tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16807282259737168782024-03-05T05:24:58.125-08:00North West Craft NetworkPromoting the best of contemporary craft in the North WestAdministrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-16155984070266897962022-01-27T08:27:00.005-08:002022-02-04T08:00:30.601-08:00The NW Craft Network have a new website!<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuqZF446IiPmQHNCCf50TsILm_FqXL3XfyWDxYCbTCgXu0KN6bMETtri1lNY8KU4W2m_6qL-BCdiPrsSwWJ7BaMqtL-WMEcZLDb6u0D27SagKcPorZZgJrvzvtM9bnrvKl5QzReN8mZthtwvmP57ZRuUQM0rrPjcTgAhwWqZ3b5R5fGCtlGGixYaxQ=s612" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A craft maker stand on her ceramics studio with her dog" border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="612" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuqZF446IiPmQHNCCf50TsILm_FqXL3XfyWDxYCbTCgXu0KN6bMETtri1lNY8KU4W2m_6qL-BCdiPrsSwWJ7BaMqtL-WMEcZLDb6u0D27SagKcPorZZgJrvzvtM9bnrvKl5QzReN8mZthtwvmP57ZRuUQM0rrPjcTgAhwWqZ3b5R5fGCtlGGixYaxQ=w400-h266" title="Katherine Lees, a resident maker at Manchester Craft and Design Centre" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katherine Lees, a resident maker at Manchester Craft and Design Centre</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We're delighted to announce we've updated our <a href="http://www.nwcraftnetwork.org.uk">website</a>. We've made changes to reflect our aim to welcome more people and change to reflect current issues and times. This one will no longer be updated. <p></p><p>We'll see you over there!</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.nwcraftnetwork.org.uk">www.nwcraftnetwork.org.uk</a></b></span><br /></p>Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-72653612217837882362021-10-11T09:16:00.001-07:002021-10-11T09:16:37.865-07:00Not exactly plain sailing...<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="376">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Link"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:107%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]--></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3K_WdcVOEvLyVheL3PEC7-wba3b9ek6yToiMKngApMyxNEmbgDcOIysfDttWhs-P7LtrWDTzQ0JR_lrgLaOgdmoyJ0fmIMKqGZklncG3GtECYm8Joo_qNSCUk4SHfAGaMHFERpWnpCA/s1121/Ship_portrait%252C_by_J._Sempill_1874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1121" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3K_WdcVOEvLyVheL3PEC7-wba3b9ek6yToiMKngApMyxNEmbgDcOIysfDttWhs-P7LtrWDTzQ0JR_lrgLaOgdmoyJ0fmIMKqGZklncG3GtECYm8Joo_qNSCUk4SHfAGaMHFERpWnpCA/w501-h319/Ship_portrait%252C_by_J._Sempill_1874.jpg" width="501" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joseph Sempill ( Irish, active 1867-1874), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">In May 2021, the North West Craft Network took some time to
explore the opportunities and the difficulties that the pandemic has presented
to us, and examined what we thought our priorities should be for the next year
or so. We're just wrapping up our work on our priorities, but in a nutshell they will be: Wellbeing and the value of craft; diversity and inclusion and maker support. More on that soon, but in the meantime, here’s a summary of what we felt was pushing us forward, what has potential,
and what is holding us back…</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Pushing us forward</b></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">While the pandemic had brought great turbulence, problems,
and hardship, it has also brought an opportunity to think about doing things
differently and a push to accelerate change. Makers and organisations have
tried new platforms and been forced to find funding – all of which are
experiences that can be built upon. Forced to look for stay at home activities
that are nourishing, social and accessible, people have rediscovered the value
of everyday making and creativity in unprecedented levels.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Within the North West Craft Network, we have a wide range of
fantastic organisations working together. Access to a group of people outside
of our small teams has expanded the possibility to access other ways of doing
and thinking about things by providing a diversity of perspectives. Within that
network, not only do we have a wealth of collective skills, knowledge, and
expertise, but members are passionate about craft and making and about how
their organisations support it along with goodwill and willingness to share. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Areas of potential</b></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The increased public engagement with craft and perceived
value of creativity by both public and professional together has been brought
into sharp focus by the pandemic. Together with a weariness in throwaway
consumerism in the young, this is something that the craft sector can respond
to and build upon. The pandemic has given us a unique opportunity to make a new
normal.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Holding us back</b></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Despite the things pushing us forward and the potential for
growth, there are hard realities such as reduced funding and increased
competition for the funding that there is. Everyone is short of time and
resources and has to balance their organisation’s priorities with that of the
craft sector nationally and regionally. We are not diverse enough either in our
network or in the wider sector, and there is sometimes a lack of clarity over
what it is we are trying to achieve, leading to a feeling of there being too
much talking and not enough doing.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Within the wider context, we are facing a
recession and ongoing economic hardship that will impact on us all. And while
there are many creative graduates, they are not exploring craft as a career. We
need to attract more and work out how to support them. Alongside this there is an
emerging tension between hobbyist and professional approaches to craft, between
the democracy of making on the one hand and the perceived elitism and
exclusivity of professional craft on the other.</span></span></span><p> </p>Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-37852332759216922542020-08-12T08:38:00.005-07:002021-08-17T09:24:04.420-07:00Supporting the Craft Council's 'Let's Craft' Appeal<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRD1VEelyrXNt0dIQAzUpf9hVxWstKMRv6-wAF1ZGU-sYzqxXMa4tNVGxqTiWSHP52gyznYxZkMxS2gL1f7NVXQSn3CCyOz63tWxASs9tJBjWB0NCERq6q8f8Kg33iEz4f16PoyCOvMj8/s2048/18.+Students+from+Bygrove+School+with+Let%2527s+Craft+pack.+Photo+Kingsley+Koranteng.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Children opening craft materials packs" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRD1VEelyrXNt0dIQAzUpf9hVxWstKMRv6-wAF1ZGU-sYzqxXMa4tNVGxqTiWSHP52gyznYxZkMxS2gL1f7NVXQSn3CCyOz63tWxASs9tJBjWB0NCERq6q8f8Kg33iEz4f16PoyCOvMj8/w400-h267/18.+Students+from+Bygrove+School+with+Let%2527s+Craft+pack.+Photo+Kingsley+Koranteng.jpg" title="18. Students from Bygrove School with Let's Craft pack. Photo Kingsley Koranteng" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students from Bygrove School with Let's Craft pack. Photo Kingsley Koranteng<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p>The North West Craft Network delighted to support the Crafts Council’s Let's Craft appeal.</p><p><br />The COVID-19 pandemic has meant hundreds of thousands of children stuck<br />at home do not have access to basic art materials. Pencils and paper are<br />luxuries for families that are financially stretched to the limit.</p><p><br />Let’s Craft packs contain pens, pencils, brushes, paints, a canvas, a<br />scrapbook and activity resource, meaning children can be creative throughout<br />the summer. The packs are distributed to families in the most need of support<br />through a network of community hubs and food banks across England.</p><p><br />Thousands of children have received packs already, but Crafts Council wants to raise<br />£100,000 this summer to distribute 10,000 packs.</p><p><br />Buy a £10 Let's Craft pack today to support the wellbeing and development of<br />a child in need of support.</p><p><br />Text CRAFT to 70085 to donate £10 or online at <a href="http://www.bit.ly/LetsCraft">www.bit.ly/LetsCraft</a><br /></p>Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-3251055244688009612020-03-26T09:05:00.006-07:002020-08-12T08:11:47.035-07:00Covid-19 Craft Sector Support and Information<div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", sans-serif;"></span></span></b></div><p>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", sans-serif;">Many organisations, nationally and locally, are doing what they can to support makers. Here are a few and we'll update this as more information comes through. [Updated August 12 2020]</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", sans-serif;"><b>Crafts Council </b>In order to support our craft community at this time Crafts Council have created a page on the website with the most useful advice and resources as well as regular updates as and when they happen <a href="https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/stories/information-craft-businesses-during-covid-19-pandemic">https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/stories/information-craft-businesses-during-covid-19-pandemic</a><b><br /> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", sans-serif;"><b>Creative Lancashire </b><a href="https://mailmanager.hotfootdesign.co.uk/t/ViewEmail/r/066BD6801788237F2540EF23F30FEDED/CAA06318916971B4F1E87EB810D8F10A" target="_blank">Information and links</a> to support the creative sector</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", sans-serif;"><b>The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)</b> have temporarily made all of their member-only resources free to everyone - information covers topics ranging from governance to safeguarding, funding to campaigns.<br /><a href="https://knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/site-homepage#">https://knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/site-homepage#</a></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", sans-serif;"><b>Arts Council England</b> have resumed their Project Grants and because of the circumstances during this period, are particularly keen to support:<br /><br />• applications from individual creative practitioners (including time to think and plan)<br /><br />• research and development activity<br /><br />• organisational development activity<br /><br />• live activity that can be safely delivered within this period (rather than activity with a start date far in the future)<br /><br />• activity that closely aligns with ACE Equality Objectives</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span face="" style="font-family: "arial", sans-serif;">A new<b> Economic Regional Development Fund</b> (ERDF) is about to launch (End of August) to Support SME restart and recovery. Delivered via local Growth Hubs <a href="https://www.lepnetwork.net/local-growth-hub-contacts/">https://www.lepnetwork.net/local-growth-hub-contacts/</a><br /></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-89146364568499814592020-01-17T07:53:00.001-08:002020-01-17T07:54:48.946-08:00What we're working on in 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpMKgISB_kADEz2ykMV3auftDlSjc1xKoyHCv9EwWiFMktDpSB18e6ZuOJTf80pOGdoUHun_enlZj196OE-z0IBbumn5sbaoepHrIk_cFO9l0yYgGgp_qmYXUESeJuraUe34AV2YJ5d4/s1600/NORTH+WEST+CRAFT+NETWORK+LOGO+without+border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="1600" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpMKgISB_kADEz2ykMV3auftDlSjc1xKoyHCv9EwWiFMktDpSB18e6ZuOJTf80pOGdoUHun_enlZj196OE-z0IBbumn5sbaoepHrIk_cFO9l0yYgGgp_qmYXUESeJuraUe34AV2YJ5d4/s400/NORTH+WEST+CRAFT+NETWORK+LOGO+without+border.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Intelligence exchange</b><br />
<ul>
<li>There has been a lively exchange of research, inspiration and information. Exhibition invitations have been shared to attend various events including (by no means exhaustive) various exhibitions and events for The British Textile Biennial, The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair, The Bluecoat Display Centre JÖL Exhibition, Gordon Baldwin and Matthew Harris exhib, Marketplace Studio events, Great Northern Graduates at Manchester Craft and Design Centre, Halima Cassell at Manchester Art Gallery. Plus invitations to the Textile and Place Conference 2020 hosted by Manchester School of Art
<b> </b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Sharing members’ expertise and good practice</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Three specialists in Craft and Wellbeing shared skills and information at September meeting, following on from last year’s successful input on Audience Development. We will be planning future inputs at our next meeting in March 2020. </li>
<li>Jacqui Wood of ARC (Arts in the Community, Stockport) and Donna Claypool of University of Bolton plan to meet about the possibility of ARC doing a presentation or even developing a mini-module on socially engaged art. </li>
<li>Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair is working with Manchester Craft and Design Centre to present makers from the Great Northern Graduates section of the Fair. They are looking into whether this could be a longer term arrangement. </li>
<li>Alice Kettle of MMU is aiming to connect us with PhD research around leadership in the craft sector
ARC moved to the Hatworks in December and has invited NWCN members to a special opening and consultation to take place in March
<b> </b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Building the case for the value of craft</b><br />
<ul>
<li>We continue to work on out collective letter to educational policy makers from leaders in the NW Craft sector outlining the essential part that craft education plays in sustaining the Creative Industries and our social and cultural capital both in the short and long term. Following feedback from various people aiming to influence Educational Policy makers, we have decided on a change of tack and will be gathering the material into a succinct form and to link with the Craft’s Council’s Make Your Future campaign – to encourage grassroots change affecting the region. The team will meet to discuss this in early 2020
<b> </b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Building infrastructure for collaborative work and resource sharing (joint projects and exhibitions)</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Rebecca Hill of Gallery Oldham has gathered a working group NW touring craft showcase and collections visits are planned in 2020 </li>
<li>Several members are looking to create events that can be part of the Craft’s Council Year of Craft 2021, and we will explore possibilities for shared promotion. E.g. The University of Bolton is looking into running a symposium along the lines of the NWCN’s successful ‘Shaping the Future’ event held in 2016. This will be on the agenda of the March meeting </li>
<li>Sam Rhodes at The Bluecoat Display Centre, Nicola Scott of Liverpool Museums and Colin Simpson of Wirral Museums Service have worked together to successfully apply to the Art Fund for a grant to fund a project looking at reanimating craft within the collections, culminating in an exhibition in 2021 and an element of curatorial development which will allow sharing of information and outcomes with the wider Network. </li>
<li>The Jerwood Makers Open will come to Manchester City Gallery in early 2020 and we are exploring the possibility of contributing to a curatorial development event to coincide with the event, in partnership with other organisations.
