Publications

Gold rush

By: Hilary Williams

Projects and collaborations rarely spring into existence fully formed. Hilary Williams examines a short project that developed into a major programme, led to the setting up of a new arts business, and to jeweller Mah Rana uncovering new tracts of material and experience.

The origins of the HAT (Here and There) project began in 2001 when Barney Hare Duke (then of North West Arts) was approached by OBJECT (The Centre for Craft and Design, Sydney, Australia) an organisation keen to work with artists in the UK. Within the contemporary crafts and design scene, the North West of England was perceived to have both an energy and considerable talent base. At the same time, North West Arts was aware of the need to extend the profile of artists, within its region, onto an international stage and promote the vibrancy of the region. This coincidence of strategy and opportunity resulted in the Make Me project, and a positive response from both sides of the globe resulted in a desire to continue to develop the network. In 2002 the HAT project was formulated. By this point Hare Duke had been seconded by the Arts Council of England to develop the project and he invited Jeremy Theophilus (ex-Senior Visual Arts Officer, Arts Council of England) and Linda Theophilus (ex-Director of Exhibitions and Collection, Crafts Council) to become involved. With their combined knowledge of the crafts and design infrastructure, as well as a wealth of contacts nationally and...

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