06.03.15
I spent an enjoyable day attending the North West Craft Network 'Making it - Building Your Craft Future' event held in the recently reopened Whitworth Art Gallery.
The new extension is beautifully detailed and links through seamlessly to the original building. As other commentators have noted, the architects aimed to link the galleries to the adjoining parkland and that certainly succeeds.
Cornelia Parker. The Distance, [The Kiss with String Attached] 2003. Auguste Rodin's The Kiss [1901-04], 1 mile of string.
Cornelia Parker. Cold Dark Matter: An Exploded View [1991]
The 'Making it' event was billed as an opportunity to 'come and hear top speakers addressing what it means to make a living in the craft sector; network with other makers and craft professionals from across the North West; answer questions relating to your creative business and get support to shape your craft future.' CJ O'Neill was an enthusiastic lead for the day, supported by a diverse range of excellent speakers. The day was fully booked, and was certainly a great chance for emerging makers to get to grips with establishing themselves and building their practices. It was also heartening to see a number of curators in attendance, all keen to learn more about the world of the maker. In addition, Katia Stewart, the Talent Development Manager at the Crafts Council made a lively presentation about her journey from budding designer-maker through to leading the Hothouse project.
All in all, it was an excellent day and one that could be built upon by offering specialist sessions on topics such as promotion, pricing and collaborating with manufacturers.