<b> </b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Supporting a healthy craft ecology</b><br />
<ul>
<li>The NWCN is vigorously participating in the Craft UK forum to increase connectivity and the flow of information between crafts organisations widely across the UK. We will be seeking to join a wider national group in the Craft UK Form that w ill take place as part of Collect in 2020</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblPixc95pvhq9YyPaUXoJMMYU8EzZVCT3jm4W48406fr9zXkSRdofr5M-ClC7Xxl_VldLZumj15BAZE71jl3QnFGbb1YuUdpJMpi_ZYD_BMG87GRQZxa9TMVWXwtgvJwUCCdmtotwwCk/s1600/lottery__black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="1600" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblPixc95pvhq9YyPaUXoJMMYU8EzZVCT3jm4W48406fr9zXkSRdofr5M-ClC7Xxl_VldLZumj15BAZE71jl3QnFGbb1YuUdpJMpi_ZYD_BMG87GRQZxa9TMVWXwtgvJwUCCdmtotwwCk/s320/lottery__black.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-78997336056031303912019-10-30T09:47:00.000-07:002019-10-30T09:48:03.879-07:00What the Network has achieved since its relaunch in April 2019<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Intelligence exchange</span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">There has been a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">lively
exchange of research, inspiration and information</b>. </span></li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">From <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Craft exhibitions</b>
(Too many to mention all, but….., Alex Sickling at Manchester Craft and
Design Centre (MCDC), Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF)
Sheffield, Pottery Pioneers celebrating <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the positive impact of ceramics on
mental health (ARC, Stockport), Go Eco, Adam Ross, Collected and Jane
Adam at the Bluecoat Display Centre), the Festival of Making, Textile
Biennial,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Activities at the MMU
Marketplace Stockport, , The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair,
Halima Cassell’s exhibition at Manchester Art Gallery, events and
exhibitions at ARC Stockport<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">…..to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">conferences and
talks</b> (Heritage Craft Association Conference, Why Craft Matters at
Harewood House,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CERI (Cultural
Education Research Initiative) Conference at Tate Liverpool, The Festival
of Making, 2020 Textile and Place Conference) </span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Sharing members’ expertise and
good practice</span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">At our march 2019 meeting<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Jo
Kay, an audience development specialist and NWCN member has shaped and
delivered a</b> session on<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">
‘Audience Targeting for Craft Sales’ </b>for regular members of the
Network and wider contacts in the NW who might benefit. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">For our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">September 2019 meeting</b>
three speakers presented on Craft and Well Being: Vicky Charnock, Arts for
Health lead at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and two case studies by
Verity Pulford, a maker who completed a residency/commission at the Walton
Centre about the impact on a maker’s practice and Jacqui Wood – Artistic
Director of ARC (Arts in the Community) Stockport about the Pottery
Pioneers Project/Craft with Mums with Post Natal Depression. </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Building the case for the value of
craft</span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We continue to work on out <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">collective
letter</b> to educational policy makers from leaders in the NW Craft
sector outlining the essential part that craft education plays in
sustaining the Creative Industries and our social and cultural capital
both in the short and long term. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
letter has been drafted and we have gathered responses from those in the
section who will see and feel the impact on culture, employment and
communities further down the line.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Building infrastructure for collaborative
work and resource sharing (joint projects and exhibitions)</span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rebecca Hill of Gallery Oldham has gathered a working group <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NW touring craft showcase</b>. Additional
galleries have expressed an interest. There is still the possibility of
this being part of the Crafts Council’s Year of Craft in 2021 and have
explored angles and themes. A collections meeting took place in Liverpool
at the Walker Art Gallery. Several outcomes are possible, and Nicola Scott
is preparing a draft proposal for a craft show in a showcase at the Walker
for discussion by the programming team. Further collections visits are
planned to gain an understanding what is in our collections that we could
explore in a show.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The Jerwood Makers Open</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> will come to Manchester City Gallery in early
2020 and we have explored the possibility of staging a curatorial
development event in collaboration with MAG. </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Supporting a healthy craft ecology</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We generated and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">took part
in numerous discussions about how to create a healthy craft sector</b>
from nourishing future creative to developing resilient leaders. For
example, the Festival of making created business support events for
makers.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We created a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">new logo</b> (see
above )to give the work of the NWCN a visual identity. Great Northern
Events chipped in to support us to create a simple text based logo for
members to use.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We put together some ‘Terms of Reference’ to aid new members to
the group and to encourage free and prolific information exchange.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NWCN is vigorously
participating in the Craft UK forum</b> to increase connectivity and the
flow of information between crafts organisations widely across the UK</span></li>
</ul>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Courier New";
panose-1:2 7 3 9 2 2 5 2 4 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073711037 9 0 511 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:2;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:0 268435456 0 0 -2147483648 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0cm;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB;}
p.MsoHeader, li.MsoHeader, div.MsoHeader
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-link:"Header Char";
margin:0cm;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
tab-stops:center 216.0pt right 432.0pt;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB;}
span.HeaderChar
{mso-style-name:"Header Char";
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:Header;
mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-size:10.0pt;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:595.3pt 841.9pt;
margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt;
mso-header-margin:1.0cm;
mso-footer-margin:35.4pt;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:719523937;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:-1298117558 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l1
{mso-list-id:1252930136;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:545804456 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l1:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l1:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l1:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l1:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l1:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l1:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l2
{mso-list-id:1558935924;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:508040230 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l2:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l2:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l2:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l2:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l2:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l2:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l3
{mso-list-id:1565943973;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:-2063985610 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l3:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l3:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l3:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l3:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l3:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l3:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l3:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l3:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l3:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0cm;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0cm;}
</style>
-->Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-58752796799078749622019-06-13T06:01:00.001-07:002019-06-13T06:01:35.848-07:00The North West Craft Network: how it works<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxKflbmytgQNiTcocUpPlUJOrYG3QfReIovjj4lC4-xAwUvQSriykRbLMqCM18_L7JtQJZmXafODNXYJm3obaf1IkUF5c5YGqh5808LWEXNK7ISh2e7TA33_RuO6DPiWfpguVMFi4O9o/s1600/NORTH+WEST+CRAFT+NETWORK+LOGO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="1600" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxKflbmytgQNiTcocUpPlUJOrYG3QfReIovjj4lC4-xAwUvQSriykRbLMqCM18_L7JtQJZmXafODNXYJm3obaf1IkUF5c5YGqh5808LWEXNK7ISh2e7TA33_RuO6DPiWfpguVMFi4O9o/s400/NORTH+WEST+CRAFT+NETWORK+LOGO.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The North West Craft Network (NWCN) was set up in 2012 by a
group of organisations with a connection to contemporary craft. This is how the North West Craft Network works, its 'terms and consitions' if you like:<br />
<br />
The aim
of the NWCN is to work together to interrogate and improve the
following <br />
<blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Market development including developing the collectors market<br />Maker development, improving access to funding, studios, equipment and support<br />Perception and advocacy of the craft sector in the region<br />Curatorial development including critical writing</b></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>The
NWCN is simply made up its members, there is no separate ‘NWCN’ only a
budget for a small amount of admin connected with its meetings and
promoting our operation as a Network. We work within our own resources
to do better together what we usually do alone, sharing ideas, resource
and expertise around contemporary craft.</li>
<li>Members share news
about events, openings, research via email. It’s important to do this
directly, not via the coordinator - our aim is to get information
flowing freely through the Network, not all going through a gatekeeper.
