of makers.
Find out more -
Studying Craft
If you are looking to study craft, the Creative Choices website is a good starting-point, full of career information and inspiration. Hotcourses is another great service if you are searching for a particular course, and covers every level from evening classes to undergraduate degrees.
Search our online directory for further learning providers -
Developing your craft career
There are a variety of agencies that offer Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for craftspeople. They include national and regional agencies such as CIDA (Cultural Industries Development Agency) in East London, CIBAS (Creative Industries Business Advisory Service) in the South East, and Intellectual Property advisory service Own It.
Online business development resources such as NESTA's Enterprise Toolkit and the Business Start Up Guide from The Design Trust are an excellent starting point and are free to access.
Search our online directory to identify advisory services in your region -
Sourcing funding
Securing funding for projects and new equipment can be challenging, but not impossible. Your first steps are to contact your local Arts Council England regional office, and find out if your Local Authority has a dedicated Arts Officer or Creative Industries Officer who you might approach for guidance. A guide to useful contacts in the regions of England can be found on the Voluntary Arts Network website. The CPD agencies listed above will also be able to help.
Sign up to our mailing list to stay informed of our work and our maker development programme. -
More questions...
If you have further queries, you can contact us on reference@craftscouncil.org.uk.
