Update about Crafts
Thank you for being a valued member of our community and for your support. Together, we’ve explored the world of contemporary craft and celebrated makers and making for 50 years. This has been and continues to be both a privilege and a pleasure.
Part of this journey means ensuring that we provide the best value on membership for our members while being mindful of our obligations to be stewards of the funding we receive.
Against this background, we have had to make the difficult decision to cease publication of Crafts, and our Autumn/Winter 2024 magazine will be the last issue. We recognise that this will be a shock to our community and we’re sorry to be sharing this news.
However, rising production costs, reduced print advertising revenues, changing consumer habits and a challenging financial climate have made it increasingly difficult to sustain the magazine. While signalling the end of an era on the one hand, the findings from Crafts Council’s recent Maker Survey have powerfully reinforced our members’ need for us to continue to evolve at pace, broaden our reach and improve access to our member support and digital resources. Through a shift to a new membership model, we will be able to foster the growth and visibility for our community. We believe that the craft community will be more powerfully served by our new membership approach.
A new, improved membership
Implementing the findings from the Makers Survey marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our members. Membership is evolving, from focusing on the magazine into a digital community of makers and those passionate about craft, bringing together Crafts Council's three memberships in one place, alongside its wide range of craft business resources, audio and video recordings of our programme events from all over the UK, craft storytelling, and more. We will be rolling out a new online membership platform in Summer 2025 which will ensure you get the most from your membership with an improved user experience, making it easier for you to access and enjoy your benefits. Wherever you are, whether you’re a maker who makes some or all of your income from craft, or if you’re just someone who is passionate about craft – Crafts Council’s new membership platform will provide the best possible value for you.
Your membership plays a vital role in supporting the craft community, and we’re excited to continue this journey with you.
What does this mean if I have a Crafts membership?
Improvements to our website and online system mean that we will move from our current membership platform, Steady, in Summer 2025. Rest assured that while these changes are being made, members can enjoy uninterrupted access to benefits as normal. We are confident that once these important changes are in effect, they will significantly enhance the value and enjoyment of your membership.
Members have received an email from the Crafts team that explains these changes, along with any action they may need to take and how to cancel their membership if they wish. For any questions regarding membership, please contact subscriptions@craftscouncil.org.uk.
Our community
Our members are the heartbeat of Crafts Council, and we’re committed to take the feedback we’ve received from you to develop a membership that responds to your needs.
Our team is here to support you with practical concern in continuing to access your member benefits and make the best of them. We invite you to read more about the closure of Crafts on our FAQ page . This includes advice about the changes to your membership. For queries not covered by our FAQ, please contact subscriptions@craftscouncil.org.uk.
Thank you for being part of Crafts’ journey and for coming with us as we evolve it into our new membership. We can’t wait to show you what’s ahead.
