Stoke-on-Trent goes global after claiming World Craft City Status

Stoke-on-Trent has been awarded World Craft City status, catapulting the City - known as the potteries - onto the global stage.

World Craft City status is awarded by the World Crafts Council to areas where there are excellent social, cultural, and economic contributions from communities. 

The city joins a growing list of locations across the UK and wider including Farnham, UK; Outer Hebrides, Scotland; Kilkenny, Ireland; Bornholm, Denmark; and La Bisbal d’Empordà, Spain.

Leader of the city council, Councillor Jane Ashworth said: “We are absolutely thrilled at the news that Stoke-on-Trent has received World Craft City status. This is a tremendous achievement, and one that culminates years of hard work by our cultural community.

“This recognition by the World Crafts Council has the potential to open so many doors for our city, not least when it comes to working alongside other cities and towns across the world who also have World Craft City status. 

“We are extremely excited by the possibilities and believe that this will have a significant impact when it comes to the social, cultural, and economic prestige of Stoke-on-Trent.

“It also underlines how wonderful, historic, and unique our great city is. Our heritage dates back hundreds of years and we are the world capital of ceramics, visible in museums all over the world. And yet our craft and ceramics represent not only our past, but also our present, and without question our bright future. 

“As the global centre for ceramics production and ceramics works, and particularly for The Potteries, Stoke-on-Trent is suitably placed to continue thriving for many, many years to come. 

“We thank everybody who has been involved in this bid for their incredible contributions, and we are so proud that Stoke-on-Trent now holds World Craft City status.”

The aim of World Craft City status is to emphasise craft expertise; boost the potential for government support; promote innovation and tourism; and accelerate knowledge exchange among other cities that have received the same honour. 

The news of Stoke-on-Trent’s successful bid to achieve World Craft City status based on its ceramic heritage is extremely welcomed within the community, and specifically within Stoke Creates. Following on from the city’s UK City of Culture bid for 2021, Stoke Creates formed as the Cultural Compact for the city, specifically to promote artistic, creative, and cultural participation within the combined Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire region.

Stoke Creates also brings together key partners and anchor organisations such as the city's Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio Organisations, the local authority, the Chambers of Commerce, our two universities, British Ceramics Biennial, and other leading creative organisations.

Stoke Creates’ efforts in promoting and submitting the bid culminated in a recent visit to the area from a panel of international judges on behalf of the World Crafts Council. This included a civic reception that involved the presentation of a commemorative plate specially crafted by Duchess China, as well as a three-day programme of site visits across Stoke-on-Trent.

Paul Williams, board member at Stoke Creates who spearheaded the application, said: “This designation is a fitting endorsement by the World Crafts Council of Stoke-on-Trent’s global renown as a city of craft, artistry, industry and innovation. It was wonderful to hear the judges describe Stoke-on-Trent as an example of a craft city where the legacy of historical craftsmanship intertwines with contemporary relevance.  

“From its beginnings as the cradle of British ceramics, World Craft City recognition is a validation of the enormous cultural and creative contribution Stoke-on-Trent has made nationally and internationally. As we look forward to celebrating the city’s centenary, this prestigious award respects our city’s historic past and rich heritage, but can also be a catalyst to a prosperous future where craftsmanship, creativity and community continue to thrive on a global scale. 

“I was particularly delighted that the judges observed how Stoke-on-Trent exemplifies a craft city that successfully merges heritage with modernity, and our comprehensive cultural ecosystem and forward-thinking approach to modern manufacturing and future ceramics applications have set a benchmark for craft cities worldwide.”

Clare Wood, Artistic Director & Chief Executive of the British Ceramics Biennial, commented: “We benefit enormously from the remarkable reputation of Stoke-on-Trent for ceramic innovation and it is wonderful to see this recognised and celebrated on a global platform.

“Craftsmanship lies at the heart of Stoke-on-Trent as strongly today as it has for many decades. World Craft City status is an acknowledgement of the skill, integrity and sheer brilliance of all those people who have worked, and continue to work, with clay. Their expertise and creativity can be found in every corner of the world and their influence is deeply felt.

“We work with contemporary artists locally, nationally and internationally who find the tangible and intangible heritage of Stoke-on-Trent a rich source of inspiration. We also draw upon local artistry to shape our year-round programme taking place throughout the city for people of all ages, talents and situations.

“It is a privilege to showcase how the city’s expertise and influence informs contemporary art practice via each British Ceramics Biennial – the UK’s largest contemporary ceramics event.

The WCC-World Craft City Programme was launched in 2014 by the World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC-International). This was to recognise the vital role that local authorities, craftsmen and craftswomen, and specialised communities hold in shaping cultural, economic, and social development across the globe. The programme also establishes an exciting network of craft cities worldwide whilst linking shared principles of a creative global economy.

For further information about the WCC-World Craft City Programme, please visit https://www.wccinternational.org/craft-cities/.