Stoke-on-Trent’s bid to gain World Craft City status reaches a climax this week as a panel of international judges from the World Crafts Council arrive to make their expert assessment. Arriving on Staffordshire Day, 1st May, the panel will be welcomed with a civic reception where they’ll be presented with a commemorative plated specially crafted by Duchess China. They then embark on a three-day programme of site visits and conversations across the city.
Achieving the World Craft City title could be a significant milestone for Stoke-on-Trent, emphasising globally once again our rich heritage in ceramics and crafts. This designation under the World Crafts Council’s Craft City program would offer the city worldwide recognition, showcasing our area’s unique craft expertise on a coveted international platform. The status could attract more tourists, boost local innovation, and foster knowledge exchange and partnerships both locally and around the world. It would also encourage governmental and institutional support, aiding in the sustainable development of our local crafts industries.
Paul Williams, Board member at Stoke Creates cultural compact and tourism expert spearheading the city’s application, said: “It’s widely acknowledged that Stoke-on-Trent’s geography, history and identity have been indelibly shaped by craftsmanship and making linked to ceramics over the past three centuries. As we continue to capitalise on the city’s newfound confidence and our future as a globally significant centre of art, crafts and contemporary culture, the attribution of World Craft City will not only celebrate the contribution made by the Potteries nationally, but help to boost our reputation as a creative destination globally.”
Gaining World Craft City status would also align Stoke-on-Trent with around 60 other prestigious ‘Craft Cities’ globally, enhancing our network and collaborative opportunities. The affiliation could enable the city to share knowledge and best practices, helping to preserve and innovate within the craft sector alongside other recognised craft hubs with international reputations.
Cllr Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: “Our city is a unique and wonderful place, built on layers of enterprise and our proud craft heritage. We’re the world capital of ceramics and you can find our produce in museums across the globe.
“Craft and ceramics aren’t just our heritage, they’re our present. We’re still a centre for ceramics production and creative works. Where else could be better placed to become a World Craft City than the key centre of a region known to this day for the product for which it’s best known – The Potteries?”
The judges’ assessment will be made this week with their recommendation forwarded to the World Crafts Council’s next general meeting, leaving the city just a few months to receive news of their decision.
It’s a decision which may enhance our profile as a centre of craft excellence – of global importance.
To read more about the bid, visit Stoke Creates website.
Dear Stokies
Can I start by thanking you all? First, for buying so many of our unique T-shirts. We can’t wait to see some of the photos shared. I am in Australia currently, sharing my Stoke pride!
Second, to everyone who has signed up to speak in schools. Kaye Morrisey, our Relationships Lead, is currently putting together the directory with bios, and we’re aiming to begin in two educational trusts with students over the coming weeks and months.Dwain McDonaldExecutive Lead
Dwain McDonald
Executive Chair, Made In Stoke
Keele and Sixth Form College
We’ve secured three brilliant speakers for the next quarter, all of whom will support the business school with in-depth Q&As. We’ve also helped facilitate an excellent workshop with the business school and will work closely in the coming months to bridge business and academia.
Please reach out if your company has outstanding projects that sixth form or Keele students could work on. A big thank you to Rachel Laver, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, who was fantastic in bringing several large businesses from Stoke, such as Motiva, KMF, and Giv Energy. I see a lot more collaboration on the horizon for 2025.
Downing Street Visit
As you know, Made in Stoke is non political and has met with representatives from the previous government and now with the new one. Place-Based philanthropy and place-based giving networks like ours are very relevant, and I'm proud to say that Stoke on Trends' very own Made in Stoke was asked to attend Downing Street, and our fabulous Chair Nicky went and represented us.
She came back very confident that the blueprint we are creating in Stoke is something the country is looking at very closely
Centenary 2025
Next year, Stoke celebrates its 100th year as a city, and you can bet we’re right behind it.
We’re working with Made in Stoke members to look at how we support our centenary year, and we expect to announce the full story later this month.
Made in Stoke Ambassadors
We’re expanding our volunteer task force to spread positive messages about the city and the work we’re doing to make it just a bit better. If you’re interested in volunteering, even just a few hours a week, and think you can make an impact, we’d love to have you on the team.
Together, we can all do a little to make our city better.
