Made in the Middle is a regional touring exhibition curated by Craftspace in partnership with Leicester Gallery at De Montfort University, funded by Arts Council England.
On 27 September 2025, Craftspace’s Made in the Middle touring exhibition, was opened by Cllr Brady Hughes, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Health.
The exhibition, which will be at the Museum until 22 November, draws together 37 regional artists of both of emerging talents and established names, who represent the region’s vibrant and diverse creative community.
Thirty-one exceptional artists, ranging from 22 to 84 years old, were selected by a panel of curators and craft sector specialists.
Six artists have been invited by Guest Curator Jazz Swali with Curatorial Support from Marta Marsicka, to emphasise the enriching cultural impact of global migration to the region.
The artists’ work highlights powerful stories about the world we live in and the innovative contemporary crafts being made in the Midlands today.
There are a wide variety of techniques and disciplines on display including textiles, ceramics, mixed media, jewellery, metalwork and biomaterials.
Invited maker Christopher Day from Lichfield, creates stunning blown glass work. His career comes after more than two decades as a plumber, and his work investigates the treatment of black people in Britain and USA.
Natalie Cole from Wolverhampton, experiments with new eco-friendly materials creating designs which divert nutrient-rich ‘waste’ like egg and mussel shells from landfill into new experimental compostable materials for use in contemporary furniture and objects for the home.
The products are designed so that when no longer wanted, they can be disassembled and buried in the garden to break down and replenish the soil.
Mahawa Keita from Birmingham, uses traditional textile techniques including knitting and macramé to make large contemporary, conceptual pieces which are visually striking.
Cllr Brady Hughes, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Health, said:
“It is amazing to see this prestigious exhibition here in Nuneaton where local people can visit for free.
“Amongst the stunning works are those created by artists with strong connections to the borough such as Olivia Ricketts and Melanie Tomlinson. I urge everyone, especially our keen crafters and makers to visit the show.”
Deirdre Figueiredo, Director at Craftspace, said:
“In 2025, the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, the exhibition shows how artists are playing their role in evolving the cultural voice and identity of the Midlands.
“The curation of the exhibition gives artists an unusual opportunity to experiment, speculate and make work freely without commercial constraints and audiences will be amazed and inspired.”
The exhibition is the ninth in the Made in the Middle series and will tour to galleries across the Midlands into 2026, raising the profile of regional artists and providing an opportunity for sales.
For the public and collectors, it’s a chance to commission a unique artwork or buy existing pieces to suit all budgets.
Younger visitors can create their own crafty masterpieces if they drop into our Made in the Middle-themed Make and Take Activity Day on Saturday, 4 October, between 10:30am and 3:30pm.
There are also items made by the artists for sale in Nuneaton Museum & Art Gallery’s shop.
While at the museum, why not check out the temporary exhibitions.
Admission is free though donations are always welcome.
For opening hours, visit the Nuneaton Museum & Art Gallery webpage.