Craft and Text is a one day conference convened by the Crafts Study Centre and the International Textile Research Centre, to be held on 9 July 2018.

The theme of the conference is the resonant relationship between craft and text. This may take literal as well as metaphorical forms: from critical analysis to ceremonial lettering and on to performance, where the craft object has inspired poetry. Craft practitioners have also integrated text into their work in allusive ways, as well as for the purposes of social and political commentary; text has become a fundamental, integrated aspect of the making process.

We are calling for a series of short (30 minute) illustrated papers on the theme, from makers, writers, curators and craft historians. The keynote speakers are the eminent academics and practitioners Alice Kettle (Manchester Metropolitan University) and Timothy Donaldson (Falmouth University). The conference is promoted with the support of our academic partner, the Edward Johnston Foundation.

Alice Kettle is a contemporary textile/fibre artist, who has established a unique area of practice by her use of a craft medium, consistently and on an unparralled scale. She is Professor in Textile Arts in MIRIAD, Manchester School of Art, at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Timothy Donaldson is Associate Professor in Graphic Design at Falmouth University. He is a Letterworker: a practising graphic designer, type designer and action calligrapher with enthusiasm for the use, abuse and reuse of text as a communication device.

Please send abstracts (one side of A4) to solding@uca.ac.uk and lmillar@uca.ac.uk to arrive no later than 12 noon on Monday 19 March 2018.

Decisions on speakers will be made by Monday 26th March.