Crafts Council announces new Collections Advisory Committee

Crafts Council is proud to announce the formation of its new Collections Advisory Committee, a panel of leading voices from across the cultural and craft sectors. The committee will support the strategic direction of the Crafts Council Collection, the UK’s leading collection of contemporary craft, ensuring the collection's sustainability, diversity and relevance for generations to come.

The Collections Advisory Committee brings together expertise in curating, craft practice, academia and inclusive representation. Members will advise on stewardship and future growth of the collection, helping to ensure the Collection reflects the breadth of contemporary craft today while honouring its 50-year legacy.

Committee members:

“I am honoured to be part of the Collections Advisory Committee. I look forward to contributing to the development and dissemination of a collection of relevance that speaks to the founding ethos of the Crafts Council – to document innovative practices by emerging makers – but does so from a place of the broader 'we', whilst expanding the definition of what constitutes 'innovation'” - Christine Checinska, Lead Curator Africa Fashion at the V&A Museum

“I am so excited to be joining the Crafts Council Advisory Committee, and really looking forward to working with and promoting the Crafts Council’s outstanding collection” - Frances Parton, Deputy Curator of the Goldsmiths’ Company

“The Crafts Council Collection has a rich heritage that has captured the very best of contemporary craft over the last fifty years and continues to collect to this present day. As craft receives more attention and profile than ever before, I am delighted to join the Collections Advisory Committee and look forward to supporting the brilliant team and working alongside fellow committee members to explore and develop exciting opportunities to both share and promote this superb national asset” - Julia Bell, Founder and Principal Partner of Parapluie

“I hope the panel generates an opportunity to shape the future of craft with a focused lens on diversity, striving to create greater equity and inclusion within the Collection” - Tiya Dahyabhai, Assistant Curator at the Design Museum

“I look forward to bringing fresh perspectives to the Collections Advisory Committee as a YCC member with almost a decade of experience with the Crafts Council. My background in fashion bridges traditional craft practices with contemporary audiences, positioning me to help ensure the Collection remains accessible and meaningful within a broader cultural landscape" - Melody Ramsay, Global Digital Project Manager at Burberry

"It is an exciting time for this astonishing National Collection of Contemporary Craft, the transformation of the Collections store has enabled new ways for the public to engage with the Collection and I look forward to working with my fellow committee members on continuing to expand upon these opportunities and strengthen the platform that this Collection provides to contemporary craft makers present and historic" - Melanie Eddy, independent jewellery maker and academic

Members serve a three-year term to enable fresh voices and ensure diversity of perspectives in the governance of the Collection. The committee will work closely with Nicky Dewar, Director of Programmes, and Deborah Ridley, Senior Collections and Programme Manager, who will sit on and facilitate the committee, supporting its integration into the wider work of the organisation.