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Birmingham has been awarded a prestigious global accolade for its heritage in the jewellery and craft trade. It has been granted 'World Craft City' status following a fact-finding
mission in April by an international panel of judges from the World Crafts Council. The honour puts Birmingham and its historic Jewellery Quarter in the same group as just seven other
European cities including Bornholm in Denmark and Stoke-on-Trent, recognising its global significance as a centre of craftsmanship and creativity. The honour is awarded to an area where
there has been excellent social, cultural and economic contributions from local communities. The bid for the status was submitted last year, led jointly by Jewellery Quarter Development
Trust and Birmingham City University with support from the city council and Goldsmiths Company. SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE WEST MIDLANDS NEWSLETTER AND FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN EMAIL NEWSLETTERS
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which must be seen right away. LINKEDIN For all the latest stories, views and polls, follow our BusinessLive West Midlands LinkedIn page here. During the judging assessment, the panel
visited Birmingham City University's School of Jewellery in Vittoria Street which was established in 1890, the Assay Office and Coffin Works. Achieving World Craft City status is
expected to boost Birmingham and 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. There will also be a new Birmingham Jewellery Biennial festival which will host open studios, jewellery fairs, heritage tours, a trade conference and an exhibition to
shine a light on acclaimed artists and emerging talent. Matthew Bott, chairman 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 of 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." World Crafts Council president Saad Al-Qaddumi
said: "The council is very happy to recognise Birmingham as a 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."