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Spark Plug Curator Award
Crafts Council Director of Programmes, Claire West talks to Jane Watt about why the Spark Plug Curator Award was initiated, the selection process and some of the exciting new curatorial ideas and works that have emerged.
spark plug (noun) a device designed to fit in each cylinder of a gasoline-powered internal-combustion engine and to produce the electric spark for igniting the mixture of gasoline and air. Informal. a person who leads, inspires, or animates a group. [Origin: 1900-05 ] In 2007 the Crafts Council set up the new Spark Plug Curator Award, a start up fund to provide curators the time and resources to consider new ideas and progress their own professional and personal development. Crafts Council Director of Programmes Claire West recognises that "Whilst there are grants available from other agencies and organisations towards the realisation of projects, there are limited opportunities for curators to seek funds to take the risk of developing ideas at such an early stage of their conception." She goes on to say "Research and development time is critical for the development of exhibitions that will stand the test of time, that have intellectual rigor, encourage debate and push perceptions of contemporary craft." Her recognition of the lack of support for crucial research and development opportunities, together with the Council's remit to increase the availability of innovative, high...
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