Birmingham awarded World Craft Metropolis standing
Birmingham has formally been recognised as a World Craft Metropolis, making it one among simply eight in Europe to obtain the designation from the World Crafts Council.
Led by the Jewelry Quarter Improvement Belief (JQDT) and co-applicants Birmingham Metropolis College, a bid for World Craft Metropolis standing was supported by Birmingham Metropolis Council and the Goldsmiths Firm and submitted in October 2024.
A “rigorous” software and judging course of occurred, with a global panel of judges visiting Birmingham in April 2025.
Their tour included a go to to the Faculty of Jewelry at Birmingham Metropolis College, the place they took half in a silversmithing workshop and considered the artistry and craftsmanship of present college students.
Elsewhere within the Jewelry Quarter, judges stopped on the Birmingham Assay Workplace, Cooksongold, and the Coffin Works.
Matthew Bott, chair, Jewelry Quarter Improvement Belief (JQDT), mentioned: “This can be a second of actual delight – not only for the Jewelry Quarter, however for Birmingham and the West Midlands. We’ve at all times identified the worth of what occurs right here, and now the world does too. Our thanks go to everybody who helped us attain this level, and we stay up for working with companions outdated and new to construct on this unbelievable basis.”
David Mba, vice chancellor, Birmingham Metropolis College, added: “That is such thrilling information. Being recognised as a World Craft Metropolis places a worldwide highlight on the abilities, creativity and group we’ve got right here in Birmingham.
“On the Faculty of Jewelry, we already entice proficient college students and practitioners from the world over – however this recognition will assist us go even additional. It’s going to strengthen our worldwide repute, open up new collaborations, and encourage much more promising college students to return right here to check, work and create – an ideal instance of our strategic ambition to develop the expertise for tomorrow.”
