Design-Nation: Creative Industries Trafford x Design-Nation

Design-Nation is bringing contemporary craft and design to Substack!

6th September 2026

We’ve set up a new corner of the internet for craft! Introducing ‘In The Making’ – our new home for exploring the stories, ideas and conversations from the people shaping contemporary craft and design, and how Design-Nation is building a community to support it. We’ll talk to the people making things happen across craft and…

Festival of Crafts x Design-Nation

18th August 2026

Design-Nation Makes Its Festival of Crafts Debut at Farnham Maltings. This October, Design-Nation will make its inaugural debut at Festival of Crafts at Farnham Maltings, bringing a curated showcase of 20 contemporary makers to one of the UK’s leading celebrations of making. Taking place on 10–11 October 2026, Festival of Crafts celebrates its 30th anniversary…

Design-Nation Returns to GNCCF with Eight Distinctive Voices

Design-Nation is delighted to return to the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF) this autumn with a curated showcase of eight exceptional designer-makers from across the Design-Nation community. Taking place in Manchester, GNCCF brings together some of the most exciting contemporary craft and design from across the UK. Our showcase celebrates the diversity of materials,…

We’re Crafting a Nation

14th August 2026

We’re delighted to announce that Design-Nation has received funding from Arts Council England, to deliver Crafted Nation. Crafted Nation will strengthen and grow our unique Cluster Hub Network, creating a more connected, resilient and inclusive national community of designer-makers. Over the next 16 months, we’ll be working towards: 20 Cluster Hubs across the UK 560…

London Design Festival x Design-Nation

5th August 2026

This September, Design-Nation presents Crafted Futures, a curated selling exhibition showcasing 35 UK-based designer-makers as part of London Design Festival 2026. Celebrating exceptional contemporary craft and the power of making, the exhibition brings together outstanding makers working across ceramics, jewellery, textiles, glass, wood, lighting, paper, fibre and metal. Through beautifully crafted work exploring themes including…

Creative Industries Trafford x Design-Nation

31st July 2026

What is Precious? returns this August in a third iteration of Design-Nation’s acclaimed touring exhibition. Originally developed by Design-Nation’s Sustainability & Ethical Practice Hub, the exhibition brings together the work of 20 contemporary makers who are rethinking the value of materials through innovative craft and design. From reclaimed wood, recycled textiles and found objects to…