12 September 2013
University to host prestigious craft conference
The University of Dundee will next month host Scotland's largest annual celebration of craft, a sector that generates in
excess of £70million for the economy each year.
The Craft Scotland Conference 2013 will see a programme of talks, exhibitions, debates and workshops take place at the
University's Dalhousie Building on Saturday 5th and Saturday 6th October.
The conference will be opened by Janet Archer, the new Chief Executive of Creative Scotland, while Philip Long,
Director of the V&A at Dundee project, is among the leading figures from the country's creative industries taking part.
The different challenges facing large institutions and small enterprises, the need for craft makers to balance their
artistic focus with commercial realities, and the future of craft in Scotland are among the topics that will be discussed
by practitioners, academics, creative entrepreneurs and enthusiasts of craft.
To complement the conference, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD) graduate Beth Lamont will curate
an exhibition of work from the diverse range of craft talent to be found in Dundee. A variety of craft makers, including
fellow DJCAD graduates Jane Gowans, recently named as one of Professional Jeweller magazine's Hot 100, and Judy Scott,
winner of last year's Society of Dyers and Colourists International Design Competition, will feature in the show.
Craft Scotland board member Deirdre Robertson, a DJCAD graduate, said, 'This will be the first time the Craft Scotland
Conference has taken place in Dundee, reflecting the important role the city plays in Scotland's creative and cultural output.
'Whether you are a maker, a curator, a writer or enthusiast of craft, the Craft Scotland Conference 2013 will connect
you with other craft champions and experts. The organisers have put together a conference that is intended to be inspiring
and practical, looking at how practitioners are balancing that fine line between making great work and generating income.
'The theme of networks and interconnectivity will feature heavily as we seek to develop strong links between disparate
practitioners, enthusiasts and businesses in order to help artists and makers fulfil their potential at this time of change.'
Craft Scotland is the national agency for Scottish craft. Working to unite, inspire and champion craft in Scotland,
the organisation creates opportunities for Scottish makers through campaigns, exhibitions, events and digital resources.
Craft Scotland works to promote a wide range of crafts, including ceramics, glass, textiles, millinery, furniture,
jewellery, metalwork, wood, lettering, musical instruments, paper, basket making, willow weaving, mosaics, heritage
craft, and printing.
A survey carried out on behalf of Creative Scotland and other UK craft agencies revealed that craft contributes
over £70million to the Scottish economy, from an estimated 3,350 craft makers based in the country. Tickets
for the Craft Scotland Conference 2013 cost £50 before Monday, 16th September and £65 thereafter. Students
can attend for the discounted rate of £45, and all tickets include lunch and refreshments.
The Craft Scotland Conference 2013 is sponsored by Dundee and Angus Convention Bureau and Dundee: One City, Many
Discoveries, and is supported through funding from Creative Scotland.
More details are available from www.craftscotland.org/conference/.
For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277 |
