Stoke-on-Trent has been awarded World Craft City status, catapulting the city onto the global stage.
World Craft City status is awarded by the World Crafts Council to areas where there are excellent social, cultural, and economic contributions from communities.
The city – famously known as the Potteries – joins an exclusive list of locations to receive the status across the UK and further afield including Farnham in Surrey; Outer Hebrides in Scotland; Kilkenny, Ireland; Bornholm, Denmark; and La Bisbal d’Empordà, Spain.
City Council Leader Jane Ashworth said: “We are absolutely thrilled at the news that Stoke-on-Trent has received World Craft City status. This is a tremendous achievement, and one that culminates years of hard work by our cultural community.
“This recognition by the World Crafts Council has the potential to open so many doors for our city, not least when it comes to working alongside other cities and towns across the world who also have World Craft City status.
“We are extremely excited by the possibilities and believe that this will have a significant impact when it comes to the social, cultural, and economic prestige of Stoke-on-Trent.
“As the global centre for ceramics production and ceramics works, and particularly for The Potteries, Stoke-on-Trent is suitably placed to continue thriving for many, many years to come.”
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive Rachel Laver said: “It’s fantastic news for the city and really helps to raise the profile of the exceptional businesses and talent we have in the area.
“Despite the pottery industry declining here, creative industries are not only alive and kicking, but thriving.”
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