If you’re a member, you can get an up to date list of other members from
the co-ordinator. By joining the Network, it’s implied that you wish to
share your work (or other supplied) email with your fellow
professionals in it.</li>
<li>There are 2 meetings a year (and 2 steering group meetings to discuss finance and reporting)</li>
<li>We try and arrange a speaker and one or both meetings who addresses an issue of interest to members</li>
<li>Members
arrange meetings with other members if they see an area of shared
interest or a potential partnership on an ad hoc basis and to suit their
own schedules.</li>
<li>Members sometimes come up with a project or idea
to work on collectively and we usually create a working group of
interested parties for these. For instance a collective letter (led by
Tom Sutton of Bolton University) around educational policy, curatorial
development events around the Jerwood Makers Open (Jennie McKellar of
MAG) when it comes to Manchester or a NW touring craft show (Rebecca
Hill, Gallery Oldham). </li>
<li>We have discussed whether we might apply
for funding for projects, but this very much depends on whether
individual members feel they can lead and resource this. If
co-ordination time is needed, this would have to be resourced as well.</li>
<li>We have a logo. You can use this to promote events activites and news that you feel should be badged as a 'Network event'. </li>
</ul>
Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-26655458876503284752019-02-11T07:45:00.001-08:002019-02-11T07:57:09.397-08:00What the NW Craft Network has achieved - Autumn/Winter 2018<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Connections and ideas
continue to flow for the North West Craft Network. Ideas, small and large,
hatched in the early part of the year are slowly coming to fruit, and we are
beginning to revisit more ambitious plans that were seeded in early years and
we now have the firmer foundation to start to make these things happen. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Intelligence exchange</span></b></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Research, exhibition invitiations and information exchanged
widely. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Awards and opportunities for makers shared with Development Group
and wider networks. As a result of connections made through the NW Craft
network in 2014 Liam Hopkins was shortlisted <a href="https://www.artsfoundation.co.uk/art/hopkins">for Arts Foundation’s
Designer Maker of the year award 2019</a>. </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Sharing members’ expertise and good practice</span></b></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jo Kay, an audience development specialist and member of the
network has shaped an ‘Audience Targeting for Craft Sales’ session for the
next Meeting of the NW Craft Development Group (early 2019). This part of
the meeting has been opened more widely to organisations who don’t usually
attend the meeting but who sell craft. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Crafts Council launched UK Craft Network, and we’ve talked with
their lead on this to see how we can connect our North West members into this
national network, exchange information and ideas, best practice and advocate
for North West craft.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">ARC’s (Arts for Recovery in the Community) CPD programme for
volunteers on their Pottery Pioneers project is underway and will engage
Network members to train volunteers. </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Building the case for the value of craft</span></b></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">A task group will meet in early 2019 to workshop a collective
letter about the value of Craft to Education for circulation to
educational policy makers. </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Building infrastructure for collaborative work and
resource sharing (joint projects and exhibitions)</span></b></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The Network will revisit its plans for an outstanding NW
generated Craft showcase touring exhibition at our next meeting in March.
This follows on from initial research in the previous years of the network.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The Jerwood Makers Open will come to Manchester City Gallery and
members are keen to get involved with collaborative projects. This will be
developed at the next meeting.</span></li>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Supporting a healthy craft ecology</span></b></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Manchester Craft and Design Centre connected with the lead on the <a href="https://www.gmconsult.org/business-innovation-and-enterprise/gmculture2018/">Greater
Manchester Cultural Strategy</a> and we will be exploring
collaborations.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Inspired by discussions around nourishing makers of the future, Manchester Art Gallery has decided to
put on another Future Creative Event in March 2019. Students will be
invited to respond to the gallery's displays to make products for sale in
the gallery shop</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Professional coach and maker Victoria Scholes delivered the third of three
business review days for residents and networks of Manchester Craft and
Design Centre in January 2019.</span></li>
</ul>
Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-39367537462585154932018-10-30T10:27:00.001-07:002018-10-30T10:27:35.407-07:00North West Craft Network - what we've achievedHere are just a few things the NW Craft Network has been working on in the last six months. Get in touch if you see anything that interests you, you can see a potential for partnership or something that you want to get involved with...<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Intelligence exchange</b></h2>
<ul>
<li>Excellent NW Craft exhibitions - invitations shared, including Thread Bearing Witness by Alice Kettle at the Whitworth, The Other in Mother (with ARC) at Manchester Art Gallery), Eunmi Kim at Manchester Craft And Design Centre, The University of Bolton School of the Arts Commemorative Show, Kate Hayward at Manchester Art Gallery, Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair, Alice Rawsthorn Lecture at Bluecoat Display Centre to name just a few.</li>
<li>Relevant Research exchanged. For example, research from Cockpit Arts about disruptions in the craft sector, The Crafts Council’s new video series ‘What’s Your Craft’, and Tom Sutton’s presentation ‘No Line on the Horizon’ summarising how current educational policy could impact on craft education and attainment in the future.</li>
<li>Awards and opportunities for makers shared with Development Group and wider networks</li>
</ul>
<h2>
Sharing members’ expertise and good practice</h2>
<ul>
<li>An ‘Audience Targeting for Craft Sales’ session for organisations selling craftwill be offered by specialist Jo Kay at the next Meeting of the NW Craft Development Group (March 2019)</li>
<li>Exploring the value of craft for health and wellbeing: Contact has been made with Clive Parkinson of The Manchester Institute for Arts, Health and Social Change to discuss potential speaks on craft and wellbeing for a future meeting. </li>
<li>ARC (Arts for Recovery in the Community) are creating a development programme for volunteers that will connect with various Network members and their expertise and experience.</li>
<li>Manchester Folk Festival created a programme of craft workshops to complement their music, driven by Jo Kay and encouraged by network members.</li>
<li>Building the case for the value of craft : We’re preparing a collective letter about the value of Craft to Education for circulation to educational policy makers</li>
</ul>
<h2>
Building infrastructure for collaborative work and resource sharing (joint projects and exhibitions)</h2>
<ul>
<li>Conversation is still bubbling away about making an outstanding NW generated Craft showcase touring exhibition happen. This follows on from initial research in the previous years of the NWCN </li>
<li>Bluecoat Display Centre is talking with ARC about outreach programmes and funding opportunities and ARC’s contact with Bolton School of Art has lead to tutor Faye Power being offered an exhibition ‘Movement Maps’ at ARC Gallery in Spring 2019</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
Supporting a healthy craft ecology</h2>
<ul>
<li>Professional coach and maker Victoria Scholes delivered a business review day for contacts of Manchester Craft and Design Centre in August 2018. Plans are underway for a further day to be offered in January 2019.</li>
<li>Manchester Craft and Design Centre (MCDC) continues to look at collaborations that will build the scale, value and audience for craft. Currently they are working with Yorkshire Artspace. Future possibilities include Creative Lancashire, NESTA, Crafts Council and ARC. </li>
</ul>
Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-64920702179765265962018-05-16T10:43:00.001-07:002018-05-16T10:46:55.616-07:00The North West Craft Network is back in action!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After a between-funding break, the NW Craft Network is back.<br />
<br />
We’re delighted to say that the <a href="https://www.craftanddesign.com/">Manchester Craft and Design Centre</a> has been awarded some funding to pay for administrative support for the Network. This will allow us to meet and share information to help support contemporary craft in the North West. <br />
<br />
More to follow soon, but for the moment we’re getting our data in order and sending out emails to ask if you want to stay in touch.<br />
<br />
You can opt in to receive emails from us <a href="http://eepurl.com/duef1T">here</a>: <br />
<br /></div>
Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-31880624272462183742017-02-27T12:10:00.003-08:002017-02-27T12:10:47.686-08:00North West Craft Network - more news soon!We're between projects at the moment while we work on a funding plan for our goals around bringing makers and Museums together; developing a top quality touring craft exhibition for the North West and incubating our amazing NW talent.<br />
<br />
Watch this space for news about what next....Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-45278583858828365002016-09-12T07:36:00.004-07:002016-10-06T03:45:25.009-07:00What next for the North West Craft Network<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b>The North West Craft Network is planning an ambitious three-year
programme to build an entrepreneurial, resilient and outstanding craft
community in the North West that is positioned firmly at the heart of
the region’s creative industries. </b><br />
<b><br />We aim to grow the
market, build audiences, increase revenue, incubate makers and keep
our craft talent working and showing in the region.</b><br />
<br />
To
kick-start these plans, we’ll be aiming to run a series of three
pilots, funded (we hope) with a £15K bid to Grants for the Arts, matched
with funding from Network members. Key elements are:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Makers and Museums.</b></span>
Developing and testing a model for the sale of high quality craft in NW
museum retail spaces that will increase revenue and build the markets
and audience for craft to the advantage of both makers and museums.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Developing a proposal for a touring NW exhibition.</b> </span>A
collective approach makes a stronger sector: we'll share expertise and
collectively develop an outstanding idea for a touring craft show that
will create a big message about craft, invigorate collections,
