One Year On
A year ago, Clare & Hayley took a leap of faith.
After 25 years of championing exceptional contemporary craft and design through a variety of governance structures, Design-Nation officially became an independent not-for-profit organisation. It was a significant milestone, but for us it represented something much bigger than a change in legal status.
It was about securing the future of Design-Nation and creating an organisation that exists solely to support its members, champion contemporary craft and design, and strengthen the creative communities we’re proud to be part of.
Looking back over the past twelve months, we’re incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved together.
We’ve celebrated outstanding designer-makers through exhibitions, events and showcases; created new opportunities for members to connect, collaborate and develop their practice; welcomed new members and Honorary Members into our community; launched exciting partnerships; and continued to advocate for the value of contemporary craft and design across the UK.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our fantastic colleagues, Liz Cooper and Richard Foot, or the energy, generosity and creativity of our members, brand ambassadors, partners and supporters. Every exhibition, conversation, application, collaboration and shared success has reinforced something we’ve always believed – Design-Nation is powered by its community!
Of course, the year has also brought its challenges. Building a new organisation from the ground up has meant learning as we go, from governance and finance to developing more sustainable ways of working. But those challenges have only strengthened our belief that this independent model gives us the freedom to focus on what matters most: creating opportunities for designer-makers and building a stronger future for the UK’s craft and design sector.
One of the greatest joys has been watching members connect with one another in new ways. Whether through Cluster Hubs, exhibitions, mentoring, study visits, professional development or simply sharing advice and encouragement, it’s these relationships that make Design-Nation so special.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this major milestone, we’re thrilled to share the next chapter in Design-Nation’s story.
We’re delighted to have been awarded an Arts Council England Project Grant for Crafted Nation – an ambitious programme that will strengthen and grow our UK-wide Cluster Hub Network, creating a more connected, resilient and inclusive community of designer-makers.
Crafted Nation builds on everything we’ve learned over the past 25 years and reflects what our members have told us they value most: meaningful connections, opportunities to learn and collaborate, stronger local networks and greater visibility for contemporary craft.
Over the next 17 months we’ll establish and support 20 Cluster Hubs across the UK, invest in volunteer coordinators, develop new specialist communities, deliver exhibitions and public events with partners across the country, and explore new ways for members to connect through hybrid and digital activity.
We’ll also launch dedicated networks focusing on Retail & Commerce, Sustainability & Ethical Practice, and Discipline Hubs; helping members build knowledge, confidence and communities of practice around the issues shaping contemporary craft today.
By the end of the project, we hope to have connected and supported more members, strengthened partnerships across the cultural sector, and created resources that will enable the network to continue growing long after the project comes to an end.
For us, Crafted Nation is about investing in people, nurturing creative communities and ensuring that contemporary craft continues to thrive in every part of the UK.
To our members, partners, funders, collaborators and friends, thank you for believing in Design-Nation and for being part of this journey. Your ideas, encouragement, generosity and enthusiasm have helped shape everything we’ve achieved. Here’s to the next chapter.
With all good wishes,
Clare & Hayley
