‘The Market for Craft’ report, commissioned by the Crafts Council and partners from across the UK, including the Arts Council of Wales, looked at the size, value and growth potential of the UK craft market and looked at what was needed for its development and support.
The report surveyed more than 5,000 potential craft buyers and interviewed 1,700 craft makers in all corners of UK – the first time that research into the craft market has covered all four nations. The survey was available for respondents in English and Welsh.
The report shows that 73% had bought craft in 2019 and that there is a growing new generation of younger craft consumers as craft becomes more mainstream - almost a third (32%) of today’s buyers are aged under 35. Jewellery is the most popular craft discipline to purchase by volume, but glass and metal have seen the most sizeable growth.
Louise Wright, Portfolio Manager at Arts Council of Wales commented:
“Wales is a hotbed of makers producing a distinct and excellent quality range of craft and artisan items and services. They support a local and a wider economy and meet the public’s growing desire for authenticity, sustainability and for supporting small businesses.”
“This report provides us with a new understanding of the craft market and illustrates its support needs and potential areas of growth. We now have an opportunity to work closely with partners and makers in Wales to develop an environment that allows our craftspeople to continue to work and sell and to adapt to Brexit and the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.”
The 100-page Market for Craft report includes in-depth profiling of receptive consumers and buying trends.
Executive Summary: https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/content/files/CC-Market_for_Craft_-_Executive_Summary.pdf
Full report: https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/content/files/CC-Market_for_Craft-Final.pdf