Deirdre Figueiredo

History

Career Path: Deirdre Figueiredo is currently the Director of Craftspace which works in partnership with makers and artists, audiences, venues and a diverse range of organisations to push boundaries and perceptions around contemporary crafts practice, touring exhibitions and audience development. Craftspace aims to initiate programmes of work which stimulate artistic excellence, critical thinking and understanding of contemporary crafts in the widest social and cultural contexts. Deirdre has worked as a curator and manager in the field of visual arts, craft and museums over the past 20 years and has developed particular expertise in diversity and audience development issues. In a wider role she contributes to a range of advisory panels, boards and steering groups including recently the Arts Council West Midlands Regional Council and a steering group for the Irish Arts Council to develop its first formal policy approach to cultural diversity. She was one of two people leading a Crafts Leadership Network as part of the national Cultural Leadership Programme. She is a board member of Audiences Central and Punch, and a Trustee of The Crafts Study Centre, Farnham. www.craftspace.co.uk