The Value of Supporting Emerging Talent

For the next installation in our Meetup Series, we’ll be joined by Founder of Crafty Fox Market Sinead Koehler, Business Manager of the Craft Potters Association Toby Brundin, Artistic Director at Border Crossings Michael Walling, and Founder of Green Rooms Hotel Nick Hartwright. We’ll look at the value of recognising emerging creatives, and different approaches used to source and nurture local, budding artists.

I had a wonderful time. It was lovely meeting so many creatives and learning about new ventures. Haffeera Cader – Artist

Sinead Koehler started Crafty Fox Market in 2010. The Markets take place seasonally across London and beyond, showcasing a curated selection of contemporary crafted sellers. With a background in event management and a side-line in handmade jewellery, Sinead wanted to shake up the traditional craft fair and provide opportunities for independent makers. The ethos of Crafty Fox is to support and promote designer-makers by connecting them with customers. They also host regular events and run shopping directory website, Shopping With Soul.

Toby Brundin is Business Manager at the Craft Potters Association, formed in 1958 to increase public awareness of contemporary studio pottery. The CPA launched Ceramic Review Magazine and in 2010, they opened the Contemporary Ceramic Centre with a dedicated gallery space for a changing programme of the very best artist potters and ceramic artists. A member of the International Academy of Ceramics, the CPA has over 300 selected, fellow and honorary members across the UK and Ireland.

The community you are creating is making all of us stronger, through collaborations and supporting each other with our different strengths. Adeline Rozario – Artist

Michael Walling founded Border Crossings in 1995. They create intercultural theatre which tackles difficult issues and challenges prejudices by providing engagement and education opportunities to marginalised communities. Michael has directed the bulk of Border Crossings’ productions. He also directed the English National Opera’s workshop productions of Wagner’s Ring (Coliseum, Barbican). He was Associate Director to Peter Sellars on Nixon in China and to Phyllida Lloyd on The Handmaid’s Tale.

Nick Hartwright is one of London’s leading social entrepreneurs. As a place-maker, he is involved in a number of exciting regeneration projects, working with major property developers and playing a key role in transforming vacant buildings into vibrant workspace and commerical centres. Nick is the founder of the UK’s first arts hotel, Green Rooms and is co-founder of The Mill Co Project, a social enterprise that provides work and project spaces at competitive rates for artists and small creative companies.

I am so glad I was a part of such a beautiful evening! It was really lovely and I met interesting people. Antonios Noxis – Illustrator

We encourage interaction between all attendees so the Meetup is a great opportunity to meet fellow artists from all disciplines.

Some free drinks and light refreshments will also be available