Conferences

Language and Craft 

Craft has an unstable identity because it covers such a wide diversity ofpractices. But it is also a liberating hybrid practice operating at the interface of design on the one hand and fine art on the other. This day event has been developed in partnership with Craftspace and School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University. We will be debating the language we use to writeand talk about craft and asking - Does the language we use impact upon itsmonetary value and its value as a form of creative expression in comparison to fine art?Forming Ideas has invited 3 notable speakers to give presentations on this theme.

Anne Szefer Karlsen isDirector of Hordaland Kunstsenter in Bergen, which was established in 1976 asthe first artist run art centre in Norway. The centre has a residency programme open to international artists, curators and writers.

Dr. Christian Schoen was the director of CIA.IS between 2004 and 2009. He curated the Icelandic Pavilionfor the Venice Biennale in 2007 and 2009, and was responsible for the publication Icelandic Art Now. He currently runs kunst-konzepte.

Professor Jivan Astfalck is a jewellery designer and Professor at the School of Jewellery. Jivan was a contributor to Craft in Dialogue, published by IASPIS in 2005. Jivan will illustrate her ideas through a specially curated exhibition to be shown at theSchool as part of this event, artists will include David Clarke, Katharina Moch, Eija Mustonen, Auli Laitinen, Benjamin Lignel and Jivan herself.

Each speaker will pose a question for the audience to debate in small groups, coming together again in what we hope will be a lively exchange of views chaired by Professor Jack Cunningham, Head of the School of Jewellery at Birmingham.

Forming Ideas is a curatorial development programme funded by Arts Council England and managed by ArtProjects and Solutions.