‘Pushing Boundaries’

‘Pushing Boundaries’
Symposium

What?
A one-day symposium providing a forum for professional and aspiring makers to reflect on and discuss new ideas within national and international crafts practice.

The morning will consist of presentations by five speakers. Themes for discussion will include; approaches to practice, new markets for work, connecting to other modes and ideas of practice through exchange and collaboration. Particular emphasis will be placed on international working and perspectives.

The afternoon will consist of breakout sessions lead by one of the morning speakers in partnership with a guest critic. Delegates will be invited to engage in discussion with the panel. Themes from the sessions will be fed back for a wider panel discussion during the plenary at the end of the day. In addition, the Symposium will provide an ideal networking day for makers and other professionals within the Craft sector.

James Evans, jeweller, writer and critic, will chair the day.
The speakers are:

Lin Cheung, jeweller
Neil Brownsword, ceramicist.
Maxine Bristow, textile practitioner.
Schnuppe von Gwinner, curator and Director Craft 2eu, Germany.
Niels van Eijk/Miriam van der Lubbe, Dutch design team.

Breakout sessions will be supported by: maker Helen Carnac, curator Lesley Millar and writer Kate McIntyre.

Where?
The Symposium will be held at Staffordshire University, Leek Road Campus, Stoke-on-Trent.
On Saturday 16th June 2007.

How do I become a delegate and what does it cost.
The fee for the day is £30 and includes lunch and delegate pack. There is a subsidised fee of £15 for 50 designer makers based in the West Midlands (subject to eligibility and availability). For a booking form please contact Lennie Ashwell 01782 294828 or Email l.ashwell@staffs.ac.uk or see www.staffs.ac.uk/pb

Who are the partners?
Staffordshire University, Faculty of Arts, Media and Design in partnership with Craftspace and Designer Maker West Midlands are organising the event to accompany the ‘Made in the Middle’ national touring exhibition. It also forms part of the Faculty of Arts, Media and Design’s continuing involvement in projects that stimulate design and creativity in the Staffordshire region.

Further Information?
For more information in the first instance contact the Symposium organiser, John Grayson Tel: 01782 294815 Email: j.e.grayson@staffs.ac.uk or Lennie Ashwell Tel: 01782 294828 or Email: l.ashwell@staffs.ac.uk