Paul McAllister
Made in the Middle
Contemporary craft from the Midlands
The exhibition draws together 37 regional artists whose work highlights the innovative contemporary crafts being made in the Midlands today. The artists represent the region’s vibrant and diverse creative community and include both emerging talents and established names.
31 exceptional artists, ranging from 22 to 82 years old, were selected by a panel of curators and craft sector specialists. 6 artists have been invited by Guest Curator Jazz Swali with Curatorial Support from Marta Marsicka to emphasise the enriching cultural impact of global migration to the region. Their work highlights powerful stories about the world we live in.
There will be a wide variety of techniques and disciplines on display including textiles, ceramics, mixed media, jewellery, metalwork and biomaterials. Made in the Middle has inspiration for anyone interested in making, seeing or buying craft. Invited maker, Christopher Day, from Lichfield, creates stunning blown glass work. His career comes after more than two decades as a plumber and his work investigates the treatment of black people in Britain & the USA.
Natalie Cole, from Wolverhampton, is experimenting with new eco-friendly materials. She creates designs which divert nutrient-rich ‘waste’ like egg and mussel shells from landfill to create new experimental compostable materials for use in contemporary furniture and objects for the home. The products are designed so that when no longer wanted, they can be disassembled and buried in the garden to break down and replenish the soil.
Mahawa Keita, from Birmingham, uses traditional textile techniques including knitting and macramé to make large contemporary, conceptual pieces which are visually striking.
Deirdre Figueiredo, Director Craftspace said “In 2025, the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, the exhibition shows how artists are playing their role in evolving the cultural voice and identity of the Midlands. The curation of the exhibition gives artists an unusual opportunity to experiment, speculate and make work freely without commercial constraints and audiences will be amazed and inspired.”
The exhibition is the ninth in the Made in the Middle series and will tour to galleries across the Midlands into 2026 raising the profile of regional artists. For the public and collectors, it’s a chance to commission a unique artwork or buy existing pieces to suit all budgets.
Made in the Middle is a regional touring exhibition curated by Craftspace in partnership with Leicester Gallery at De Montfort University, funded by Arts Council England.
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craftspace.co.uk
madeinthemiddle.org