20 contemporary craft makers have been selected to participate in this pop-up selling showcase within the gallery shop. The majority are North-West based, showing our commitment to supporting local creatives.
The appetite for arts and crafts saw a huge surge of interest in 2020/21, compelled by long periods spent at home and an increased desire to surround ourselves with beautiful things.
20/22: Shop 20 Craft Makers for £22 is borne from the success of the Grayson’s Art Club exhibition here at Manchester Art Gallery, which championed the notion that art is for and by everyone. Both the television show and the exhibition were massively popular with the public and we saw huge success for our many makers who were part of this story in the gallery shop. We wanted to keep the momentum going by offering an affordable showcase of works by diverse and talented makers.
20/22 introduces potential collectors, craft enthusiasts and those just wanting to dip their toe in to the wonderful world of affordable contemporary craft. The project was aimed at those makers who regularly work to this price point. The event considers our need for accessibility and inclusivity. It is important for us to serve those visitors who want to buy responsibly and support makers within a limited budget. We are particularly keen to engage younger and more diverse audiences who may go on to become the craft collectors of the future.
Each maker has produced a range of works that will retail for £22 or less that are both profitable to the maker and accessible to our visitors. Expect to find a wide range of craft-disciplines including ceramics, glass, jewellery, paper, textiles, mixed media, sculpture and woodwork.
The project runs from 29 April to 24 July.
