Introducing Manchester Craft & Design
Our mission is to be an unforgettable place to make, see and buy contemporary craft and design.
Manchester Craft & Design (MCAD) is a not for profit company responsible for managing the Manchester Craft & Design Centre, as well as providing additional activities and support services to craftspeople and designer-makers through development opportunities and provision of workshop/retail accommodation. The company was established in 1982. After a management restructure in 2003, Manchester Craft & Design (Ltd) replaced the previous co-operative structure. We are currently in the process of applying for charitable status, and have recently established a trading arm.
Manchester Craft & Design Centre is located in the former fish and poultry market in the Northern Quarter of Manchester, and houses 19 workshop/retail spaces. The Centre also showcases an exhibitions and events programme promoting UK and international craft and design, including professional development seminars and digital opportunities for artists, and is open to the public for seven days per week.
In 2012 MCAD became part of the Arts Council’s national portfolio of funding, and gained regular funding from Manchester City Council (MCC) as part of their Cultural Partnership in 2015. Weare committed to the development of the North West craft and design sector,and are actively engaged in a number of regional and national networks. We are currently working with MCC as our Landlord regarding the future of our current Oak Street premises, This involvessetting the vision for the next stage of MCAD’s future, and fundraising for capital refurbishment.Having been a keystone in the regeneration of the Northern Quarter, we strive to support craft and design talent and contribute towards the growth of Manchester’s cultural vitality for the future.
Current Board requirements
MCAD positively embraces the creative and cultural opportunities of diversity, and are working towards a Board that is representative of the diversity of 21st century Britain. We are seeking a combination of the following skills, knowledge and experience to complement existing Directors:
Property sector:
- Project management and capital programmes
- Property management / development / management of contractors in capital works
Cultural sector:
- Knowledge of operating as a trustee / governance of a charity
- Artistic / creative business
- Experience of working in the arts and cultural sector
Meeting Structure
Manchester Craft & Design is a not for profit Social Enterprise with a voluntary Board of Directors. The Board meets four times per year, and sub-groups such as the Finance Committee and Fundraising Group also meet quarterly. As our capital development plans progress, we also aim to establish a Capital Project Board to support this major project.
Board meetings take place in an accessible room on weekday evenings. We can arrange remote access via Skype, although we would expect Directors to attend a minimum of two meetings per year in person.
Management Structure
Current Board Members
Louise Provan (Chair) – Marketing Consultant
Roy Beckett – Solicitor, Irwin Mitchell
Tom Bevan – Development Executive, Chethams School of Music
Joe McCullagh – Head of Design, Manchester Metropolitan University School of Art
Tricia Morris – Administrator
Julie Platt – Development Manager, Chester Zoo
Robert Ritchie – HR Professional
For further information about Manchester Craft & Design contact Kate Day, Director on 0161 832 4274 /
Board Recruitment / Introducing MCAD Updated 28/10/18