DMWM ‘New Routes Handbook’ – a new publication on market opportunities for designer makers in the West Midlands

Research has shown that makers need support to access regional, national and international markets and in the West Midlands their current share is unnecessarily limited for want of development, advice, assistance and support. (Makers in focus 2005)

 

DMWM commissioned freelance consultant Barbara Gunter-Jones (who previously managed Origin, the craft fair in London and has knowledge of international markets for designer makers) to research and compile a resource publication in response to this need. The resulting document ‘New Routes Handbook’ offers an insight into opportunities to develop new audiences and focuses on individual approaches to creative practice and career development through considering a number of options for accessing new markets.

 

The case studies contained in the handbook examine a number of pathways that have been successfully explored by established makers and offers information on accessing some of the less usual routes to market. The handbook also illustrates the particular challenges and benefits of different approaches, and provides examples of how designer makers have moved their creative practice forward and developed audiences via these different routes.

 

To download Part 1 of the handbook please click here

To download Part 2 of the handbook please click here

 

The market research project was in partnership with Crafts Council who received funding from Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to develop the crafts sector in the West Midlands.