On 25 January 2025 Craftspace’s Made in the Middle, will launch at Leicester Gallery, De Montfort University. The ninth in the series, the exhibition draws together 37 regional artists whose work offers a unique glimpse into the diverse and rich creative landscape of the Midlands. Celebrating the distinctive characteristics of the region, the work reflects its post-industrial past through the wealth of materials on display, as well as demonstrating the tangible growing identity of the region’s culture informed by migration.

31 exceptional artists, ranging from 22 to 82 years old, have been selected by a panel of curators and craft sector specialists. Ranging from emerging artists to those with established reputations there will be a variety of techniques and disciplines on display including textiles, ceramics, mixed media, jewellery, metalwork and bio-materials. A further 6 artists have been invited by Guest Curator Jazz Swali, to emphasise the enriching cultural impact of global migration to the region and how the creative influence of a continuing global diaspora enhances its growth and productivity.

With exhibitors from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences the selection of work will convey powerful stories about the world we live in. Selected exhibitors include Gambian textile artist Mahawa Keita, who combines traditional and contemporary textile techniques in her community-focused fibre art, Oxana Geets whose striking ceramic sculptures study ideas of ritual and offering, through stories of migration, Jo Cope, self-taught in shoemaking, combines traditional techniques with upcycled materials to create artworks that blur the line between design and art and Paul McAllister whose ceramics explore post-industrial landscapes and heritage, reflecting on the cycles of decline and renewal in the Midlands. The exhibition will tour to galleries across the Midlands into 2026 raising the profile of regional artists and providing an opportunity to sell. For the public and collectors it’s a chance to commission a unique artwork or buy existing pieces to suit all budgets. Artists’ work is also available to buy online through Craftspace’s shop at craftspace.co.uk

Made in the Middle is a regional touring exhibition curated by Craftspace in partnership with Leicester Gallery at De Montfort University, funded by Arts Council England.

Tour schedule (Free Entry):

Leicester Gallery, De Montfort University 25 January – 22 March 2025

Hub, Sleaford 5 April – 6 July 2025

Nuneaton Museum and Art Gallery 27 September – 22 November 2025

MAC Birmingham 14 February – 11 April 2026

The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery 4 July – 29 August 2026