The UK Government proposal to re-classify Crafts as Non-creative was drawn to my attention today. The attached link is an article with more information. There is also a concern that in re-designating it will not be possible to enforce Intellectual Property rights. I can see no advantage at such a re-classification for those working in the craft sector.
There's a handy link to an article on the Guardian newspaper site, with more information.
If like me you care about this issue and are a resident in the UK, please click on the link below and follow the simple instructions to add your name to the e-petition being sent to the government. I've reproduced the text of the petition below, just so you know.
Petition to stop the government reclassifying craft as non-creative
Responsible department: Department for Culture, Media and Sport
We request the Government reconsider the proposal that craft no longer be considered part of the creative industries, as part of the 30 April proposed changes set out in Classifying and Measuring the Creative Industries consultation paper.
The craft industry and those who work in it, over 88,000 people making a £3bn annual contribution to the UK economy, are inherently and by their very nature creative. We want the UK Government to stop ignoring The Crafts Council and the thousands of mostly sole trading craftsmen and women who consider themselves to be and indeed are creatives.
The Government should be proud & supportive of our vibrant creative craft industry & celebrate the unique, rich diversity of skills & craftsmanship, not seek to declassify, dismiss & undermine it.
Calling an IT Business Analyst a creative but refusing the title to a skilled potter or ceramicist shows the level of understanding that those proposing the change have of what is and isn't creative.
Apparently web designers will still be classed as "creative" but pottery like this might not be.
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