commission new work and develop significant new audiences.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Incubation.</b> </span>Exploring and testing sustainable options to develop and keep craft talent in the NW in the long term. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwUALKJBhEVCCHcnLj52gW5QHYSCAHabsVbUAlPaQBxc38-mOhXtBPttowfgZrouvJSX5na9MLJ1xHozAiaPLda0h9M1pKjV09rVl3XC-ch_7kF75Gy7bcSfWBuHq9aOKGZJMlBtwXjs/s1600/Slide1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwUALKJBhEVCCHcnLj52gW5QHYSCAHabsVbUAlPaQBxc38-mOhXtBPttowfgZrouvJSX5na9MLJ1xHozAiaPLda0h9M1pKjV09rVl3XC-ch_7kF75Gy7bcSfWBuHq9aOKGZJMlBtwXjs/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
All this comes from the <a href="http://nwcraftnetwork.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/results-from-data-gathered-for-our.html">opinions and data</a> we gathered over the last two years from a wide range of craft professionals in the North West. The
programme proposes a way to enhance the vitality of the North West craft sector
and make it a recognised centre for national activity and excellence. <br />
<br />
To decide how to go forward, we asked ourselves a few key questions. What will we do best as <a href="http://nwcraftnetwork.blogspot.co.uk/p/about-network.html">this particular group of people</a>? Some things are best done by individuals, partnerships or small groups - what can NW Craft Network do as a group that no other group could naturally do? What is ambitious and far reaching in its scope? And lastly and more practically, what is feasible for us to do?<br />
<br />
If we're successful in our bid to ACE, we should be up and running with this in early 2017. Watch this space for more, keep an eye on our Twitter account <a href="https://twitter.com/nwcraftnetwork">@nwcraftnetwork</a>, or <a href="http://nwcraftnetwork.blogspot.co.uk/p/contact-us.html">sign up</a> to our mailing list.<br />
<br />Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-31436024721688035902016-09-12T07:36:00.000-07:002016-10-06T01:12:05.461-07:00Results from data gathered for our 'Growing the Craft Ecology: 2' project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77VQECUoYy70dPxfmh-UewLvq-u44QUkJwXlCx9Y-uiGFB0ON7u5XYB6joxo86p0FHv2NSK7gxX7NtgFhRm1OxbEKKFAspuzDoKtjToh3-pkuzC6db8mMs0ZOQpMnQngTi145fWVGnv4/s1600/IMG_7495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77VQECUoYy70dPxfmh-UewLvq-u44QUkJwXlCx9Y-uiGFB0ON7u5XYB6joxo86p0FHv2NSK7gxX7NtgFhRm1OxbEKKFAspuzDoKtjToh3-pkuzC6db8mMs0ZOQpMnQngTi145fWVGnv4/s400/IMG_7495.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
The NW Craft Network has been spending the year talking to makers, galleries, museums, craft and arts organisations from the region about what would make the most difference in terms of strengthening craft in the North West.<br />
<br />
We thought you'd like to know what came out of it all.<br />
<br />
<b>One of our priority areas was maker development. This is what you said would make the most difference:</b><br />
<br />
• Professional development: coaching, mentoring, workshops<br />
• Incubation studios for emerging makers <br />
• Exhibitions and Residencies in NW venues<br />
<br />
<b>We've been looking at how to develop the market. This is what you said about that:</b><br />
<br />
• Take a group of NW makers to new audiences <br />
• Makers and Museums – how they can work together for mutual economic benefit and to build audiences <br />
• A big NW (or Northern) Craft Festival <br />
<br />
<b>And with regards to advocacy about craft, that is, building confidence, getting the good news out there and promoting the sector within the NW and beyond, you picked out:</b><br />
<br />
• Reposition craft as part of the creative industries <br />
• An award of an international residency <br />
• A public facing website celebrating NW craft (but there were widely ranging opinions on how to deliver this) <br />
• Advocacy and education in community and schools <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuivLZvCXb_ceR9-_yh-gkqs9U5A8Or7xuP03hiD_Zw-RstEPJnvIQvczzm1jFC83-Zj5TTfi5oD-kIBd1plyUH6ETjADD1jru65c9zgCn0GUljKt_EBm13pX61_mkIiF3T7WkXQ_rYfw/s1600/P1010961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuivLZvCXb_ceR9-_yh-gkqs9U5A8Or7xuP03hiD_Zw-RstEPJnvIQvczzm1jFC83-Zj5TTfi5oD-kIBd1plyUH6ETjADD1jru65c9zgCn0GUljKt_EBm13pX61_mkIiF3T7WkXQ_rYfw/s320/P1010961.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>And finally, we wanted to see how we could develop our curators and curating of craft in the NW. These things were highlighted:</b><br />
<br />
• An international project – an exchange or collaboration with international venues and makers <br />
• Invigorating craft collections – a project across NW venues where makers respond to collections <br />
• A high profile touring exhibition of contemporary craft <br />
• Open studio tours to meet NW artists <br />
• Partnerships between freelance and collections curators to develop exhibition ideas <br />
• Work with online platforms for more craft presence <br />
• Digitisation of craft collections in NW museums and galleries <br />
<br />
We've had a chance to sift through all of these and think about what to do next, and that's the subject of our next post…click <a href="http://nwcraftnetwork.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/what-next-for-north-west-craft-network.html">here</a> to viewAdministrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-70433817898560633822016-04-15T07:05:00.000-07:002016-10-11T02:34:07.824-07:00Top Five Product Photography Tips for Makers <style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0cm;
margin-right:0cm;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:blue;
mso-themecolor:hyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
color:purple;
mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
margin-top:0cm;
margin-right:0cm;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:36.0pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0cm;
margin-right:0cm;
margin-bottom:0cm;
margin-left:36.0pt;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0cm;
margin-right:0cm;
margin-bottom:0cm;
margin-left:36.0pt;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0cm;
margin-right:0cm;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:36.0pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-size:11.0pt;
mso-ansi-font-size:11.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
line-height:115%;}
@page WordSection1
{size:612.0pt 792.0pt;
margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt;
mso-header-margin:36.0pt;
mso-footer-margin:36.0pt;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:1355228580;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:-1983751876 1687575620 134807577 134807579 134807567 134807577 134807579 134807567 134807577 134807579;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:32.2pt;
text-indent:-18.0pt;
mso-ansi-font-weight:normal;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:68.2pt;
text-indent:-18.0pt;}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:roman-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:right;
margin-left:104.2pt;
text-indent:-9.0pt;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:140.2pt;
text-indent:-18.0pt;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:176.2pt;
text-indent:-18.0pt;}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:roman-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:right;
margin-left:212.2pt;
text-indent:-9.0pt;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:248.2pt;
text-indent:-18.0pt;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:284.2pt;
text-indent:-18.0pt;}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:roman-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:right;
margin-left:320.2pt;
text-indent:-9.0pt;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0cm;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0cm;}
</style><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJhQWiP6uueYfuCdxelvHI8fQgKWzr4P_3Pv-1XFeqSE825u8kTtoUWTajkn_lQhbCZ7LpLE1WsRwUdfqZG_0hXY1QVDv2PlM3kncKb6dOJD88VI8uNqR7DeHUS9kWafF-a59DT87e5E/s1600/DSC01711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJhQWiP6uueYfuCdxelvHI8fQgKWzr4P_3Pv-1XFeqSE825u8kTtoUWTajkn_lQhbCZ7LpLE1WsRwUdfqZG_0hXY1QVDv2PlM3kncKb6dOJD88VI8uNqR7DeHUS9kWafF-a59DT87e5E/s320/DSC01711.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">@Janet Broughton</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Professional photographer Janet Broughton of <a href="http://definitelydreaming.com/">Definitely Dreaming</a> offers makers some fantastic tips about photographing contemporary craft.<br />
<br />
Beautiful photos can do so much for a maker – helping your work to stand out from the crowd and giving it a long-lived web presence.<br />
<br />
Bad photos, on the other hand, can work very hard to make even the best stuff look drab and boring, and are a disaster when it comes to competitions and show submissions.<br />
<br />
Janet Broughton gives her advice to help you take photos that won’t let you down. And if you need more help, Janet runs photography workshops for makers in her studio in Bolton – perfect for those of us based in the North West. And there’s a cheeky little discount available too. Read on.....<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>1. Use the best camera you can afford.</b><br />
<br />
Much as you may love your phone camera and find it quick and convenient to use it’s not ideal for product photography. Unless you always shoot flatlays in perfect light and your products aren’t very three dimensional a DSLR will produce much better images than your phone. If you are serious about your business it’s worthwhile investing in a camera and learning how to use it in Aperture Priority mode.<br />
<br />
<br />
By all means keep using your phone for those quick behind the scenes or work in progress snaps for sharing on social media but use something better for those images that need to sell your products.<br />
<br />
<br />
2. <b> Avoid white backgrounds.</b><br />
<br />
Unless you have a compelling reason to shoot on a plain white background, don’t! They can look sterile and bland and they definitely won’t allow you to inject your brand personality into your product images. But even more importantly they are difficult to photograph well, you need very good, even lighting and you need to know how to override your camera’s automatic exposure.<br />
<br />
<br />
Don’t forget that your customers are highly likely to spend time on Pinterest and Instagram and they have become accustomed to seeing high quality lifestyle images, badly executed white backgrounds will stand out to them, but not in a good way unfortunately.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>3. Never use the built in flash on your camera.</b><br />
<br />
There are no circumstances where the little in built flash is going to enhance your images so please, just turn it off and forget it even exists. It casts an ugly, harsh light with horrible shadows and lots of glare. It will never flatter your products!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>4. Use natural light wherever possible.</b><br />
<br />
Unless you have the tiniest windows and are surrounded by tall buildings or trees you are likely to have enough natural light to photograph your products, you might need to search for it though!<br />
<br />
<br />
Start by placing your products close to windows and look at how the light lands on it and what sort of shadows you have, some shadows are good, just make sure they aren’t too dark. If the light seems too bright move away until it looks better. If there isn’t enough light in the window try opening a door and working in the doorway. If you have a garage you could even open the garage door and work in the doorway, you can use fabric or other backdrops to disguise your location.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>5. Don’t overdo the editing.</b><br />
<br />
