The Crafts Council has announced that the new event for contemporary craft (replacing Chelsea Crafts Fair) in 2006 will be called Origin: the London Craft Fair and that it will include a new exhibition opportunity for emerging makers.

This new flagship event, which opens its doors at Somerset House from 3 to 15 October 2006, will be a major new selling event where over 300 international designer-makers will present their work direct to the public. Origin will be housed in a specially commissioned pavilion by designer Ben Kelly built over the Somerset House courtyard.

Within Origin there will be a feature area for makers in the very early stages of setting up their practice.  This will be a shared stand, selected by a panel of industry professionals and curated by the Craft Council's professional development team.  The Crafts Council is calling for applications and the deadline is 6pm on Monday 10 April 2006.  Full details and an application pack can be downloaded from www.craftscouncil.org.uk/guide/featurearea

Due to the development of this new area, the Crafts Council has made a decision to no longer present 'One Year On', however this key event will continue in its current format at New Designers. 

Scottish makers who are selected to participate in the new event for emerging designers will be able to apply for Scottish Arts Council support to attend, however, makers will no longer receive support to attend ‘One Year On’.

Scottish makers who are selected to show at Origin, and who have not previously exhibited at Chelsea Crafts Fair, will be able to apply for assistance to participate through the Scottish Arts Council's Professional Development fund.

The Crafts Council has also announced the appointment of a new director, Rosy Greenlees, and chair, Joanna Foster CBE.  Crafts Council trustee Julian Stair has been appointed to a new position of deputy chair.

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