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 designer-maker engagements
- New specialist hubs focused on Retail & Commerce, Sustainability & Ethical Practice, and craft specific disciplines
- 5 co-curated exhibitions with partner venues across the UK
- Professional development, mentoring, peer learning and networking
- Stronger partnerships across the cultural, education and craft sectors
- New pathways to make Design-Nation more inclusive and accessible
- A Cluster Hub Toolkit capturing learning and best practice for the future
At the heart of Crafted Nation is a simple ambition: to create a stronger national community where designer-makers can connect, collaborate and thrive.
We know that creative practice can sometimes feel like a solitary journey. Through Crafted Nation, we want to create more opportunities for people to find their community, share knowledge, develop their practice and discover new possibilities.
This isn’t just about building a network. It’s about creating the infrastructure, relationships and resources that can support Design-Nation’s community for years to come.
We’re incredibly grateful to Arts Council England for making this work possible, and to our members, Cluster Hub Coordinators, partners and wider community who are helping us build what comes next.
This is Crafted Nation. And we’re excited to build it together!
