Izzy Lepone 04 June 2025

Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter wins global recognition

Birmingham has been awarded World Craft City status due to the success of the region’s Jewellery Quarter.

The World Crafts Council’s ‘prestigious designation’ is presented to regions ‘that demonstrate exceptional craft heritage’ and has only been received by eight other European cities.

The bid for Birmingham’s World Craft City status was submitted in October 2024, led by the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT), Birmingham City University and Birmingham City Council.

Following the Jewellery Quarter’s three-day assessment by an international judging panel, the designation was confirmed in 2025.

Cllr Saima Suleman, Birmingham City Council cabinet member for Digital, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said: ‘This recognition will help bring new opportunities for investment, tourism and international partnerships.

‘We are proud to support the creative communities driving this forward and look forward to seeing how this recognition will positively shape the city’s future.’

Matthew Bott, Chair, Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT), added: ‘This is a moment of real pride - not just for the Jewellery Quarter, but for Birmingham and the West Midlands.’

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