The research from the Craft Expertise project has been mentioned in the Craft Council’s response to the UK Government’s consultation on its Industrial Strategy, in which Creative Industries has been included as ‘growth’ sector. Led by the Department for Business and Trade, Invest 2035: The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, aims to inform the development of the new Industrial Strategy, the Government’s proposed plan to boost investment, growth, and stability. The Crafts Council were asked to provide a response in the consultation, which you can see on the website here.
The Craft Expertise project report, Making Changes in Craft, is included in the Crafts Council’s response on page 4 as evidence of how many craft makers from minoritised groups are discouraged from pursuing craft as a career because it is seen as precarious work. This leads to fewer people from ethnically diverse backgrounds in craft and design courses at university and a subsequent lack of investment in more diverse businesses.