The Power of Clay

Clay can be a powerful material for change. In education and community settings, ceramics-based projects have been used to help people develop new skills, improve confidence and wellbeing, and create pathways to creative career opportunities. Clare Wood and Jo Mills from the British Ceramics Biennial (BCB) and Neale Graham and Dave Partington from FiredUp4 discuss how both charities work with progressive education and health models using clay to foster wellbeing and empower young people.

Clare Wood is Artistic Director & Chief Executive of BCB, leading the team in supporting and expanding opportunities for contemporary artists working in clay. Prior to this, Clare led Re-Form Heritage, a national charity supporting communities through the regeneration of historic buildings. Additionally, she worked on the major redevelopment of MK Gallery, and has also worked in Sweden, supporting Stockholm’s museums and cultural organisations.

Jo Mills is the Studio & Community Programme Manager for BCB. She joined the team as an Associate Artist in 2015 and since then, has focused on developing a Stoke-on-Trent-based community of makers working with clay. She trained at the Royal College of Art and in Cardiff. Her love of clay began growing up in Stoke-on-Trent and her experiences of working at the Wedgwood Visitor Centre and Gladstone Pottery Museum.

Neale Graham is chairman and co-founder of FiredUp4. A serial technology entrepreneur, Neale has over 40 years’ experience in building businesses at scale globally in both private and public markets. Having partially stepped away from day-to-day business life 10 years ago, he has since taken on several non-executive roles and invests in early-stage technology businesses. He also mentors and advises young entrepreneurs and is committed to supporting and devoting time to his young people focused charitable causes. He is a very keen art and ceramics collector.

David Partington is a skilled production thrower and educator with over 30 years experience in both creating high-fired stoneware pottery and delivering creative education. He has a long history of teaching and engaging diverse communities through clay and has worked with a wide range of groups, including in prisons and secure units. At FiredUp4, he advises, teaches and supports youth zones in the installation and development of pottery studios. His aim is to help create safe, creative spaces where youth can explore their artistic potential, develop new skills, and express themselves through clay.