Reader TTS

THE WORLD CRAFTS COUNCIL HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THE MAKERS AND CREATORS OF THE JEWELLERY QUARTER 12:14, 03 Jun 2025 The Jewellery Quarter has been recognised as a World Craft City by the World

Crafts Council, making it one of just eight in Europe to hold such prestigious status. The Jewellery Quarter's crafters, makers and creative businesses impressed judges who came to

Birmingham from as far afield as Australia, Mexico and India in April. The World Crafts Council is a UNESCO-affiliated body which has been recognising the roles that craftspeople,

communities and local authorities play in the cultural, economic and social development of a place since 2014. READ MORE: I bypassed a 'road closed' sign near Birmingham and ended

up in an 'unreal' pub Only eight European cities are listed by the World Crafts Council, including Stoke-on-Trent, known for its pottery industry, and the Outer Hebrides in

Scotland, known for its Harris Tweed. The Jewellery Quarter bid for the World Craft City status was submitted back in October 2024 by the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT) and

Birmingham City University, supported by Birmingham City Council and the Goldsmiths Company. Article continues below The JQDT took judges to the School of Jewellery at Birmingham City

University (BCU) where they took place in a silversmithing workshop at the Grade II-listed Vittoria Street building. Students were able to showcase their craftsmanship and BCU staff,

jewellery firms and the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Derrick Anderson CBE, delivered special presentations. The judges also visited the Birmingham Assay Office, Cooksongold and the

Coffin Works over their three-day visit before making their decision to grant the neighbourhood the prestigious status. Saad Al-Quaddumi, the World Crafts Council AISBL International

President, said: "The World Crafts Council AISBL International is very happy to recognise Birmingham as a WCC-World Craft City for Jewellery and allied-trades. "This title

celebrates the city's rich heritage, skilled artisans, creative designers, proud makers, and innovative contributions to the jewellery industry. "It is a reflection of

Birmingham's continued leadership in heritage craftsmanship and its role in shaping the future of the jewellery trade and creative economy across the UK and globally." Matthew

Bott, chair of the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust said: "This is a moment of real pride - not just for the Jewellery Quarter, but for Birmingham and the West Midlands.

"We've always known the value of what happens here, and now the world does too. "Our thanks go to everyone who helped us reach this point, and we look forward to working with

partners old and new to build on this incredible foundation." David Mba, vice chancellor at Birmingham City University, added: "This is such exciting news. Being recognised as a

World Craft City puts a global spotlight on the skills, creativity and community we have here in Birmingham. "At the School of Jewellery, we already attract talented students and

practitioners from across the world - but this recognition will help us go even further. "It will strengthen our international reputation, open up new collaborations, and inspire even

more promising students to come here to study, work and create - a perfect example of our strategic ambition to develop the talent for tomorrow." Councillor Saima Suleman, Birmingham

City Council cabinet member for digital, culture, heritage and tourism, said: "Being named a World Craft City is brilliant recognition for Birmingham and especially for the Jewellery

Quarter. "The Jewellery Quarter has long been celebrated for its craftsmanship and innovation, and this designation recognises the area's heritage and enduring excellence.

"This recognition will help bring new opportunities for investment, tourism and international partnerships. Article continues below "We are proud to support the creative

communities driving this forward and look forward to seeing how this recognition will positively shape the city’s future."