Make First: Exploring Methods to Deliver Anti-Racist and Anti-Ableist Craft Learning

In 2021 the Crafts Council launched its national education programme, Craft School, alongside the pedagogical framework Make First. Both Craft School and Make First were a culmination of decades of learning, experience, and research from staff at the Crafts Council and are underpinned by anti-racist and anti-ableist learning methodologies. Through this we hoped to work towards methodologies for equal and equitable access to craft education, by considering flexible approaches to delivering and participating in craft activities across different key stages. This paper outlines the Make First approach and some indications of its impact on teachers and learners, as well as exploring some of the challenges and areas for further development as we continue to build anti-racist and anti-ableist approaches to craft education.

Automated summary

This paper introduces the Crafts Council's national education program, Craft School, and the pedagogical framework Make First, which are based on anti-racist and anti-ableist learning methodologies. It outlines the goals of equal and equitable access to craft education and evaluates the impact of the Make First approach on teachers and learners. The paper also discusses the challenges and areas for further development as the Crafts Council continues to work towards anti-racist and anti-ableist approaches to craft education.