Equity advisory council
Giving a voice to marginalised makers
Former members of Craft Council's Equity Advisory Council (Cycle 2) Former members of Craft Council's Equity Advisory Council (Cycle 1)
Introduction
Over the past five years, Crafts Council has been on a complex and often testing journey towards becoming a more equitable, inclusive and diverse organisation. At the heart of this journey has been the work of the Equity Advisory Council (EAC) – a group of expert makers and thinkers who challenged the organisation to examine its structures, culture, and accountability.
In early 2024, the EAC made the tough decision to withdraw their labour, citing ongoing systemic barriers, unclear expectations, and a lack of meaningful integration into core decision-making processes. This moment became a defining turning point for the Crafts Council. It led to a period of deep internal reflection, a mediation process with an independent facilitator, and honest conversations with staff, board members, and the wider community.
This was a very heart-searching time for all involved. We would like to thank all the participants for their time, labour and honesty. The cause of equity and inclusion in the world of craft in this country is of vital importance and the source of much passion, commitment and activism. There has been much to consider and much to learn. This work formed the bedrock of the EDI strategy which was drafted and written after the conclusion of the mediation process in February 2025.
The result of this process is a refreshed approach – one that acknowledges past shortcomings, values lived experience and commits to building lasting structural transformation.
What We Have Learned
Our journey has not been straightforward. Through trial, tension, dialogue, reflection and insight, we have come to understand that:
- Equity work must be resourced and embedded right across the organisation – not held by one person or one team. This includes unlearning/learning structural systems of oppression that influences decision making.
- Progress requires sustained, accountable, appropriately resourced work.
- Advisory groups require care, clarity, and integration, with clear terms of reference, financial backing, and support from leadership.
- Taking time to foster supportive relationships, deep listening and mutual respect are vital in addressing systemic harm and fostering lasting trust.
- Structural barriers persist, and challenging them requires courage, consistency, and transparency.
How We Are Changing
These lessons have directly informed our new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan (2025–2027). Key changes include:
- The creation of a new EDI Committee with representation from staff, trustees and external voices [including our youth panel].
- A stronger focus on measurable progress, with transparent goals, baseline data and annual reporting against clear metrics to be developed.
- Investment in training and capacity building across staff, management and board.
- Clear expectations and support for critical friends, collaborators and advisors.
- Renewed commitment to intersectional, inclusive and accessible curation, collections, and programming, not just representation.
This strategy represents an ongoing shift in how we work, share power, and represent the craft community.
A Timeline of Key Moments
For those who wish to explore our recent history, we have compiled a brief outline of key milestones and reflections from 2020–2025.
Key Achievements
Despite the many challenges, there have been a number of achievements over the last 5 years as a direct result of the work of the Equity Advisory Council and the Equity and Inclusion Manager to support systemic change within both the Crafts Council and the wider crafts sector. These have included:
- The development of the Toolkit for Change
- The publication of a guide to inclusive language for staff and board
- An anti-racist approach embedded in 'Craft School' our national schools programme
- The introduction of 3 "Collect Open" bursaries for 2026
- Representation of EAC Alumni as trustees on the board of Crafts Council
- We Gather - an exhibition of female artists from global majority backgrounds
- New Positions - the acquisitions of 27 works of 13 makers from global majority backgrounds to the Crafts Council Collection, with support from Art Fund, patrons and donors
Looking Forward
As we continue this work, we do so with heart and humility. Our EDI strategy is a commitment to do better, listen harder, and build a craft community where all makers feel seen, heard and valued.
We thank everyone who has walked this path with us so far, in particular members of the EAC from cycles 1 & 2, including:
- Chanelle Joseph, leather designer, educator
- Chinelo L Njaka Ph.D, sociologist, artist-maker
- Gift Ajimokun, founder of OKE London, curator and producer
- Imogen Bright Moon, textile artist, craftmaker and weaver
- Jason Stocks Young, leather artist, educator
- Karen Patel, research fellow, director of CEDIA
- Kim Chin, textile artist, facilitator, educator
- Lorna Hamilton-Brown MBE, artist, indepedent researcher
- Melanie Eddy, jeweller, associate lecturer, trustee at Crafts Council
- Omeima Madawi-Rawlings MBE, textile artist, craft maker, curator
- Rose Sinclair MBE, academic, researcher, curator, trustee at Crafts Council
- Tala Cloudwatcher, artist, writer and researcher
- Tiya Dahyabhai, curator
- Equity and Inclusion Manager, Rafaela Ricardo
- Facilitator, Helga Henry
- Trustees Ed Matthews-Gentle & Majeda Clarke
Finally, a heartfelt acknowledgement to every single person who has contributed to this work from the initial ‘town hall' meeting to now, the conversations, observations, reflections and comments have all informed the path and journey we are on.
Former EAC members
Gift Ajimokun Chinelo L Njaka Jason Stocks-Young Imogen Bright Moon Omeima Mudawi-Rowlings Kim Chin Tiya Dahyabhai
Get in touch
If you would like to know more about the EAC, please email [email protected]