A little editing of your images is usually a good idea, a gentle lightening of shadows and a contrast boost can transform a picture but be careful not to overdo it! You should always aim to get your picture as good as you possibly can “in camera”. A badly taken picture can’t be rescued without the final image looking artificial and the colours becoming a little strange. Avoid gimmicky edits at all costs, they will cheapen your products and your pictures will soon look dated.<br />
<br />
<br />
Bio:<br />
<br />
Janet Broughton is an award winning photographer based in Bolton and working throughout the North West. In addition to offering commercial photography services to smaller businesses Janet runs regular product photography workshops to help creative business owners improve their own photography skills so that they can showcase their products online.<br />
<br />
<br />
Janet also has a blog, Definitely Dreaming, where she shares photography inspiration and advice.<br />
<br />
<b>Details of upcoming photography workshops can be found at <a href="http://www.definitelydreaming.com/photography-workshops-for-creatives">www.definitelydreaming.com/photography-workshops-for-creatives</a></b><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 32.2pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 32.2pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-50912109398893354602016-02-24T08:47:00.001-08:002016-02-29T09:32:07.780-08:00North West Craft: curator collaboration event<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Thurs 28 April 2016</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>1-5.30pm <span style="font-size: small;">(with infomal chat and drinks until about 7pm)</span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Manchester College</b></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span></span></b></span>, St. John's Centre<br />Free</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b>We're inviting people who curate contemporary craft in the North West </b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">to look at how our practice can strengthen high quality craft in the region</span></b>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're a curator of contemp<span style="font-family: inherit;">orary </span>craft collections, a freelance curator, a gallery who sells, a maker-curator, an emerging curator<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>or if you're at the cutting edge of craft research - we'd love to see you here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />The NW Craft Network is putting together an afternoon of networking and collaboration to address the challenges we face, enhance our strengths and make strategic and practical plans for the future. <br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We'd like to find ways to co-ordinate, build ideas, share expertise and provide encouragement. What we don't want to do is simply make more demands - it's about working cleverly together to get things done in a difficult economic and social climate and building a plan that will make a significant positive impact on the curating of contemporary Craft in the North West.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Participants will be able to share <span style="font-family: inherit;">their</span> ideas, explore best practice, identify promising projects and look at next steps. There will be time to meet others and network both formally and informally. <br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The afternoon will start with some case studies to get us thinking. Steven Whittle from the Atkinson, Southport is going to talk about the Creative Tensions project with reference to invigorating craft collections, and Kaylee Jenkinson of Manchester Craft and Design Centre is going to talk about showcasing emerging makers with <span style="font-family: inherit;">t</span>he Crafts Council in the Hothouse Programme. We're working on one more case study to look at a critically engaged open exhibition and/or international collaborations.<br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">From there, we're going to ask participants to look at some of the ideas and projects that have been suggested over the last two years of the NW Craft Networks activity, add more, and to assess them for feasibility, impact and priority. Then we'll home in on two or three ideas that seem most promising and work them up into proposals that could be taken forward.<br /><br />After the formal activities are done, we're hoping to head down to Manchester City Gallery for a look at the new Design Gallery, and then for a drink and chat in the café.<br /><br />There are 30 places on this event, and we're hoping for a <b>good representation from each area of curating</b>. If you curate craft and you'd like to come, or you know someone who you think should come, please <b>contact Victoria Scholes, the co-ordinator of the NW Craft Network</b> at <a href="mailto:craftnorthwest@gmail.com">craftnorthwest@gmail.com</a>, and she'll arrange for an invitation.<br /><br />The NW Craft Network is organising this curator collaboration day in conjunction with another event, <b>'<a href="http://nwcraftnetwork.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/shaping-future-making-vision-for-craft.html">Shaping the Future</a>' </b>that will bring the craft community together to look at building the NW craft market, maker support and advocacy. Together, the findings from these events will feed into the Network's strategy and plans for the next three years and aim to put NW craft on the map.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lunch. </b></span>The event begins at 1pm, but St John's centre has a restaurant where people arriving early can buy their lunch or bring their own.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Manchester College</b>.<span style="font-size: small;"> St. John's Centre, Quay Street M3 3BE (near Spinningfields and Old Granada Studios. See a map <a href="http://www.themanchestercollege.ac.uk/locations/st-johns-centre">here</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /><b>Parking.</b> </span>There is no on-site parking, but there are plenty of car parks around the centre. See <a href="http://en.parkopedia.com/">Parkopedia</a> to check nearby car parks. There are good train and tram links from surrounding cities and towns.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Organised by the <a href="http://nwcraftnetwork.blogspot.co.uk/p/about-network.html">NW Craft Network</a> in partnership with <a href="http://www.themanchestercollege.ac.uk/">The Manchester College</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxFInkZVt9_yOyHCz1UNf7C_-wr1OjO-TjNGXAWN7AhUfCAC-AZDKEzAFyacfWqaN7qDOV5mnqmRCa3uO7YABZLBUcNo_Hp2sUjH_Vdo5n0-AADT_bfb1dFZBjMPsO-IVurV6Xs7sOVg/s1600/lottery__black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxFInkZVt9_yOyHCz1UNf7C_-wr1OjO-TjNGXAWN7AhUfCAC-AZDKEzAFyacfWqaN7qDOV5mnqmRCa3uO7YABZLBUcNo_Hp2sUjH_Vdo5n0-AADT_bfb1dFZBjMPsO-IVurV6Xs7sOVg/s320/lottery__black.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDTe1pp5Euf1vRJ0NXZxKJIjUkwTnt6B8gKgQloc5iD-6JhkH-jxm849tHPbNmkoai9QuF8yg53T8ghSMk0O8U3ySroLRNhz9qR3TlL6Ww-6Vv7izfiXmFX1Qy0l6ffXS_1fGko_0qOw/s1600/1631-manchester-college-logo-1.00_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDTe1pp5Euf1vRJ0NXZxKJIjUkwTnt6B8gKgQloc5iD-6JhkH-jxm849tHPbNmkoai9QuF8yg53T8ghSMk0O8U3ySroLRNhz9qR3TlL6Ww-6Vv7izfiXmFX1Qy0l6ffXS_1fGko_0qOw/s200/1631-manchester-college-logo-1.00_0.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDmTP-oFmHYASo8biub8-jsjNXWigE1mWxY6-IIdLuweAkN3XNv9BG6q6I70DkrJaZqUIzz-R38qgMZQIDriZtGpYA8fbrIPnoQyqrdiGtI111EmmgH_WfwrldeCyEnIHVU0VusnVk8o/s1600/lottery__black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-71094365663544190202016-02-19T01:42:00.000-08:002016-02-19T01:43:08.435-08:00Making connections, getting inspired, hatching plans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAZxY83SwG0GEjSiJcBPocWNg2r05DnLnQoRj2RnV7sca21pfCOcEiXe-WWsSYXBzAOziDRoy2_qFGG1Buy0em-gXX43fSJT9-230HwUnkIamI98QcH4OSCr_sypP0_dkvJqqc1uYq5s/s1600/Shaping+the+Future+-+Louise+Allen+-+Liminal%252C+Geoff+mann+-+Cross+Fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAZxY83SwG0GEjSiJcBPocWNg2r05DnLnQoRj2RnV7sca21pfCOcEiXe-WWsSYXBzAOziDRoy2_qFGG1Buy0em-gXX43fSJT9-230HwUnkIamI98QcH4OSCr_sypP0_dkvJqqc1uYq5s/s320/Shaping+the+Future+-+Louise+Allen+-+Liminal%252C+Geoff+mann+-+Cross+Fire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Shaping the Future: making a vision for craft in the North West</b></span><br />Conference</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">10 March at the University of Bolton<br />12.30-7pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Tickets £15 </span>Book <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shaping-the-future-making-a-vision-for-craft-in-the-north-west-tickets-20731654938">here</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Make connections, build your practice, talk about your challenges, and hear talks by people who make, move and shake in the craft world. You'll have a chance to shape future plans, as well as meet and network with some of the UK and Ireland's best makers and craft organisations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Open to makers, curators, galleries, managers - anyone who works with contemporary craft in the NW. Make connections, be energised & hatch plans to put NW craft on the map.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Speakers are Louise Allen, head of programmes and innovation for Craft and Design Council Ireland; Geoff Mann, Scottish glass artist, innovator and educator and Liam Hopkins of Lazerian, an internationally renowned creative studio based in Manchester. <br /><br />Organised by the NW Craft Network in partnership with the University of Bolton </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">More about the day <a href="http://nwcraftnetwork.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/shaping-future-making-vision-for-craft.html">here</a></span><br />
Book tickets <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shaping-the-future-making-a-vision-for-craft-in-the-north-west-tickets-20731654938">here</a>Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-43287850959449017402016-01-22T07:42:00.002-08:002016-02-15T09:07:18.379-08:00OUTLINE - Shaping the Future: Making a Vision for Craft in the North West <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Outline of the day</b></span><br />
<b><br />10 March 2016<br />12.30-7pm<br />The University of Bolton, Deane Rd, Bolton BL3 5AB<br />Tickets £15</b><br />
<br />
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0cm;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-size:10.0pt;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";}
@page WordSection1
{size:612.0pt 792.0pt;
margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt;
mso-header-margin:36.0pt;
mso-footer-margin:36.0pt;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
</style>Join us for an afternoon of talks and activities that will shape the future of craft in the North West. For details of the programme and speakers, click <a href="http://nwcraftnetwork.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/shaping-future-making-vision-for-craft.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">To book click <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shaping-the-future-making-a-vision-for-craft-in-the-north-west-tickets-20731654938">here</a></span></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 83.4pt;" valign="top" width="83"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">12.30pm<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>
</span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 326.0pt;" valign="top" width="326"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Registration and coffee</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Networking hub open</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 83.4pt;" valign="top" width="83"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">1.00pm<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 326.0pt;" valign="top" width="326"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Introduction</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="mailto:info@victoriascholes.com"><b>Victoria Scholes</b></a>, co-ordinator
