Ami: CRAFT EMERGENCY

Making Space is thrilled to be working in collaboration with Aspex for the 2016 CRAFT EMERGENCY, an open submission competition for craft & design.

CRAFT EMERGENCY seeks to highlight the work of emerging designers and makers working in all media from anywhere in the UK or abroad.

Lynne explains why she was keen to collaborate with Aspex on this unique exhibition: “I was a panellist for the first CRAFT EMERGENCY and it’s great to be back working in partnership with Aspex.

Very often craft can be seen as something to be viewed in a shop or sold at a weekend craft fair – with no place in a contemporary art gallery, but Aspex is taking a lead in developing new exhibition opportunities and supporting new talent, and I’m pleased Making Space is helping to make this happen.”

A maximum of fifteen artists will be selected for a group show, which will open in November 2016. The exhibition is not themed and will include a selection of craft, accommodating both work designed for exhibitions & retail. During the exhibition a winner will be chosen to receive a solo exhibition at Aspex in 2018, as well as a fee of £1,000.

Previous winners include Malene Hartmann Rasmussen, whose solo show ‘Waldeinsamkeit’ previewed at Aspex earlier this month, and Thomas Appleton who won in 2014.

Tom said that winning CRAFT EMERGENCY created an incredible opportunity to develop his creative practice and that working with Aspex had a profound impact on his work.

2015 winner Malene said: “CRAFT EMERGENCY is special to me, as it was the first prize I won with my ceramic work. Winning gave me the opportunity, a great gallery-space and the time needed, to plan and design what is the largest show I’ve done till date.”

The 2016 selectors are: Lynne Dick, Director, Making Space; Joanne Bushnell, Director, Aspex, Annabelle Campbell, Head of Exhibitions and Collections, Crafts Council and Thomas Appleton, Letter carver & Stonemason and CRAFT EMERGENCY 2014 winner.

Joanne Bushnell, Director of Aspex, said: “Having developed Craft Emergency steadily over the last few years, and having had the opportunity to present ambitious solo exhibitions by both of our last two winners, we are thrilled to be presenting the group exhibition in our main gallery space for the first time.”

“We are extremely interested in exploring the way we can support the development of designer/makers, from sales in our shop through to our exhibition programme, so Craft Emergency and our partnership with Making Space is a key part of this strategy.”

If you are keen to apply for CRAFT EMERGENCY please download this application form and note that the deadline for submissions is Sunday 10 July 2016.

If you have any questions please contact Ollie Tubb on ollie@aspex.org.uk | 023 9277 8080