Reimagining Narratives

This event took place on 4 October 2024 at Crafts Council Gallery, London.

In celebration of Black History Month, this special event explored Crafts Council's collection to uncover and reflect on the stories of Black makers. Beginning with a talk and Q&A with curator and art historian Alayo Akinkugbe, we examined the narratives told through craft objects, discussing the imbalances that exist within collections and the differing attitudes towards craft in Black communities.

Attendees had the opportunity to explore an exhibition of craft collection works, Unboxing the Collection: Exploring the Vessel, and participate in a hands-on workshop with wood artist Darren Appiagyei, creating their own piece inspired by the styles and techniques highlighted during the evening.

Listen to a recording of the talk with Alayo Akinkugbe below:

This event was underpinned by Make First, Crafts Council's craft education pedagogy. Make First conceptualises craft education as a tactile journey, prioritising experimentation, iteration and making mistakes as you explore materials, ideas and processes.

Alayo Akinkugbe is a writer, curator and founder of ‘A Black History of Art’.
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Darren Appiagyei is a UK-based wood artist, curator and public speaker
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This event was part of Unboxing the Collection, an exhibition and events programme developed by guest curator Lewis Dalton Gilbert and Crafts Council.

Unboxing the Collection is supported by Cockayne Grants for the Arts, a donor advised fund held at the London Community Foundation. The programme has evolved out of our work auditing Crafts Council Collection, which is part of our Craft for the People project, generously supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of its Dynamic Collections initiative.