Research

As the national development agency for craft, Craft Scotland is interested in examining working models, finances and routes to market for Scottish contemporary craft. This allows us to target our support and be an advocate for the needs of the sector. Read a collection of our latest research projects and sector surveys below. 

 

 

 

 

Craft Scotland is committed to deepening public understanding of the value and benefits of craft through research, consulation and advocacy. 

 

In 2022, we commissioned EKOS, an independent consultancy specialising in economic and social evidence-based research, to provide a detailed analysis of the craft landscape since 2019. For the first time, we now have the strategic, economic and policy context to support the Scottish craft sector. 

The Craft Scotland Sector Report 2023 provides an evidence base for understanding the craft sector's context, working models and finances. Alongside identifying areas of support makers need to continue developing their creative and business practice, it contextualises the sector's successes and challenges, weaving together new statistics with insights from previous Craft Scotland research to create a holistic picture of the sector. 

 

 

 

 

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In 2020, Craft Scotland commissioned Dr Stacey Hunter to lead a research project aiming to better understand how independent craft curators can be supported in their vital role within the craft ecosystem.

 

The report provides examples of best practice and fresh ideas that expand on the role of the craft curator. Additionally, it identifies UK and international models of support which have helped to create curatorial career pathways. The report also makes recommendations as to how the right conditions could be created which would ensure that independent curators in Scotland can have sustainable, valued careers.

 

The research focuses on independent curators as opposed to institutional curators (for example, those who are employed by museums or private galleries) who are working in Scotland. Included within the scope are curators who are also makers, as well as those who may crossover from craft to visual art or design.

 

Dr Stacey Hunter is a design curator and producer based in Edinburgh. She is the founder of Local Heroes, a curatorial studio which celebrates, supports and promotes Scottish design culture through exhibitions and events. Most recently, Stacey curated The Future of Home, a showcase of design research in practice that brought together an international cohort of designers, artists and makers working at the forefront of emerging concepts and techniques in design and craft. The exhibition featured fifteen studios and was presented as part of the Brompton Design District in South Kensington, a key part of London Design Festival 2021.

 

Curators play a key role in sustaining and innovating Scotland’s ecosystem for contemporary craft. See how Craft Scotland works with curators on our Craft & Curators project page. 

 

 

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The economic impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Scotland’s makers and the craft infrastructure was immediate and the effects may be evident for years to come.

 

Our Coronavirus (COVID-19) Impact Survey for Makers shows the emerging impacts of the pandemic on Scottish makers detailing; the loss of income, challenges of accessing studios/equipment and pivoting to online selling, and their experiences of the funding/grants landscape. Additionally, the Survey for Venues, Studios & Curators shows the emerging impacts of the pandemic on the Scottish infrastructure detailing; the loss of income/cash flow and the challenges of pivoting programmes. 

 

Looking to the next 3-12 months, respondents conveyed the potential future impact on their practice and what kind of support they might need to recover. This survey was issued on Thursday 16 April and closed Friday 22 May 2020, there was a total of 44 maker respondents and 18 craft venues, studios, organisations and curators from all across Scotland.

 

 

 

 

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Online Selling Survey 2019

In 2019, Craft Scotland conducted a small research project into the positives and challenges of online selling for makers and craft venues based in Scotland. We conducted 15 interviews overall, with 11 makers and 4 craft venues. We received survey responses from 79 makers and 12 craft venues. This research was carried out in 2019 and may not reflect the online selling landscape during the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

 

 

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As the national development agency for craft, Craft Scotland is interested in examining the working models, finances and routes to market for Scotland-based makers. Read our latest sector wide survey and compare the results to previous years to see emerging trends.

 

 

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Annual Tracking Study 2018

Our Annual Tracking Study 2018 follows on from Craft Scotland’s initial research State of the Sector, published in March 2017. Through these studies, we are conducting a long-term survey of makers who have interacted with Craft Scotland through our events, exhibitions and learning programme since 2014. Read on to discover the most recent statistics and trends in the craft environment and impacts on makers' creative and business practice. 

 

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State of the Sector 2017