of the NW Craft Network and <a href="https://uk.linkedin.com/in/donna-claypool-409ba515"><b>Donna Claypool</b></a>, Programme Leader for Textile and Surface Design, University of Bolton </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 102.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 83.4pt;" valign="top" width="83"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">1.15pm<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 326.0pt;" valign="top" width="326"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Speaker:<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Global Futures - <a href="https://ie.linkedin.com/in/louise-allen-02b5b814">Louise Allen</a></b>, Head of Innovation and Development
Programmes, Design and Crafts Council Ireland</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 83.4pt;" valign="top" width="83"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">1.45pm </span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 326.0pt;" valign="top" width="326"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Speaker:<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <a href="http://lazerian.com/">Liam Hopkins</a> of Manchester Creative Studio Lazerian</b></span><br />
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 83.4pt;" valign="top" width="83"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">2.15pm </span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 326.0pt;" valign="top" width="326"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Networking Hub and coffee</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Book a time or turn up
and chat</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 83.4pt;" valign="top" width="83"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">3.00pm </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 326.0pt;" valign="top" width="326"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Breakout Strands – making a plan</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Pick one of these </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Activities about Maker Development </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Activities about Market Development </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Activities about Advocacy – building knowledge, confidence and
understanding</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 83.4pt;" valign="top" width="83"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">3.30pm</span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 326.0pt;" valign="top" width="326"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Speaker:<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Crafting Innovation – <a href="http://www.mrmann.co.uk/">Geoffrey Mann</a>, </b>Scottish
Artist, Designer and Educator and a pioneer of new technologies</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 83.4pt;" valign="top" width="83"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">4.15pm</span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 326.0pt;" valign="top" width="326"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Breakout Strands – making a plan</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Pick one you didn’t do
last time </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Activities about Maker Development </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Activities about Market Development </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Activities about Advocacy – building knowledge, confidence and
understanding</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 83.4pt;" valign="top" width="83"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">4.45pm </span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 326.0pt;" valign="top" width="326"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Pulling it together</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Feeding into the future
& building a plan<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Panel Discussion</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">With our speakers and
members of the NW Craft Network Development Group</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 9; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 83.4pt;" valign="top" width="83"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">5.30pm</span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 326.0pt;" valign="top" width="326"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Wine and conversation</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">To book click <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shaping-the-future-making-a-vision-for-craft-in-the-north-west-tickets-20731654938">here</a></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0GQmFL-HlEFOkUXZX7A1PYSxAOAlh2YwMS8p31m4LCo3EifLNR7tqNUiLqNqEhcXqfrbuIkfNJHCp-sXf7GOFR8nSKUfu10JL7HYhB4Mw4HI-ywJz0VzpVVV01MQxjFK5O_wxmx-mwE/s1600/School_of_the_Arts_FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0GQmFL-HlEFOkUXZX7A1PYSxAOAlh2YwMS8p31m4LCo3EifLNR7tqNUiLqNqEhcXqfrbuIkfNJHCp-sXf7GOFR8nSKUfu10JL7HYhB4Mw4HI-ywJz0VzpVVV01MQxjFK5O_wxmx-mwE/s320/School_of_the_Arts_FINAL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDmTP-oFmHYASo8biub8-jsjNXWigE1mWxY6-IIdLuweAkN3XNv9BG6q6I70DkrJaZqUIzz-R38qgMZQIDriZtGpYA8fbrIPnoQyqrdiGtI111EmmgH_WfwrldeCyEnIHVU0VusnVk8o/s1600/lottery__black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDmTP-oFmHYASo8biub8-jsjNXWigE1mWxY6-IIdLuweAkN3XNv9BG6q6I70DkrJaZqUIzz-R38qgMZQIDriZtGpYA8fbrIPnoQyqrdiGtI111EmmgH_WfwrldeCyEnIHVU0VusnVk8o/s320/lottery__black.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
</div>
Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-37561614874543016962016-01-22T07:42:00.001-08:002016-02-18T10:10:21.788-08:00NETWORKING HUB - Shaping the Future: Making a Vision for Craft in the North West<b><span style="font-size: large;">Shaping the Future - Networking Hub </span></b><br />
<br />
10 March 2016<br />
12.30-7pm<br />
The University of Bolton, Deane Rd, Bolton BL3 5AB. <br />
Click <a href="http://nwcraftnetwork.blogspot.com/2016/01/shaping-future-making-vision-for-craft.html">here</a> for more details about the programme for the day. To book a ticket for the day, click <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shaping-the-future-making-a-vision-for-craft-in-the-north-west-tickets-20731654938">here</a><br />
<br />
As part of our day, members of the North West Craft Network's Development Group will form a <b>Networking Hub</b>, offering you the chance to <b>ask specific targeted questions about your work or practice</b>.<br />
<br />
We're inviting a host of craft experts including makers, curators, gallery owners and directors, museums policy-makers and audience development people.<br />
<br />
You'll be able to ask questions, chat through issues and just get to know people and what their aims and motives are. You'll be able to book a 5 minute slot, or just turn up and say hello.<br />
<br />
Stuck for what to ask? Check out the ideas below.<br />
<br />
The people listed here have agreed to come and offer their advice and expertise. We'll add to it as they sign up, so keep an eye out:<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Samatha Rhodes</b>, Assistant Director at the <a href="http://www.bluecoatdisplaycentre.com/" target="_blank">Bluecoat Display Centre</a>, Liverpool<br />
<a href="http://courses.bolton.ac.uk/Details/Index/1441" target="_blank">University of Bolton</a><b> </b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.clareknoxbentham.co.uk/" target="_blank">Clare Knox-Bentham</a></b>, Designer and <a href="http://www.art.mmu.ac.uk/profile/cknoxbentham" target="_blank">Outreach Manager</a> for Manchester School of Art <b> </b><br />
<b>Rebecca Hill</b>, Curator of Art at <a href="http://www.galleryoldham.org.uk/homepage" target="_blank">Gallery Oldham</a><b> </b><br />
<b>Vanessa McDermott</b>, Director at <a href="http://www.gawthorpetextiles.org.uk/">Gawthorpe Textiles Collection </a><b> </b><br />
<b>Kaylee Jenkinson</b>, Exhibitions officer at <a href="http://www.craftanddesign.com/">Manchester Craft and Design Centre</a><b> </b><br />
<b>Stephanie Boydell</b>, Curator at <a href="http://www.specialcollections.mmu.ac.uk/" target="_blank">Manchester Metropolitan University Special Collections </a><b> </b><br />
<b>Ann Marie Franey</b>, Co-Director of Great Northern Events, who run the <a href="http://www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair </a>and Little Northern <b> </b><br />
<b>Jennifer Harris</b>, Deputy Director of <a href="http://www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/">Whitworth Art Gallery </a><br />
<b>Fiona Moorhead</b>, Head of Marketing, <a href="http://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/">The Crafts Council</a><br />
<b>Janet Boston</b>, Craft and Design Curator, <a href="http://manchesterartgallery.org/">Manchester City Galleries</a> <br />
<b>Alice Kettle</b>, <a href="http://www.alicekettle.com/">textile artist</a> and Professor of Textile Arts at Manchester Metropolitan University<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What you might ask</b></span><br />
<br />
Gallery owners, retail managers and curators might want to look for people
who would be willing to collaborate with them on ideas and projects - or
just to bounce and idea off a peer.<br />
<br />
If you're a maker, just a tiny sample of the questions you could ask includes:<br />
<ul>
<li>What do they do</li>
<li>What are the breadth of projects that they run that might be of interest to you</li>
<li>How you might approach an organsiation or gallery</li>
<li>What kind of work they show and if they sell, what sort of price range</li>
<li>How do they like to be approached (email, images, face to face)</li>
<li>For a regional or national museum what is their collection strategy - who do they collect and why?</li>
<li>What kind of craft objects or projects really excite them.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<br />
Some people have significant expertise in allied areas such as community engagement (Gallery Oldham, Bluecoat Display Centre, Gawthorpe, The Whitworth), in marketing (the Great Northern Contemporary Craft fair) or networking and working with emerging makers (Manchester Craft and Design Centre). They might be able to offer advice about those things and how they could work for you.<br />
<br />
If you have a question and you're not quite sure who to ask - just come and ask the first similing face you see and they'll help point you in the right direction. That's what the NW Craft Network is all about. A question doesn't have to be perfectly formed.<br />
<br />
