Local craftspeople from Brighton head to Digital Festival

The Digital Craft Festival will be taking place from March 26 lasting for two days with over 150 contemporary makers from across the world, including content rich talks, interviews with makers, plus workshops and demonstrations; making it the UK’s biggest online Craft Festival.  

New Pottery Throwdown Judge, Richard Miller, Aardman animator Jim Parkyn and Internationally known weaver Laura Thomas are just a few of the names hosting live sessions, alongside 150 curated makers, including Queen of the potters Sue Pryke; one of the UK’s finest jewellers Daphne Krinos and paper artist Jennifer Collier who will be hosting a make-along session.

All of whom will be showcasing their latest work over the three days.  

Sarah James, Craft Festival Director, said: “Last year was a year like no other, but amid the doom and gloom we launched the Digital Craft Festival, which was received by over 20,000 visitors and supported over 400 makers from across the UK & Europe.

"The feedback we received was exceptional from all of those who took part, so we are back online this March with even more content. We had a huge response and makers from all over the globe will be represented”. 

There will be some key speakers, such as Potter and Great Pottery Throw Down judge Richard Miller, taking part in a live Q&A on Zoom, discussing his love for clay and how multi-culturalism has influenced his practise. Miller is keeping under wraps exactly what he’ll be doing, but it will definitely be an energetic, hands-on gathering. 

As a sculptor, model maker and animator, Jim Parkyn is the main man behind many classic plasticine characters, such as Shaun The Sheep. Jim will be hosting a live make along and Q&A session on Friday March 26th at 3pm, suitable for all ages. 

Laura Thomas, award-winning woven textile artist and designer, known for producing striking artworks for the contemporary interior, will be talking part in a live Q&A with Louise Jones-Williams, Director at Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, discussing her ability to push the expected boundaries of woven textiles. Examples of Laura’s artworks can be found in the permanent collections of The Victoria & Albert Museum, The National Wool Museum, and the Crafts Study Centre. 

On Friday 26th March at 2pm Jennifer Collier will be hosting a live paper demonstration; whilst on the Saturday at 12.30pm there will be a craft conversation with jeweller Daphne Krinos hosted by the Crafts Council.  

Sunday 28 March at 3pm will see Sarah Corbett, an award-winning speaker and founder of social enterprise, the Craftivist Collective, seeking to enact positive change in the world by combining craft and activism. Hosted by Mark Shayler, Founder of innovation and sustainability company Ape, the session will be an interesting listen for anyone wanting to change how we see the world and tackle issues without shouting and aggression, but through gentle protest.