Geoffrey Crossick, Director of the Arts & Humanities Research Council’s Cultural Value Project has been announced as the incoming Chair of trustees at the Crafts Council. He is joined by ceramicist Michael Eden who will be taking up the essential role of Maker trustee alongside the three other creative practitioners who sit on the board. Textile artist Shelly Goldsmith and ceramicists Stephen Dixon and Peter Ting currently hold the position of representing the voice of makers within the Crafts Council.
“I am joining the board at an exciting time for the crafts and a challenging time for makers. Having experienced profound changes in my own practice, I hope to be able to use my experience to contribute to the important work of the Crafts Council,” says Eden, referring to his transition from traditional potter towards a craft practice that incorporates digital technology and 3D printing.
“I’m greatly looking forward to working with my fellow Trustees, with the staff of the Crafts Council, and above all with talented makers throughout the country” says Crossick, who has been an advocate for the arts in a number of roles prior to joining the Crafts Council’s board. His career includes positions as Vice-chancellor of the University of London, Warden of Goldsmiths and Pro-vice-chancellor (Academic Development) and Professor of history at the University of Essex. He will be replacing existing Chair Joanna Foster CBE. Foster has led the Crafts Council through successful changes and innovations since 2006 including the launch of Collective and the COLLECT Craft Fair.
Says Crossick: “I feel privileged and excited to have been appointed to be the next Chair of the Crafts Council. These are challenging times for all in the cultural sector, but the Crafts Council will continue to play a leading role supporting professional makers and advancing craft practice across society in the years ahead.”
More on a-n
Follow our coverage of the crafts on a-n News with our applied_arts tag
2012: How was it for you? #4: Rosy Greenlees: The Executive Director of the Crafts Council celebrates a successful year for the organisation.
From the a-n archive: Shelly Goldsmith in Artists’ Stories
