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UNESCO-affiliated body awards Birmingham neighbourhood prestigious statusThe World Crafts Council has acknowledged the makers and creators of the Jewellery QuarterCommentsWhat's OnKirsty

Bosley Features Writer12:14, 03 Jun 2025The Ideas Happen Here installation in the Jewellery Quarter(Image: Birmingham Light Festival) The Jewellery Quarter has been recognised as a World

Craft City by the World Crafts Council, making it one of just eight in Europe to hold such prestigious status.

The Jewellery Quarter's crafters, makers and creative businesses impressed judges who came to Birmingham from as far afield as Australia, Mexico and India in April.

‌ The World Crafts Council is a UNESCO-affiliated body which has been recognising the roles that craftspeople, communities and local authorities play in the cultural, economic and social

development of a place since 2014.

‌ Read more: I bypassed a 'road closed' sign near Birmingham and ended up in an 'unreal' pub

Only eight European cities are listed by the World Crafts Council, including Stoke-on-Trent, known for its pottery industry, and the Outer Hebrides in Scotland, known for its Harris Tweed.

The Jewellery Quarter bid for the World Craft City status was submitted back in October 2024 by the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT) and Birmingham City University, supported by

Birmingham City Council and the Goldsmiths Company.

Article continues below The JQDT took judges to the School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University (BCU) where they took place in a silversmithing workshop at the Grade II-listed Vittoria

Street building.

Students were able to showcase their craftsmanship and BCU staff, jewellery firms and the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Derrick Anderson CBE, delivered special presentations.

The judges also visited the Birmingham Assay Office, Cooksongold and the Coffin Works over their three-day visit before making their decision to grant the neighbourhood the prestigious

status.

‌ Saad Al-Quaddumi, the World Crafts Council AISBL International President, said: "The World Crafts Council AISBL International is very happy to recognise Birmingham as a WCC-World Craft

City for Jewellery and allied-trades.

"This title celebrates the city's rich heritage, skilled artisans, creative designers, proud makers, and innovative contributions to the jewellery industry.

"It is a reflection of Birmingham's continued leadership in heritage craftsmanship and its role in shaping the future of the jewellery trade and creative economy across the UK and globally."

‌ Matthew Bott, chair of the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust 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 at 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."

‌ Councillor Saima Suleman, Birmingham City Council cabinet member for digital, culture, heritage and tourism, said: "Being named a World Craft City is brilliant recognition for Birmingham

and especially for the Jewellery Quarter.

"The Jewellery Quarter has long been celebrated for its craftsmanship and innovation, and this designation recognises the area's heritage and enduring excellence.

"This recognition will help bring new opportunities for investment, tourism and international partnerships.

Article continues below "We are proud to support the creative communities driving this forward and look forward to seeing how this recognition will positively shape the city’s future."