The Made in the Middle exhibition returns in 2025, featuring 37 artists and a focus on sustainability, cultural exchange, and the evolution of craft in the Midlands.
Made in the Middle, an exhibition dedicated to contemporary craft artists from the East and West Midlands, is set to return in 2025 for its ninth edition. The event will begin on January 25 at the Leicester Gallery, located within De Montfort University, and will tour various venues in the region until April 11, 2026. The exhibition, curated by Craftspace, aims to showcase the diverse talents that are shaping the Midlands’ creative landscape.
This year’s exhibition highlights the work of 37 artists and features a variety of mediums such as embroidery, textiles, ceramics, jewellery, and bio-materials. The collection is intended to reflect the evolving craft scene in the Midlands, showcasing unique perspectives and innovative techniques. Guest Curator Jazz Swali has also included six artists who will examine the influence of global migration on contemporary craft, emphasizing the significance of cultural exchange within the artistic community.
In light of the challenges posed by mass production and growing environmental scrutiny surrounding the textile industry, Made in the Middle advocates for sustainability, repair, and a focus on slow fashion. The exhibition provides an opportunity for attendees to purchase pieces and support local makers, allowing for an investment in handcrafted works that reflect both artistic integrity and community values.
As the exhibition travels throughout the region, it aims to elevate regional artists while encouraging public engagement with craft. Some of the featured textile artists include:
Jade Webb, from Leicester, explores themes of biodiversity and neurodivergence through sustainable weaving, using materials such as linen, nettle, wool, and hemp. Her work incorporates intentional “mistakes” that reveal insights into her mind, combining sustainability with personal expression.
Birmingham-based artist Karina Thompson is known for creating large-scale Art Quilts that merge machine quilting with digital embroidery on Yuzen fabrics. Her Recovery Quilts series draws from her mental health journey, using obscured messages to delve into concepts such as anger and grief, contrasting vibrant floral patterns with hidden meanings.
The exhibition is part of a broader initiative to connect contemporary craft with the public in meaningful ways, enhancing appreciation for the creativity and skill inherent in handmade works. By showcasing the diverse talents of regional artists, Made in the Middle continues to play a significant role in shaping the cultural narrative of the Midlands.
Source: Noah Wire Services
