Craft Potters Association

Overview

The Craft Potters Association is the national professional body representing ceramic artists and potters throughout the UK. Founded in 1958, it has established itself as the principal membership organisation for makers and practitioners working in ceramics and pottery. Based at the Contemporary Ceramics Centre in London, the association serves professional potters, studio ceramicists, ceramic sculptors, and others dedicated to contemporary and traditional ceramic practice. Whether you are an established ceramic artist, an emerging maker, a craft educator, or an organisation supporting ceramic arts, the Craft Potters Association represents your interests and connects you to a vibrant community of ceramic professionals across the country.

Who Should Join?

The Craft Potters Association welcomes a diverse membership including:

Professional ceramic artists and potters — established makers working in studios, workshops or ceramic facilities
Contemporary ceramicists — artists exploring experimental, sculptural, or conceptual approaches to clay
Studio potters — makers producing functional and decorative ceramics
Ceramic educators and tutors — those teaching pottery and ceramics in educational, community or private settings
Emerging makers and students — those training in ceramics or early in their ceramic career
Craft organisations and institutions — museums, galleries, educational facilities and other organisations involved in ceramic arts
Supporters of ceramic arts — collectors, enthusiasts and others committed to advancing ceramics within contemporary craft

Membership is open to individuals and organisations with a genuine interest in ceramics as a professional practice or serious pursuit. The association accommodates different career stages and approaches to ceramic work, from full-time professional potters to part-time makers and those combining ceramics with other roles.

Why Join?

Joining the Craft Potters Association offers ceramic professionals and makers several compelling reasons to become members:

Professional recognition and standing — Association membership signals professional commitment and establishes your credibility within the ceramic arts community and beyond
Visibility and profile — Members benefit from representation within a respected national body and association with an established, professionally recognised network
Access to a national ceramic community — Connect with fellow ceramic artists, potters and makers across the UK, breaking isolation and creating opportunities for collaboration, peer support and friendship
Advocacy and collective voice — The association represents members' interests within the wider craft, arts and cultural sectors, giving individual makers a collective platform
Business and career support — For professional makers, membership offers practical value through networking, business development opportunities and connection to potential customers, galleries and collaborators
Knowledge and professional development — Members gain access to specialist information, guidance and resources relevant to ceramic practice, studio management and career development
Engagement with contemporary ceramics — Participate in a forward-looking community actively shaping how ceramics and pottery are understood, practiced and valued in contemporary art and craft

Member Benefits & Opportunities

The Craft Potters Association provides members with practical resources and opportunities to develop their practice and connect with others:

Events and gatherings — Participation in association-organised events, exhibitions, symposia, workshops and social gatherings that bring ceramic makers together
Contemporary Ceramics Centre — Access to the association's London-based centre, featuring exhibition space and a focus on contemporary ceramic practice
Networking and peer community — Regular opportunities to connect, share ideas and collaborate with other ceramic professionals and makers at different career stages
Professional information and guidance — Access to advice and resources on topics relevant to ceramic practice, studio setup, professional development and career management
Member directory and visibility — Inclusion in association materials and directories, raising your profile within the ceramic arts community
Collective advocacy — Participation in the association's wider work championing ceramic arts within arts, cultural and policy contexts
Community support — Connection to a supportive, peer-led professional community sharing knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for ceramics

Industry Role & Professional Standing

The Craft Potters Association holds a significant position within UK ceramics, contemporary craft, and the visual arts. Since its foundation in 1958, the association has been instrumental in establishing and promoting ceramic arts as a serious professional discipline and art form. The association:

Represents the interests of ceramic professionals and makers at national level and within policy and cultural debates affecting the craft and visual arts sectors
Operates the Contemporary Ceramics Centre in London, showcasing contemporary ceramic practice and serving as a focal point for the field
Plays an active role in shaping understanding and appreciation of ceramics within contemporary art, craft, design and cultural spheres
Provides a platform for ceramic artists to exhibit, share work, and contribute to contemporary discourse in ceramics
Maintains connections across the international ceramic community and contemporary art world

Membership of the Craft Potters Association connects you to this established, nationally recognised body and positions you within a professional community with genuine influence over how ceramics and pottery are valued and supported in the UK. For ceramic artists, potters and makers, the association offers both immediate practical benefits through community and support, and longer-term professional value through collective advocacy and representation within the wider arts and cultural sector.

For more information about membership, benefits, events and the work of the Craft Potters Association, visit https://www.craftpotters.com/

Craft Potters Association