Indigenous Craft Development Project

The craft sector has been operating from a very low base in Shetland, compared for instance with Orkney.  The proposal was to appoint a specialist development officer for a three year fixed term. The officer will draw up a development plan within five months of taking up the post and marketing workshops and training for craft practitioners currently making a full or partial living from indigenous crafts, or those wishing to work in this area, will be arranged. Although this project cannot address all the issues surrounding craft development, marketing and production in Shetland, it focuses on a specific area, which has economic potential and should encourage co-operation and collaboration across groups and agencies.

The project is innovative, being the first time that such a focus has been applied to the craft sector, with a set of specific, time-limited aims and objectives and there is a range of applications of both new technology and know-how in the sphere of culture and heritage, as well as promoting the creative arts. The project to date has been of most benefit to women, as they form the majority of indigenous craft workers at present.  The proposal had a dual aim of promoting artistic development and creating sustainable economic opportunities, as well as making a significant contribution to craft practice in Shetland.

It was therefore awarded with Leader+ assistance of £23,537 to allow the project to proceed.