Create/Elevate is the third Harewood Biennial, now established as the major craft Biennial of its kind outside London. Presented within Harewood House and across our gardens and landscapes, it showcases the work of international artists, designers and craft collectives, including new commissions. The exhibition explores the power of craft to surprise, inspire and bring people together and will be accompanied by a dynamic and accessible programme of learning and active public engagement.

The historic and fine art interiors within Harewood House were created by many of the most revered craft-artists and designers in history. Create/Elevate responds to this craft heritage. Its overarching theme explores craft as a tool to connect with and learn from others, across generations and continents. The exhibition offers a playful and multi-sensory experience, featuring ceramics, textiles, jewellery, furniture, and sculptural installations.

As well as the exhibition, we’ll be hosting Make it Harewood, a programme of craft activities and events in partnership with the Crafts Council.

Exhibiting artists and makers: Arabeschi di Latte, BEIT Collective, Botanique Studios, Britto Arts Trust, Rebecca Chesney, Emefa Cole, Common Threads (Alice Kettle), Jakup Ferri, Rosa Harradine, Jan Hendzel, Mani Kambo, Hew Locke, Modular by Mensah, Temitayo Ogunbiyi, Lucia Pizzani. and Xanthe Somers.

The exhibition is curated by Ligaya Salazar and Darren Pih. Ligaya Salazar is an independent curator focused on contemporary interdisciplinary practice at the intersection of design, craft and art. She has previously curated large-scale exhibitions and festivals including for Crafts Council, Wellcome Trust, V&A, Design Museum, and the British Textile Biennial.

Darren Pih is Chief Curator & Artistic Director at Harewood House and brings over 20 years curatorial experience including initiating and delivering major touring exhibitions exploring environmental, sociological and cultural themes at Tate Liverpool.

Create/Elevate is generously supported by Arts Council England, British Council, and the Henry Moore Foundation.

Image credit: Jakup Ferri, ‘The Monumentality of the Everyday’. Installation view of the Kosovo Pavilion, Venice Biennale 2022 (c) Jakup Ferri