If the CCF/FCMA’s trade mission to London this past Spring piqued your curiosity, you will want to explore our thorough report on the events. Shedding light on the London craft scene, this report shares insights and resources gathered by the Canadian contingent who attended Collect 2019.

From February 28th to March 4th, 2019, seven leaders from the Canadian craft sector explored the London craft scene, building an arsenal of information and new networks for the future. That information has been compiled in the CCF/FCMA’s London Craft Trade Mission Report, a resource that can be used by Canadian crafts artists and organizations who want to make connections with or learn about the UK craft scene.

In partnership with our affiliate member, Craft Alliance / Alliance Métiers d’art, the CCF/FCMA organized an extensive itinerary exploring the UK Craft Council’s Collect 2019 art fair and the broader London craft scene. The report shares our findings from this mission, with the intention of informing the wider Canadian craft community.

“Visiting Collect gave us an opportunity not only to visualize how our own artists would fit in at this show in a more concrete way, but we also got to meet a number of different people from the UK Craft community who told us about several other opportunities to explore. After having visited London, I think the potential for bringing Canadian Craft to this market is even bigger than I initially thought.” – Greg Toole, Operations Coordinator, Craft Alliance

This report includes details on the basics of Collect, outlining the primary mediums represented on the gallery floor, the number of artists represented per gallery, recommended price ranges, recommended show logistics, and more. In addition to information about Collect, the report also offers insight on organizations conducting public fairs, exhibitions, publications, incubator programs and residencies, including the UK Craft Council and Cockpit Arts (a creative business incubator for craftspeople).

“It was a pleasure to welcome the delegation of Canadian craft organisations [to Cockpit Arts]. We have a shared passion for craft and many areas of common endeavour. Our lively discussion touched on some of the challenges we face in supporting craftspeople to meet their full potential, and the face-to-face meeting meant we were able to discuss these issues and exchange information to the benefit of us all. We look forward to the opportunity to build on the connections we forged.” – Annie Warburton, Cockpit Arts CEO

To learn more about the UK craft community and how the CCF is working to make more Canadian connections for the future, please read our detailed report here.

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Photo: Myung Nam An, Eye Series, ceramic. Represented by Cube Gallery.