Historic Birmingham quarter bids for global recognition

An international panel of judges is set to visit Birmingham next week as part of a bid by the city's historic Jewellery Quarter to be granted a special status.

The visit from the World Craft Council, from April 7 to 11, comes as the quarter enters the final stages of its attempt to win World Craft City status.

The honour is awarded to an area where there has been excellent social, cultural and economic contributions from local communities.

Among those already holding the status are Kilkenny in Ireland, Bornholm in Denmark and Stoke-on-Trent which won the accolade last year for its heritage in the ceramic industry.

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If successful, the title could boost the Jewellery Quarter's global profile, enabling it to access government support, promote tourism and foster knowledge exchange between itself and other World Craft cities.

The judging panel is made up of international experts and business leaders from as far as afield as Australia and Mexico who will evaluate the city's contribution to jewellery-making, goldsmithing, silversmithing and allied trades.

This comes after a rigorous application process which has seen the Jewellery Quarter highlight its history, innovation and commitment to sustainability within the craft sector.

Local institutions including the Assay Office, Birmingham City University's School of Jewellery, which has bases in Vittoria Street and St Paul's Square, and historic manufacturer Thomas Fattorini are among those hosting the judges.

The Jewellery Quarter Development Trust is helping to co-ordinate the event with support from Birmingham City Council, the Goldsmiths' Company and other local organisations.

The visit will include tours, workshops, a visit to the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and a series of presentations while the trust's chairman Matthew Bott will give a presentation as to why the area should be named a World Craft City.

He said: "We are thrilled to welcome this esteemed panel to Birmingham and we believe the Jewellery Quarter's creativity and craftsmanship are deserving of international recognition.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the ongoing work of our businesses, from silversmiths to jewellery designers, and to demonstrate how the Jewellery Quarter continues to shape the future of the craft."

Cllr Saima Suleman, cabinet member for culture at Birmingham City Council, added: "The innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of the Jewellery Quarter has defined Birmingham's role since the Industrial Revolution and we are immensely proud that it continues to thrive as a key part of our city's economy.

"The area remains a hub of creativity and craft, where over 600 businesses continue to blend traditional skills in jewellery, silver- and goldsmithing with contemporary design.