Manchester Craft & Design Centre

Where do they work?: Piccadilly
Telephone: 0161 832 4274
Address: 17 Oak Street Manchester M4 5JD
Registered charity number: 1173366
Company number: 02572530
Description: MCAD is Manchester’s space for craft, making and community
We promote craft in all its forms, expanding the definition and relevance of craft for everyone. We nurture and develop emerging and established talent, support viable creative careers, and showcase innovative and ambitious craft practices.

MCAD is a place of enterprise, production and creativity and reflects the rich diversity of its 21st century communities. We welcome everyone to experience and engage with making and our creative community. We safeguard a space for everyday creativity in the heart of the Northern Quarter and look outwards beyond our building.
Services delivered: Combined studio and retail space for independent craft & design makers, creative professional development (including mentorship, workshops, and bursaries) for makers at all stages of their careers (including HE partnerships), school and community partnerships to promote craft as a place for everyone, public workshops, events and exhibitions in our historic building, wider advocacy for the craft sector via the North West Craft Network.
Services are available: Face to face, Online/digitally
Services are delivered on: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Monday opening time: 10am
Tuesday opening time: 10am
Wednesday opening time: 10am
Thursday opening time: 10am
Friday opening time: 10am
Office space/venues/rooms available for hire / rent: https://www.craftanddesign.com/the-space/hire-our-spaces/

At Manchester Craft and Design Centre we have a range of options for hosting all kinds of events.
If you are looking for a space to hold a meeting, workshop, pop-up exhibition or event, our venue is the perfect creative destination in the heart of the Northern Quarter. We have a workshop space on the ground floor called Space2, and our venue is available for hire.
Cash donations: https://www.craftanddesign.com/support-us/donate/

Donations help us with:
- Community projects, opportunities for volunteers, free events and family friendly activities.
- Providing high quality free exhibitions showcasing excellence in craft and design.
- Developing and supporting makers through networking events and training.
- Nurturing new talent through our graduate and diverse maker programmes.
- Marketing and promoting Manchester Craft& Design Centre, the work of our resident makers and our programme of events.
- Looking after our beautiful Victorian building for everyone to enjoy, which costs over £30,000 per year to maintain and run
Non-cash donations: https://www.craftanddesign.com/support-us/volunteer/

We are currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers who have a passion for Manchester’s heritage and enjoy talking to our visitors about what we do.
We are an age-friendly organisation and are looking for volunteers to help out with a range of different tasks. Volunteers assist our team at events and workshops and provide a warm welcome to our visitors. If you want to get involved or would like more information, please get in touch with us.

We would also really love to hear from anyone with personal experience of our building in the past who would like to share their own stories or that of their family, friends or colleagues.

Volunteering Opportunities

Opportunity title Summary
Manchester Craft & Design Centre Trustees Manchester Craft and Design is a truly unique charity, dedicated to its mission of being an unforgettable place to make, see and buy contemporary craft and design.

Due to trustee rotations we currently have three vacancies on our Board and are looking for outstanding, passionate and driven individuals who are committed to our mission and excited to join us at an important time of growth, opportunity and strategic ambition.
Welcome Host This is a relaxed role which would appeal to a wide range of people; full training will be provided.
CLOSED - Manchester Craft and Design Centre Volunteer Manchester Craft and Design Centre are currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers who may have an interest in craft and design to support at the centre.
PAUSED: Welcome Host Manchester Craft and Design Centre and looking for volunteers to be welcome hosts.
PAUSED - Welcome Host - Northern Quarter Manchester Craft & Design Centre are looking for volunteers to support us on Saturdays and Sundays. The role is that of Welcome Host, welcoming our visitors to our historic building, the old Manchester Victorian fish market in the Northern Quarter.
Manchester Craft and Design Centre volunteer Manchester Craft and Design Centre is looking for volunteers to welcome visitors, support plant swaps, exhibition launches and more!