A few of the portraits that I have been working on over the past few weeks for Unit 1 Part A of my Gold Arts Award.

This part of the Bronze Arts Award is notoriously sticky. Passing on an arts skill can be difficult for all sorts of logistical reasons but there's little more rewarding than teaching, so they say.

Aged 16 – 25 and interested in craft and making?Join the Crafts Council at our next meeting where we'll be joined by AOC Architecture. We want to transform the ground floor of our building in Angel into a permanent home for craft and we want to know what you think about the plans.

This new network of Londoners aged 16-25 brings together those who are passionate about craft and making to co-produce projects and events with us at the Crafts Council, and in doing so help shape the future of craft in the UK.

Come along if you love to make, or are just keen to find out more— all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome!

What's happening on the night?

Be involved in shaping our young people's programme over a slice of pizza!Find out more about the Crafts Council's plan to open our beautiful Grade II listed building on Pentonville Road to the public.Meet award-winning architects AOC Architecture who are designing our new public space: A Home for Craft. Get an insight into their practice, be the first to see plans for the new building, and have your say about the designs and how we are going to use the space.

A Home for Craft is designed by award winning architectural practice AOC Architecture. Established in 2005 they have gained international recognition for their inventive inquiry, participatory practice and characterful designs. Committed to a generous architecture that is particular, participative and valuable, they have a distinct reputation for high quality public buildings, cultural institutions and residential projects located in sensitive contexts.

www.theaoc.co.uk

Why get involved?

Join a new network of young people passionate about craft and makingBe involved in shaping our young people's programme; work alongside staff and makers to co-produce programmes for other young peopleTake part in creative workshops and meet and collaborate with professionals working in the craft and creative industriesAccess opportunities, training and advice (including Arts Award)Learn new skills and develop your CV

Can't make it this time? There's more to come!

We'll be holding monthly get-togethers both at the Crafts Council in Angel and out and about at other venues. They will take place on the last Thursday of every month (please note there will not be a meeting in August and December).

To find out more about our young people's programme and to be kept informed of all upcoming events, workshops and opportunities for young people, please email [email protected]

Manchester suffered an atrocity and I was preoccupied with political conspiracies

22 May will be remembered eternally in Greater Manchester and further for suffering a crippling loss and dealing with it by being creative and "defiantly kind".

We talk to the Course Leader of Creative Media at Access to Music Brighton over their imminent closure, their Brighton Fringe show, and the changing state of the education sector.