Do bring images of work or a project on a phone or tablet to share. Be ready to shout about your good news and look for answers to your issues. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shaping-the-future-making-a-vision-for-craft-in-the-north-west-tickets-20731654938"></a>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDmTP-oFmHYASo8biub8-jsjNXWigE1mWxY6-IIdLuweAkN3XNv9BG6q6I70DkrJaZqUIzz-R38qgMZQIDriZtGpYA8fbrIPnoQyqrdiGtI111EmmgH_WfwrldeCyEnIHVU0VusnVk8o/s1600/lottery__black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDmTP-oFmHYASo8biub8-jsjNXWigE1mWxY6-IIdLuweAkN3XNv9BG6q6I70DkrJaZqUIzz-R38qgMZQIDriZtGpYA8fbrIPnoQyqrdiGtI111EmmgH_WfwrldeCyEnIHVU0VusnVk8o/s320/lottery__black.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0GQmFL-HlEFOkUXZX7A1PYSxAOAlh2YwMS8p31m4LCo3EifLNR7tqNUiLqNqEhcXqfrbuIkfNJHCp-sXf7GOFR8nSKUfu10JL7HYhB4Mw4HI-ywJz0VzpVVV01MQxjFK5O_wxmx-mwE/s1600/School_of_the_Arts_FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0GQmFL-HlEFOkUXZX7A1PYSxAOAlh2YwMS8p31m4LCo3EifLNR7tqNUiLqNqEhcXqfrbuIkfNJHCp-sXf7GOFR8nSKUfu10JL7HYhB4Mw4HI-ywJz0VzpVVV01MQxjFK5O_wxmx-mwE/s320/School_of_the_Arts_FINAL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-80129215887403004662016-01-22T07:42:00.000-08:002016-02-19T01:47:46.188-08:00Shaping the Future: Making a Vision for Craft in the North West<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Join us for talks and activities that will shape the future of craft in the North West</span></b><br /><b>Conference<br />10 March 2016, 12.30-7pm </b><br /><b>The University of Bolton, Deane Rd, Bolton, BL3 5AB</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b></b><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ptokqR0ockeS9gyeqRRlB-eupyR_v6Hw6feZoSu-rf4v4h0UL0WAYUK4Uc_Hm-L7Ve5Kq-OoNaEvoSrctKIVc7xVrnHMnSODR95p2UZ2yqsA8GPsmctPBIQvIGr7smgDw9cFCOUGyS8/s400/Geoffrey_Man_April_15_+12+smaller.jpg" width="400" /></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Geoffrey Mann, The Secret Life of Shadows @SDeleau</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Tickets £15 To book click <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shaping-the-future-making-a-vision-for-craft-in-the-north-west-tickets-20731654938">here</a> <br />
<br />
<b>What are the challenges you face as someone who works with contemporary craft in the North West</b>? What can we do to make craft and makers great? What actually is the Northern Powerhouse? What does the future hold?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDS5X7bG-4v1XmG8BKjqd7rS5Wi1hqSeFVz_z5UF_NDGhkE2cqZjHqs3fQc5cdcKKzATK2YpNcPtfoBgDpqAmmqQMXgHiLeT7mqCfgjZiAgEuW63barjQI05DuIl48NgDBcKgVG4HG9Ns/s1600/Liminal_NYC_1_Rich+Gilligan+smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDS5X7bG-4v1XmG8BKjqd7rS5Wi1hqSeFVz_z5UF_NDGhkE2cqZjHqs3fQc5cdcKKzATK2YpNcPtfoBgDpqAmmqQMXgHiLeT7mqCfgjZiAgEuW63barjQI05DuIl48NgDBcKgVG4HG9Ns/s200/Liminal_NYC_1_Rich+Gilligan+smaller.jpg" width="151" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Liminal Exhibition 2015 - DCCoI </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Come and talk about your challenges; hear inspirational speakers <b>on topics such as trends, Northern-ness and new technologies and</b> what they might mean for us; take part in <b>structured sessions that will form a plan of action</b> to strengthen the sector, and <b>build your connections</b> with a vibrant network of makers, galleries, museums, educators and Arts organisations.<br />
<br />
If you're anyone who works with craft in a professional capacity in the
North West, this day is for you. Together we can make the North West a
brilliant place for contemporary craft and the people who make it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-Aa2dQb-6PFGj3mqPlmqQSr6J5M7zQ1n12M2uvgRniXcnYcFlUDcUZeWXlvLZnQXiBOyulCTV_LUG3W24VFNDCsw7TQtFVYKXxFx-h2Hiy2dDi19Sv_LQmrqrw8UVVlWH5CXiRxmZCo/s1600/Louise+Allen+portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-Aa2dQb-6PFGj3mqPlmqQSr6J5M7zQ1n12M2uvgRniXcnYcFlUDcUZeWXlvLZnQXiBOyulCTV_LUG3W24VFNDCsw7TQtFVYKXxFx-h2Hiy2dDi19Sv_LQmrqrw8UVVlWH5CXiRxmZCo/s200/Louise+Allen+portrait.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Louise Allen, Innovations and Development DCCoI</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Speakers are <a href="http://www.irishdesign2015.ie/liminal/"><b>Louise Allen</b></a>, Head of Innovation and Development Programmes, Design and Crafts Council Ireland (DCCoI); renowned Scottish Artist, Designer and educator, and pioneer of new technologies, <a href="http://www.mrmann.co.uk/"><b>Geoffrey Mann</b></a> and Manchester dynamo and the brains behind creative studio Lazerian,<b> <a href="http://lazerian.com/">Liam Hopkins</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Special sessions will seek your views on a host of potential activities</b> that could form our future plans – covering maker development, increasing markets and improving knowledge, confidence and understanding about North West craft inside and outside the region. We’ll look at things like getting more craft exhibitions in the North West’s museums or setting up a major regional craft open of national quality. Could we have a North West Craft festival? What about a yearly celebration of making like the Sheffield Design week, or open studios like C-Art in Cumbria? Or could we encourage more incubation spaces and business support for makers? These ideas and lots more will be on the table.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxveaiC1Py9UlaXBKAURYmwtpkmBiGyrsueFoZzuFgVIsY1G_zifdDSquUG6HyA0nCkzdgl8F8wDmL0mGQ0LhoXMvUdvoskgQJ0YzKjsQhGsv6Z0wTuOpxdj6F6ZaompebACGwA38OXA/s1600/IMG_5885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxveaiC1Py9UlaXBKAURYmwtpkmBiGyrsueFoZzuFgVIsY1G_zifdDSquUG6HyA0nCkzdgl8F8wDmL0mGQ0LhoXMvUdvoskgQJ0YzKjsQhGsv6Z0wTuOpxdj6F6ZaompebACGwA38OXA/s200/IMG_5885.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Making friends and connections: the heart of it all</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>There will be lots of opportunity for you to ask specific targeted questions about your work or practice</b>. Central to the afternoon will be a networking hub gathering many of the members of the NW Craft Network Development Group. These include makers, galleries, curators, museums and more. They'll be ready to meet you, chat about your practice and answer questions. See information about the Networking Hub <a href="http://nwcraftnetwork.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/shaping-future-making-vision-for-craft_25.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
For an outline of the day, click <a href="http://nwcraftnetwork.blogspot.com/2016/01/shaping-future-making-vision-for-craft_22.html">here</a><br />
<br />
To book click <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shaping-the-future-making-a-vision-for-craft-in-the-north-west-tickets-20731654938">here</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0GQmFL-HlEFOkUXZX7A1PYSxAOAlh2YwMS8p31m4LCo3EifLNR7tqNUiLqNqEhcXqfrbuIkfNJHCp-sXf7GOFR8nSKUfu10JL7HYhB4Mw4HI-ywJz0VzpVVV01MQxjFK5O_wxmx-mwE/s1600/School_of_the_Arts_FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0GQmFL-HlEFOkUXZX7A1PYSxAOAlh2YwMS8p31m4LCo3EifLNR7tqNUiLqNqEhcXqfrbuIkfNJHCp-sXf7GOFR8nSKUfu10JL7HYhB4Mw4HI-ywJz0VzpVVV01MQxjFK5O_wxmx-mwE/s200/School_of_the_Arts_FINAL.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFCia8pSc48pixwDZIKWAnwzXWkV7p3l9YBTVmIQ6kMqv_vFLSHaSDuApDXK5sOJT7W27aCy7x6yPvd8Mc8g9TJa2vg_rmno2dDAqZumCiglI1UK6admYXLo0xx156MC3Z_Pz2iGl5wc/s1600/lottery__black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="52" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFCia8pSc48pixwDZIKWAnwzXWkV7p3l9YBTVmIQ6kMqv_vFLSHaSDuApDXK5sOJT7W27aCy7x6yPvd8Mc8g9TJa2vg_rmno2dDAqZumCiglI1UK6admYXLo0xx156MC3Z_Pz2iGl5wc/s200/lottery__black.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-35360243422665956702016-01-20T01:06:00.000-08:002016-01-20T01:06:18.187-08:00Coming up on 10 March - a day to shape the future of craft in the North West<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO75wie2rsExhlhKpNuo0eGQNTENIjrcu7d2FKmsXxNvVXRljZN28v1Xyo3XnraN1wacFz9aLXizU6IVwXoO-q4FS1Hl-44bSBTTCKcF1XDaeUf8Q3Pf9zvBn4y8XuUfZPzR_yj-NtnnA/s1600/Geoff+mann+CROSSFIRE_wineglass_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO75wie2rsExhlhKpNuo0eGQNTENIjrcu7d2FKmsXxNvVXRljZN28v1Xyo3XnraN1wacFz9aLXizU6IVwXoO-q4FS1Hl-44bSBTTCKcF1XDaeUf8Q3Pf9zvBn4y8XuUfZPzR_yj-NtnnA/s320/Geoff+mann+CROSSFIRE_wineglass_front.jpg" width="289" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geoff Mann, Crossfire wineglass. Image Sylvain Deleau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Shaping the Future: Making a Vision for Craft in the North West</span></b><br /><b>10 March, 12.30-7pm<br />University of Bolton</b><br />
<b><br />Tickets £15 (to be released 25 Jan)</b><br /><br />
Coming soon! An afternoon of talks and activities that will shape the future of craft in the North West.<br /><br />Come and talk about your challenges; hear inspirational speakers on topics such as global trends, the Northern powerhouse and new technologies and what they might mean for us; take part in structured sessions that will form a plan of action to strengthen the sector, and build your connections with a vibrant network of makers, galleries, museums, educators and more. <br /><br />Speakers so far announced include Louise Allen, Head of Innovation and Development Programmes, Design and Crafts Council Ireland and renowned Scottish Artist, Designer and educator, Geoffrey Mann.<br />
<br />
Put the date in your diary! More to follow soon.....Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-40437338994907470762016-01-15T05:35:00.001-08:002016-01-15T05:46:42.368-08:00Craft in the North West this JanuarySome serious craft shows going on in the North West of Englan this January; and a few to catch before they close. Stuff to sooth the soul and inspire creative thinking and doing!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Last Chance</span></b></span><br />
<b>Exploring Wonderland</b> at MCAD To 14 Feb <a href="http://www.craftanddesign.com/">www.craftanddesign.com</a><br />
<br />
<b>Art_Textiles</b> at the Whitworth. To 21 Jan<br />
<a href="http://www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/upcomingexhibitions/">http://www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/upcomingexhibitions/</a><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">On now </span></span></b><br />
<b>Modern Japanese Design</b> at Manchester Art Gallery. 4 Dec to January 2017. <a href="http://manchesterartgallery.org/">http://manchesterartgallery.org/</a><br />
<br />
<b>The Pilcrow</b>: The pub that Manchester built (or is building, to be precise) Ongoing workshops - check details here <a href="http://www.thepilcrowpub.com/">http://www.thepilcrowpub.com/ </a><br />
<br />
<b>Natural Makers </b>at Touchstones Rochdale To 27 Feb 2016. <a href="http://www.link4life.org/centres/touchstones-rochdale">www.link4life.org/centres/touchstones-rochdale </a><br />
<br />
<b>Jarred: Ceramics from the Collection</b> is on at Touchstones. To Spring 2016<br />
<a href="http://www.link4life.org/whats-on/touchstones-rochdale/exhibitions/2505-jarred-ceramics-from-the-collection">http://www.link4life.org/whats-on/touchstones-rochdale/exhibitions/2505-jarred-ceramics-from-the-collection</a><br />
<br />
<b>Sculpting Stories</b> at Gallery Oldham, including studio ceramics from their collections. To Summer 2016. <a href="http://www.galleryoldham.org.uk/">www.galleryoldham.org.uk/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Coming soon </span></span></b><br />
<b>Brilliance</b> at The Bluecoat Display Centre To 5 March 2016 <a href="http://www.bluecoatdisplaycentre.com/">www.bluecoatdisplaycentre.com</a><br />
<br />
<b>New gallery space</b> opens in January 2016 at MMU MarketPlace Studios, Stockport. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Marketplace-Studios-250408291826588/">https://www.facebook.com/Marketplace-Studios-250408291826588/</a>Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-33535052629602318192015-12-04T04:50:00.000-08:002016-01-15T07:10:18.260-08:00Buy handmade crafts and share the love....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDShlp6QMhRngk0tbuga_21C1Idf1BNJ36diIwtGz76_-FSAHCNV-DwsT9z3_zNWHikkz6nblh1XjXNL1HwUiK8Qoj0ilW7jVWgMIwdZzBeOg0A2q9Ltv-tcUkVskPwwUkeVh3glI7sLE/s1600/bolandchris01jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDShlp6QMhRngk0tbuga_21C1Idf1BNJ36diIwtGz76_-FSAHCNV-DwsT9z3_zNWHikkz6nblh1XjXNL1HwUiK8Qoj0ilW7jVWgMIwdZzBeOg0A2q9Ltv-tcUkVskPwwUkeVh3glI7sLE/s320/bolandchris01jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Boland ring</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Buy Handmade crafts this Christmas! Resist the siren call of the green-eyed consumer monster without turning into Ebernezer Scrooge.
