Research News Last updated 17 December
Academics, researchers and practitioners have been brought together to explore socially engaged crafts in the creative economy through a symposium at Birmingham City University (BCU).
Held on 9 December, the Symposium on socially engaged arts and crafts was hosted on campus and online, attracting guests from across the world.
Organised by Dr Karen Seaward-Patel, Associate Professor in Media at BCU, her research has looked at how crafts can support wellbeing, health, social cohesion and skill development.
Her work also highlighted barriers for marginalised groups involved and challenges that craft-focused social enterprises face.
The event attracted academics from a range of disciplines, including fashion, jewellery, media and law.
Its aim was to build a cross-sector network of researchers and practitioners interested in the social impact of craft and its potential to support more inclusive and sustainable creative practices.
Guest speakers joined from several institutions, including Manchester Metropolitan University, Coventry University, the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), and De Montfort University, offering a wide range of perspectives on socially engaged craft, fashion and cultural labour.
It’s part of a joint research project between BCU and RMIT in Australia: Expanding contemporary craft and fashion entrepreneurship for sustainable development.
The project is supported by the Academy of Medical Sciences Networking Grants Scheme and seeks to deepen understanding of how creative practices can contribute to sustainable and socially responsive forms of enterprise.
“It was a fruitful and genuinely multidisciplinary event,” said Dr Seaward-Patel. “We had some great discussions throughout the day.
“We had a range of departments from BCU attend, demonstrating how craft research can bring together so many different perspectives.
“I’m looking forward to travelling to Melbourne in Spring 2026 for the project’s concluding event at RMIT and discussing next steps for this network.”