KENDAL.- The £60,000 Art Fund award is available for one early to mid-career curator to undertake a focused collecting project aimed at developing their museum or gallery’s collection of contemporary craft in exciting ways, whilst supporting their own professional development. The Award for Contemporary Craft was created in recognition of Sir Nicholas Goodison’s notable contribution to the work of Art Fund and investing in the future of the museum sector.

The award will fund an ambitious, research-led project at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house that will culminate in the acquisition of new and important works for Blackwell’s collection; enriching its scope and diversifying its narratives. Rooted in maintaining the existing philosophy of Blackwell, the project will ensure that new works reflect the core principles of the Arts & Crafts Movement. As part of the award Naomi Gariff will receive funding towards professional development, to spend on research, travel and training costs to support the collecting plans, as well as the ongoing support of a mentor, Art Fund staff and trustees.

Naomi Gariff, Programme Curator, stated “I’m honoured to have been selected for the Art Fund’s inaugural Sir Nicholas Goodison Award for Contemporary Craft. It is an incredible opportunity for Blackwell to acquire new and exciting works for the contemporary collection, which will enrich its scope, diversify its narratives, and help to secure its future. The award is also a career changing opportunity for me, as an early career curator. It will enable me to develop my curatorial practice and expertise, and to make national and international connections with makers and fellow curators.”

Rhian Harris, Chief Executive stated “Receiving the Sir Nicholas Goodison award represents a huge achievement for Naomi in terms of early career development. To be selected from a nationwide call out demonstrates the quality of the curatorial vision and collection strategy presented for Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house. With the help of the Sir Nicholas Goodison Award, our ambition is to embark on an ambitious project that will allow Blackwell to move from a passive to an active collecting policy for its contemporary craft collection. Through developing its depth and narrative we will ensure its long-term future and become a centre of excellence in contemporary craft.”

Jenny Waldman, Director, Art Fund, said: “Naomi Gariff is an impressive young curator with an exciting vision to diversify Blackwell’s contemporary craft collection with new and inspiring acquisitions. I’m delighted we’re able to support her professional development through the Sir Nicholas Goodison Award and look forward to seeing the works Naomi selects for the collection.”

Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house was designed by celebrated architect Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott. Today, the house is one of the UK’s finest examples of Arts & Crafts architecture. With many of its original features immaculately preserved, its unique craftsmanship attracts thousands of visitors year-round. The house contains an array of Arts & Crafts furniture and objects made by designers such as William Morris, an artist who was at the forefront of the Movement. The narrative of Blackwell’s collection creates a conversation between historic and contemporary craft. Modern artworks by renowned ceramicists including Magdalene Odundo and Kate Malone have been showcased within the exquisite architecture of the Arts & Crafts house. The upcoming project will support the ambition to better integrate the historic and contemporary collections, championing the continuation of heritage craft and beautifully crafted objects. Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is part of Lakeland Arts, an arts and heritage charity with an outstanding portfolio of museums and galleries in the Lake District, Cumbria.