<br />
<br />
Crafts offer some of the most gorgeous and original gift ideas at
any time, from jewellery to toys to gifts for the home. Plus by buying locally you support an artist, boost your local
economy and pump energy into your community.<br />
<br />
What
could be lovelier than buying something unique, handmade and buzzing
with authenticity for your nearest and dearest? I think that's what you
call a win-win situation.<br />
<br />
The North West has many brilliant makers and plenty of places to buy their work. Here are just a few: <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk/homepage-lnccf.aspx#.VHcMfYeCXek">Little Northern Contemporary Craft Fair</a></span></b><br />
An off-shoot of the wonderful Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.theatkinson.co.uk/visit-us/plan-your-visit/shop/">The Atkinson</a>, Southport</span></b><br />
Their shop sells a range of delightful crafts for all ages<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></b>
<a href="http://www.craftanddesign.com/"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Manchester Craft and Design Centre</span></b></a><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.royalexchange.co.uk/craft-shop">The Craft Shop at the Royal Exchange Theatre</a>, Manchester</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.bluecoatdisplaycentre.com/">Bluecoat Display Centre</a>, Liverpool</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.blackwell.org.uk/visit/craft-book-shop">Blackwell House</a> - Cumbria</b></span><br />
Sells lovely crafts in their shop - all in the setting of a brilliant <a href="http://www.blackwell.org.uk/">Arts and Crafts House</a>. <a href="http://www.lakelandarts.org.uk/">Part of Lakeland Arts</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.gawthorpetextiles.org.uk/">Gawthorpe Textiles Collection</a> - Padiham, near Burnley</b></span><br />
Reopening after refurbishment in Spring 2016, you can still buy fabulous knitting patterns inspired by the collections online via their <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/gawthorpe-textiles-collection-downloads/patterns">Ravlery shop</a> at any time. Great for the crafters in your life!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.harrismuseum.org.uk/">Harris Museum and Art Gallery</a>, Preston</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Features a selection of small-scale craft pieces in their shop, usually by Preston-based makers</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<i>The NW Craft Network aims to promote and strengthen high quality craft in the North West. For more about the Network, click <a href="http://nwcraftnetwork.blogspot.co.uk/p/about-network.html">here</a>.</i></div>
Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-49898740781675438542015-12-01T04:04:00.000-08:002015-12-04T04:07:23.819-08:00Seriously good Craft in the UK's North West this December<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtE6WI1GZ47Fx5fGjecmjpy4Hf5zR-6vBoePGdxy9ISXSg5dfXAuXDm_GeXlhNICpC8DWW5lN_SD5hyphenhyphen6NiOFZQ0d5wTYqSWcbgyxKzfmGi624Qb2nwgdI1I6DrLcfItSu8Bp4OybhjDOA/s1600/73624+Natural+Makers+A5+Flyer+FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtE6WI1GZ47Fx5fGjecmjpy4Hf5zR-6vBoePGdxy9ISXSg5dfXAuXDm_GeXlhNICpC8DWW5lN_SD5hyphenhyphen6NiOFZQ0d5wTYqSWcbgyxKzfmGi624Qb2nwgdI1I6DrLcfItSu8Bp4OybhjDOA/s320/73624+Natural+Makers+A5+Flyer+FINAL.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natural Makers, Touchstones Rochdale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">A
host of seriously good Craft exhibitions and events that span pondering
the meaning of art, making, material, process through to brilliant
possibilities for Christmas presents. And making stuff. Enjoy...</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">You can also see and (if you're an organisation) add new events in our publically available Google Calendar <a href="https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=craftnorthwest%40gmail.com&ctz=Europe/London" target="_blank">here</a></span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><i><b>Opening this month</b></i></span></span><br />
<b>Modern Japanese Design</b> at Manchester Art Gallery. <b>4 Dec to January 2017</b>. <a href="http://manchesterartgallery.org/" target="_blank">http://manchesterartgallery.<wbr></wbr>org/</a><i><br /></i><br />
<br />
<b>The Pilcrow: launch</b>. More about the pub that Manchester built (or is building, to be precise) <a href="http://www.thepilcrowpub.com/blog/2015/7/9/n04ziuu3i8rqq3js5b0zqez3xsz8d6" target="_blank">here</a> <b>4 December</b>. <a href="http://www.thepilcrowpub.com/" target="_blank">http://www.thepilcrowpub.com/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Little Northern Contemporary Craft Fair.</b> Altrincham Town Hall, Market St., Altrincham WA14 1PG <span style="color: red;">(NEW venue!) </span><b>6 December.</b><br />
<a href="http://www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk/1082#.Vl1Te3tv6dE" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>greatnorthernevents.co.uk/<wbr></wbr>1082#.Vl1Te3tv6dE</a><br />
<br />
<b>Natural Makers</b> at Touchstones Rochdale <b>12 Dec To 27 Feb 2016. </b>Stuart Cairns, Laura Ellen Bacon, Adam Buick, Sharon Adams.<br />
<a href="http://www.link4life.org/centres/touchstones-rochdale" target="_blank">www.link4life.org/centres/<wbr></wbr>touchstones-rochdale</a><br />
<br />
<b>Sculpting Stories</b> at Gallery Oldham, including studio ceramics from their collections. <b>19 Dec to Summer 2016 </b><br />
<a href="http://www.galleryoldham.org.uk/" target="_blank">www.galleryoldham.org.uk/</a><br />
<i><br /></i><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: red;">On now</span></b></span></i><br />
<div>
<b>Art_Textiles </b>at the Whitworth.<b> To 21 Jan </b></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/upcomingexhibitions/" target="_blank">http://www.whitworth.<wbr></wbr>manchester.ac.uk/whats-on/<wbr></wbr>exhibitions/<wbr></wbr>upcomingexhibitions/</a></span><br />
<br />
<b>Back to Black</b>. Contemporary jewellery at Manchester Art Gallery - extended <b>to 31 January</b><br />
<a href="http://manchesterartgallery.org/" target="_blank">http://manchesterartgallery.<wbr></wbr>org/</a><i></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Jarred: Ceramics from the Collection</b> is on at Touchstones. <b>To Spring 2016</b><br />
<a href="http://www.link4life.org/whats-on/touchstones-rochdale/exhibitions/2505-jarred-ceramics-from-the-collection" target="_blank">http://www.link4life.org/<wbr></wbr>whats-on/touchstones-rochdale/<wbr></wbr>exhibitions/2505-jarred-<wbr></wbr>ceramics-from-the-collection</a><br />
<br />
<b>'All Wrapped Up' & 'Esben and Wolfe Screen Prints'</b> The Craft Shop at the Royal Exchange Theatre. <b>To 3 Jan</b> at <a href="http://www.royalexchange.co.uk/craft-shop" target="_blank">www.royalexchange.co.uk/craft-<wbr></wbr>shop </a><br />
<br />
<b>All That Glitters</b> at The Bluecoat Display Centre to <b>16 Jan 2016</b> <a href="http://www.bluecoatdisplaycentre.com/" target="_blank">www.bluecoatdisplaycentre.com</a><br />
<br />
<b>Exploring Wonderland</b> at MCAD to <b>14 Feb</b><br />
<a href="http://www.craftanddesign.com/" target="_blank">www.craftanddesign.com</a><i><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red;">Coming soon</span></span></b></i></div>
<b>New gallery space</b> opens in <b>January 2016</b> at MMU MarketPlace Studios, Stockport<i>. </i>Keep an eye out <a href="http://www.art.mmu.ac.uk/marketplace/">here</a></div>
Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-40197516135510958742015-10-29T11:54:00.000-07:002015-10-29T12:00:56.255-07:00Great Craft events in the North West - a calendar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="600" scrolling="no" src="https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=craftnorthwest%40gmail.com&ctz=Europe/London" style="border: 0;" width="580"></iframe></div>
Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680728225973716878.post-82715915335562681762015-09-21T07:01:00.002-07:002015-09-21T07:01:23.354-07:00Making the NW Craft Network a Network<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyllM1QKjINbcmncDXOfPAUA9l_7Rj8vwlA4q6c-vyOlOr8COlxY2ei8a1U0IDv_xpkF6Zh3oRiWv9uKQfrmrnoLCpeVa_E2AoyNXmn1hnviDl2ik9XN5-VSiKZOyq_3h5Xa5oG5SMD0/s1600/Graphic+of+NW+Craft+Devt+Group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyllM1QKjINbcmncDXOfPAUA9l_7Rj8vwlA4q6c-vyOlOr8COlxY2ei8a1U0IDv_xpkF6Zh3oRiWv9uKQfrmrnoLCpeVa_E2AoyNXmn1hnviDl2ik9XN5-VSiKZOyq_3h5Xa5oG5SMD0/s400/Graphic+of+NW+Craft+Devt+Group.jpg" width="282" /></a>Ever since the <a href="http://nwcraftnetwork.blogspot.co.uk/p/about-network.html">North West Craft Network</a> got started we've wondered how to create a balance between working size and inclusion. Too big and we can't manage and afford meetings. Too small and we get loads done and can meet easily, but we don't represent the whole.<br />
<br />
Anyway, we were discussing this in the NW Craft Network Steering Group meeting and Kate Day, the Director of <a href="http://www.craftanddesign.com/">Manchester Craft and Design Centre</a>, came up with this way to think about it (see her scribble on the right):<br />
<br />
From now on, what was called the NW Craft Network will be the NW Craft Network Development Group.<br />
<br />
The NW Craft Network Steering Group will still be the Steering Group<br />
<br />
Anyone who cares about craft in the NW is free to join the Network - and can join for free at the moment, although we might have to review costs if we are to be sustainable in the long term.<br />
<br />
But for now, let's make hay while the sun shines and sign up for nothing. Network members will recieve news and updates about what's going on with craft in and around the North West, consulted by web polls and email about relevant issues and will be invited to any events that we organise.<br />
<br />
We'll take a week or so to update our web info with our slightly tweaked identity, but in the meantime: Welcome to the North West Craft Network.<br />
<br />
To sign up go <a href="http://nwcraftnetwork.blogspot.co.uk/p/contact-us.html">here </a><br />
More about the <a href="http://nwcraftnetwork.blogspot.co.uk/p/about-network.html">NW Craft Network</a><br />
<br />Administrator - NW Craft Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414804465978854361noreply@blogger.com