Craft Focus - February/March 2024 (Issue 101)

26 h+h americas on record course again The third edition of h+h americas is poised to break records again. With still a few months to go, 242 exhibitors from 21 countries have already committed to booth space for this dynamic and rapidly growing event. Among them will be group exhibits from Germany, the UK and Italy along with individual exhibitors from Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Hongkong, Hungary, India, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Serbia, South Africa, the US and Turkey. Based on broad industry request for earlier show dates h+h americas will be held from May 1st to 3rd 2024 (Wednesday-Friday) at the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont/Chicago. The organiser has opened a second hall at this year’s event to accommodate the high demand for space and to offer over 69 first-time exhibitors an opportunity to participate. The conference program will be organised again in partnership with the Craft Industry Alliance and consists of 50 sessions designed to help small business owners take their businesses to the next level. Tuesday, April 30th will be a day focused on education, advanced masterclasses, content creator summit, product academy, and ‘sample it’. From Wednesday, May 1st until Friday, May 3rd attendees will be able to enjoy keynote sessions, visit business classes, an interactive learning lab, a fashion show, a cosplay competition and view the latest trends in the exhibit halls. The 2024 event expects 2,500 – 3,500 professional attendees who will find the latest trends in yarn, fabric and sewing materials with many international product lines normally not seen before in the US. For more information visit: www.hh-americas.com Craftworks announces partnership with Cox London Founded by sculptor-makers Chris and Nicola Cox in 2005, Cox London is known for creating exceptional pieces of lighting, furniture, and artworks inspired by the flow and structure of natural design and order, using craft skills both ancient and modern. Cox London serves a global clientele of private clients, collectors, interior designers, galleries, and institutions. Cox London’s craftmanship will be on display at the show with a dedicated space showcasing their artworks. Nicola and Chris will join many other industry experts on a series of panel events and seminars. The inspiring programme will be announced in due course. Partnering with Craftworks feels like a natural alliance to Cox London. Creative Director Chris Cox said: “Together with Jay and his team, Cox London are committed to nurturing and securing the future of great makers”. Nicole Chrysostomou, Event Director, said: “We’re pleased to announce that Cox London will be joining us as our headline sponsor for the inaugural Jay Blades presents Craftworks at Shoreditch Town Hall. Cox London’s expertise in artisan craftsmanship aligns perfectly with the values of our exhibition, they’re a real success story of how honing your skill as a maker can grow into a global business. Together, we aim to showcase the excellence of British craft and design.” Curated by furniture restorer and eco designer Jay Blades MBE, Craftworks aims to host some of the best contemporary craft and vibrant new makers, welcoming collectors, interior designers, architects, retailers, hospitality buyers and enthusiasts to discover, buy and commission original craft across disciplines and materials. Held in London’s iconic Shoreditch Town Hall, Craftworks provides the perfect backdrop to showcase the skills of talented craftspeople and makers exhibiting their work at the event. Various exciting sponsors who share in the exhibition’s vision of securing the future of craft have already been secured, including online furniture and antiques retailer Hunt Vintage. TV presenter, Jay Blades MBE, said: “I’m excited to bring Craftworks to life here in London, as it will be the first of its kind. This event will not only reflect my principles of great design, education, and restoration, but most importantly will ensure the futureproofing of the craft sector”. So far, over 60 exhibitors are set to attend Craftworks, and the event has attracted endorsement from the country’s premier craft organisations and charities, some of which will be exhibiting at the event, including QEST, an art and craft educational trust created to sustain traditional British craftmanship; Heritage Crafts, the national charity for traditional heritage crafts which works in partnership with the Government; and Design Nation, the leading membership portfolio for contemporary craft and design in the UK. Jay Blades presents Craftworks will be taking place at Shoreditch Town Hall from 15th to 17th May 2024. For further info, visit: https://craftworks.show

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