Birmingham has officially been recognised as a World Craft City, making it one of just eight in Europe to receive the designation from the World Crafts Council.
Led by the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT) and co-applicants Birmingham City University, a bid for World Craft City status was supported by Birmingham City Council and the Goldsmiths Company and submitted in October 2024.
A “rigorous” application and judging process took place, with an international panel of judges visiting Birmingham in April 2025.
Their tour included a visit to the School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University, where they took part in a silversmithing workshop and viewed the artistry and craftsmanship of current students.
Elsewhere in the Jewellery Quarter, judges stopped at the Birmingham Assay Office, Cooksongold, and the Coffin Works.
Matthew Bott, chair, Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT), said: “This is a moment of real pride – not just for the Jewellery Quarter, but for Birmingham and the West Midlands. We’ve always known the value of what happens here, and now the world does too. Our thanks go to everyone who helped us reach this point, and we look forward to working with partners old and new to build on this incredible foundation.”
David Mba, vice chancellor, Birmingham City University, added: “This is such exciting news. Being recognised as a World Craft City puts a global spotlight on the skills, creativity and community we have here in Birmingham.
“At the School of Jewellery, we already attract talented students and practitioners from across the world – but this recognition will help us go even further. It will strengthen our international reputation, open up new collaborations, and inspire even more promising students to come here to study, work and create – a perfect example of our strategic ambition to develop the talent for tomorrow.”
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