UCA hosts launch of October Craft Month 2026

Professor Melanie Gray and Professor Mark Ellul, Joint Vice-Chancellors at University for the Creative Arts (UCA), said: “We are delighted to host the launch of October Craft Month at our Farnham campus.

“With our 170-year history of training artists, painters, and makers and producing beautiful works of international acclaim, the University is proud to be part of Farnham’s ongoing creative heritage. The town is rich with creative craftsmanship, and many of these craftspeople have their roots at UCA.”

A host of activities will be on offer. Whether you want to try ceramics, weaving, sketching or screen printing, there is something for everyone. There will also be crafts for sale, demonstrations and workshops from some of UCA’s talented tutors, plus craft exhibitions. All the drop-in activities and demonstrations are free of charge.

Councillor Kika Mirylees added: “As a World Craft Town, Farnham is very proud to bring together so many craft organisations and individual makers to launch October Craft Month. It is always the highlight of our craft year, with over 140 events taking place during the month, many of which are free.”

Alongside the launch event, UCA will host two craft exhibitions throughout October.

Dialogue will be on display in UCA’s Foyer Gallery, bringing together works by academic staff, technicians, Artists in Residence (AiRs) and featuring a diverse range of media, including ceramics, glass and jewellery.

Harvest Moon will be on display in UCA’s James Hockey Gallery, led by UCA Professors of Architecture Charles Holland and Cat Rossi and Local Works. The project investigates biomaterials, seasonality, agriculture and gathering and consists of a table made from harvested materials. The accompanying programme explores what we collect, gather, and give thanks for today.

The Launch of October Craft Month takes place on on Saturday 3 October, 11am to 3pm, at University for the Creative Arts (UCA), Falkner Road, Farnham, GU9 7DS (next to Upper Hart Carpark and close to Waitrose).

Dialogue runs throughout October, 10 am - 5pm, Foyer Gallery, University for the Creative Arts.

Harvest Moon runs throughout October, 10am - 5pm. James Hockey Gallery, University for the Creative Arts.

For a list of all the events, browse the October Craft Month Brochure.

To learn more about studying Crafts at UCA, visit to the course pages.