News

One of this year’s most exciting arts events – the Digital Craft Festival – will be taking place March 26–28, with over 150 contemporary makers from across the world, including content rich talks, interviews with makers, plus workshops and demonstrations, making it the UK’s biggest online Craft Festival.  
 
New Pottery Throwdown Judge, Richard Miller, Aardman animator Jim Parkyn and Internationally known weaver Laura Thomas are just a few of the names hosting live sessions, alongside 150 curated makers, including queen of the potters Sue Pryke; one of the UK’s finest jewellers Daphne Krinos and paper artist Jennifer Collier who will be hosting a make-along session. All of whom will be showcasing their latest work over the three days.  
 
Sarah James, Craft Festival Director, remarks: “Last year was a year like no other, but amid the doom and gloom we launched the Digital Craft Festival, which was received by over 20,000 visitors and supported over 400 makers from across the UK and Europe. The feedback we received was exceptional from all of those who took part, so we are back online this March with even more content. We had a huge response and makers from all over the globe will be represented.”

Potter and Great Pottery Throw Down judge Richard Miller, will be taking part in a live Q&A on Zoom, discussing his love for clay and how multi-culturalism has influenced his practise. Miller is keeping under wraps exactly what he’ll be doing, but it will definitely be an energetic, hands-on gathering. 
  
As a sculptor, model maker and animator, Jim Parkyn is the main man behind many classic plasticine characters, such as Shaun The Sheep. Jim will be hosting a live make along and Q&A session on Friday March 26th at 3pm, suitable for all ages. 
 
Laura Thomas, award-winning woven textile artist and designer, known for producing striking artworks for the contemporary interior, will be talking part in a live Q&A with Louise Jones-Williams, Director at Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, discussing her ability to push the expected boundaries of woven textiles. Examples of Laura’s artworks can be found in the permanent collections of The Victoria & Albert Museum, The National Wool Museum, and the Crafts Study Centre. 
 
On Friday 26 March at 2pm Jennifer Collier will be hosting a live paper demonstration; while on the Saturday at 12.30pm there will be a craft conversation with jeweller Daphne Krinos hosted by the Crafts Council.  
 
Sunday 28 March at 3pm will see Sarah Corbett, an award-winning speaker and founder of social enterprise, the Craftivist Collective, seeking to enact positive change in the world by combining craft and activism. Hosted by Mark Shayler, Founder of innovation and sustainability company Ape, the session will be an interesting listen for anyone wanting to change how we see the world and tackle issues without shouting and aggression, but through gentle protest.  
 
Olympic diver and uber-keen Knitter, Tom Daley, plans to take part in the Festival. He’ll be choosing his five favourite makers which will be disclosed during the build-up to the festival weekend. There may be more… watch this space.

Festival highlights

The festival not only provides an interactive place to meet and buy from over 150 of the finest makers from across the globe, there will also be a hand-picked collection of makers running interactive bookable workshops and craft demonstrations. Plus, a selection of in-depth Craft Conversations with leading makers. 

For those of you wanting a little more, there is live yoga, Qigong and breathwork sessions to calm the mind.
 
James adds: “Although the Digital Craft Festival has been a huge success, we are hoping to return in person to Cheltenham Town Hall this August and our flagship event in Bovey Tracey in September, which is very exciting for all those involved. In the meantime, please tune in on Friday 26 March, as we have an incredible festival lined-up crammed with demos and talks, not to mention the array of crafters showcasing their work – making it the perfect place to purchase something truly unique.”   
 
For further information, click here.