Craft Focus - Apr/May (Issue 66)

8 craft focus industry news GOLDSMITHS’ CENTRE LAUNCHES BUSINESS PROGRAMME The Goldsmiths’ Centre in London is to launch a new business growth programme, which will offer short courses and inspirational talks to the fine jewellery and contemporary silversmithing sector. Led by experts and industry practitioners, the initiative will include business incubation programmes for emerging makers, as well as intensive one-day courses for establishmed businesses. Each opportunity is underpinned by exclusive industry analysis commissioned by the Goldsmiths’ Company. “Research carried out in 2016 with 248 business in the UK clearly indicates that fine jewellers and contemporary silversmiths are extremely ambitious, but often lack the training to develop their businesses,” says Peter Taylor, director of the Goldsmiths’ Centre. “Our programme will give them access to the right support, which has historically been out of reach of most small businesses.” MISTER FINCH EXHIBITS AT YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK Yorkshire Sculpture Park will host the largest solo exhibition to date by textile artist, Mister Finch. The show, entitled The Wish Post, will feature more than 75 individual soft sculptures inspired by British folklore and the Yorkshire landscape. The artist will recreate a fairy tale world filled with woodland creatures including badgers, hedgehogs, rats and rabbits. With no formal training, Mister Finch is a self-taught artist who works without studio support. His work features recycled and up-cycled elements, incorporating a range of discarded materials including wire, steel, vintage tapestries, cross stitch samplers and table cloths. The exhibition will run from 23 rd June until 23 rd September. Visit ysp.co.uk to find out more. ICHF REVEALS FASCINATING NEW INDUSTRY RESEARCH Essential data into craft industry trends was revealed exclusively at this year’s CHSI Stitches. Presented by specialist, Linda Jones, The Craft Report was commissioned by ICHF Events and represents five years’ research into UK crafters’ preferences and spending habits. The report also included vital advice on retaining customer loyalty and generating new business. “Visitors and exhibitors at CHSI Stitches heard incredibly detailed research analysis on the craft industry that is just not available anywhere else,” says Dominic Fleming, head of events at ICHF. “The presentation also described how to turn this knowledge into real business actions to increase profits.” Our full review of CHSI Stitches, including everything you need to know about The Craft Report, starts on page 29 of this issue. For more information on next year’s show, visit chsi.co.uk