Stoke-on-Trent has been granted World Craft City Status by the World Crafts Council thanks to its rich history as a pottery capital.
In addition to global recognition, this award will grant the city more government support. It will also boost Stoke’s status as a tourist destination.
“We are absolutely thrilled at the news that Stoke-on-Trent has received World Craft City status. This is a tremendous achievement, and one that culminates years of hard work by our cultural community,” stated council leader Jane Ashworth.
She continued: “This recognition by the World Crafts Council has the potential to open so many doors for our city, not least when it comes to working alongside other cities and towns across the world who also have World Craft City status.”
This award will promote cultural exchanges with other cities with the same status. Other nearby locations that have received this award include Farnham, the Outer Hebrides, and Kilkenny.
Stoke-on-Trent has been listed as the 65th addition to the World Craft Cities list, which started in 2014.
This prestigious award comes just in time for the city’s centenary celebrations which will take place next year. In addition to its pottery history, the city is already recognised as the World Capital of Ceramics.
The city received the award after board members of the group Stoke Creates submitted an application to the World Crafts Council.
Paul Williams, board member of Stoke Creates, stated: “It was wonderful to hear the judges describe Stoke-on-Trent as an example of a craft city where the legacy of historical craftsmanship intertwines with contemporary relevance.
I was particularly delighted that the judges observed how Stoke-on-Trent exemplifies a craft city that successfully merges heritage with modernity.”
More information about World Craft Cities can be found here.
Experienced writer and journalist James McKean leads the daily editorial output at StaffsLive. To contact him, email news@staffslive.co.uk
