Made in the Middle: Contemporary Craft from the Midlands
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Audience
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Featuring both recent graduates and makers with established reputations, there is a wealth of creativity on display, including ceramics, glass, jewellery, metalwork and textiles. Selected by an expert panel through open entry, it promotes the best of contemporary craft from makers living and working in the Midlands or with a strong recent regional connection.
Made in the Middle is a partnership between Craftspace and the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in collaboration The National Centre for Craft & Design. A recurring touring exhibition of high quality contemporary craft and applied art from the Midlands, this is the eighth exhibition in the series. Coordinated by Craftspace, Made in the Middle is part of the organisation’s 30th anniversary programme.
This edition presents thirty-two makers from
across the Midlands, reflecting the strength and quality of making in the region today. From emerging to established makers, the exhibition presents a wealth of careers, materials and processes.
Since its launch in 1988, Made in the Middle exhibitors have been selected by an expert panel following an open call. The exhibition is a selling show which also creates an opportunity for makers to develop their practice and present new work. The recurrent nature of it enables us to reflect on the craft sector and to critically consider the place of craft and makers within an ever changing society.
Following recent and continued political uncertainty, with cuts to education and the arts, this exhibition examines, highlights and champions the true value of craft. At a time when craft education is at risk, it explores craft’s intrinsic value to society, culture and the economy.
Emma Daker, Exhibitions and Projects Development Manager for Craftspace said: “Craft is a vital source of revenue and innovation to the UK. With recent changes to country’s economy we are keen to highlight and explore the value of craft both in economic terms and social contribution. Through the work and careers of the selected makers, the exhibition will explore enterprise through the life of the sole trader. We will also build on the development of digital practices since the last exhibition.”
Exhibitors
32 makers have been selected by a panel of curators and craft sector specialists. Selected exhibitors include jeweller Dauvit Alexander who creates striking jewellery for men combining found materials and precious gemstones, Aimee Bollu who also takes inspiration from found items which she combines with beautiful minimal ceramic vessels, John Grayson who uses traditional metal forming and enamel decorating processes to create whimsical, humorous and decorative metal objects and Karina Thompson who pushes the boundaries of digital embroidery.
The exhibition will continue its tour to major galleries across the Midlands into 2018 raising the profile of regional makers and giving them the opportunity to sell their work to regional and national collectors. Visitors are encouraged to consider commissioning new work from local makers and a range of more affordable work will be available to buy, whether your budget is a few pounds or a thousand pounds.
Dates
6th March - 29th April 2017
Cost
Free
Venue
Parkside Gallery, 5 Cardigan Street , Birmingham. B4 7BD
