By Jerome Whittingham
Stoke-on-Trent was officially recognised as a World Craft City for its rich ceramics heritage earlier this year, marking a significant milestone in the city’s cultural and creative journey. On Thursday 17th October a celebratory event was held at Stoke Minster, organised by Stoke Creates. The event brought together leaders from the city’s creative industries to reflect on the achievement and chart the path forward.
Susan Clarke, Executive Director of Stoke Creates, opened the event with heartfelt thanks to the city’s partners who contributed to the designation. “We are delighted to be the organisation that led, in partnership with the City Council, in achieving this award,” she said, emphasising that this recognition is a collective victory for Stoke-on-Trent’s cultural community.
Councillor Jane Ashworth, the leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, reflected on the city’s proud history and its global impact. She noted how the timing of the award coincides with the centenary of the city’s establishment as a city, making it particularly poignant. “We have a duty to the world to protect, develop, and expand our heritage,” she remarked, highlighting the city’s role in shaping modernity through its ceramics craft.
Cllr Ashworth acknowledged the city’s struggles over the years, particularly the loss of industrial jobs and opportunities, but outlined how this new status can inspire future generations. “When people say the problem is low aspirations, it isn’t. The problem is low opportunities. World Craft City status gives us something tangible to hold onto, something to teach and pass on to our young people.”
Paul Williams, a tourism expert involved in securing the designation and Stoke Creates Board member, traced the origins of the bid back to a chance conversation with the UK Crafts Council. “Why isn’t Stoke-on-Trent a World Craft City?” was the question posed to him. After thorough research and collaboration, the bid came together with the support of Stoke Creates, the City Council, and numerous cultural partners.
Paul expressed deep gratitude to the local community, stating that the city’s history of ceramics was always world-class. “We’ve always been a global player in ceramics, but now we have the external validation to back it up,” he said. He stressed the importance of using this status to influence broader city policies, from education and tourism to health and transport.
Professor Neil Brownsword, a ceramics expert at the University of Staffordshire, emphasised the importance of preserving and passing down Stoke-on-Trent’s industrial ceramics knowledge. “Our craft heritage must be continually recreated to remain relevant to the community,” he said, reflecting on the urgent need to safeguard these skills for future generations. Neil also advocated for the establishment of a centre of excellence for ceramics, ensuring that this knowledge continues to inspire both industry and culture.
Listen to the speeches here
The event culminated with a sense of optimism for the future. As Paul Williams noted, “We don’t need permission to celebrate being a city of culture, creativity, and craft. This designation is a reminder of what we already know, and a call to use it for our future.”
The celebration also took place on a significant date – October 17, 2024 – the first UNESCO International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage, perfectly aligning with Stoke-on-Trent’s recognition on the global stage.
With World Craft City status, Stoke-on-Trent has not only celebrated its past but also set its sights on a future of cultural revival and international connectivity in the ceramics industry.