Making Better: Ceramics and Social Wellness

A dynamic panel discussion on the fusion of social wellness and engagement in ceramics. Our panellists bring diverse expertise: Duncan Hooson, a Reader in Knowledge Exchange at Central Saint Martins, specialises in socially engaged ceramics, with a portfolio spanning exhibitions and public art projects. Joanne Mills, Studio & Community Programme Manager at BCB, champions community-building in Stoke-on-Trent through ceramics. Crispin Rees, Head of Philanthropy at OnSide, focuses on empowering youth through ceramic initiatives nationwide. Together, through an insightful conversation on the transformative potential of clay, they’ll explore the role of ceramics in fostering connections, personal development, and community resilience.

Duncan Hooson
Duncan Hooson is a creative practitioner and a Reader in Knowledge Exchange at Central Saint Martins, London. He has exhibited widely at prestigious venues such as The Southbank Centre and the Barbican Centre, and is also a co-founder of Clayground Collective, an award-winning socially engaged practice.

Joanne Mills
Joanne Mills’ love of clay began through her experiences of growing up in Stoke-on-Trent. She has been the Studio & Community Programme Manager at British Ceramics Biennial since 2015, focusing on developing a community of makers working with clay in Stoke-on-Trent, utilising Spode Works as a hub and extending outreach across the city.

Crispin Rees
Crispin leads philanthropic efforts at OnSide, a national youth charity dedicated to empowering young people with access to opportunities. As Head of Philanthropy, he collaborates closely with FiredUp4, a charity committed to placing clay into the hands of hundreds of young people, providing studios, equipment, and training within OnSide’s Network of Youth Zones across the country.