The group is for people who are interested in learning more about curating, exhibition opportunities and resources for touring programmes. The meetings take place every six months and are open to any individual or organisations involved in programming craft exhibitions including arts and cultural venues, curators and designer-makers.

After each meeting a list of resources including speaker presentations, contacts for touring exhibitions and other resources are posted on this page.

Latest Meeting

Meeting 7 at the Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast 19 May 2011

Guest Speaker: Amy Twigger Holroyd - designer, maker and researcher specialising in knitting, participation and sustainability. Amy’s diverse craft activities take place under the umbrella of her 'slow fashion' knitwear label, Keep & Share. You can download a copy of her presentation here.

Additional resources:

• Touring Exhibitions & ACM Introduction
• NITB Signature Projects 2012-13
• August Craft Month 2011 programming - Gail Mahon
• MAK9 collective - Heather Wilson
• CCOI Touring Exhibitions

Meeting 6 at Old Courthouse, Antirm, 19 October 2010

Guest Speaker: Yvonna Demczynska, Director, Flow Gallery, London. Yvonna is an internationally recognised gallery director and has over 20 years’ experience of working in the design and contemporary craft sector. At the meeting Yvonna  gave an insight into curating and promoting craft exhibitions including the Shape of Things initiative. You can download a copy of her presentation.

Additional resources:

August Craft Month 2010 - An overview of August Craft Month 2010 - programme, marketing and evaluation.

Touring Exhibitions - An update on NI/UK & ROI exhibitions available for touring 2011-12.
 

Previous Meetings

Meeting 5, Craft & the Slow Movement at Millennium Court Arts Centre, 12 March 2010

Keynote speakers: Carl Honore – The Slow Movement, Annie Sherburne, Derek McCallan
Journalist Carl Honoré is best known for his advocacy of the Slow Movement. His bestselling book In Praise of Slowness plots the lineage of our speed-obsessed society; while it recognises the difficulty of slowing down, it also highlights the successes of everyday people around the world who have found ways of doing it. Speaking on the ideals and ethos of the Slow Movement, Carl will reflect on how its message has a relevance for our times and contemporary craft practice.

Workshops:
Developing Venue / Maker Partnerships – Fionnuala Walsh, Arts Council of Northern Ireland & Ceramicist Diane McCormick
Craft and Cultural Tourism – Northern Ireland Tourist Board

Meeting 4 at Island Arts Centre, 8 Sept 2009
Guest speaker: Helen Carnac, Curator of 'Taking Time: Craft and the Slow Revolution'

Meeting 3 at Ormeau Baths Gallery, 3 March 2009
Guest speakers: Rosemary Lightbody & Elaine Griffin, Northern Ireland Tourist Board

Meeting 2 at Golden Thread Gallery, 2 December 2008
Guest speakers: Deirdre Figuerdo, Craftspace & Maureen Bampton, Bluecoat  Display Centre

Meeting 1 at University of Ulster, 25 June 08
Guest speaker: Lisa Gee, Harley Gallery