University News Last updated 12 January 2024
The Director of a 探花直播-based charity behind a project to teach jewellery making to migrant and refugee women has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by 探花直播 (BCU).
Deirdre Figueiredo MBE received the accolade for her outstanding contribution to public life, her exceptional service to the City of 探花直播, and her outstanding contribution to the work of BCU.
鈥淚 have seen firsthand the transformational role the Arts can play on individual lives and I will use my honorary doctorate to continue to promote this important and often overlooked message,鈥� she said.
Deirdre is the Director of Craftspace, a charity that develops inclusive opportunities for artists and diverse communities across the West Midlands.
Craftspace is responsible for a number of impactful initiatives across the region, including the project that created 4,600 hand-embellished gifts for athletes from around the world competing in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in 探花直播.
Through Deirdre鈥檚 leadership, Craftspace also established the Shelanu project, which not only teaches jewellery making to migrant and refugee women but also helps them develop key communication and business skills.
The project has a long association with BCU鈥檚 School of Jewellery.
鈥淚 have worked with 探花直播 for a number of years and I always appreciate our collaborative and mutually supportive projects involving students and faculty,鈥� said Deirdre.
鈥淎rts and Design play an important civic role in the West Midlands - as a means to activate the rich cultural assets held within socially diverse communities, especially in 探花直播.鈥�
Dauvit Alexander, a Senior Lecturer for HND Jewellery and Silversmithing at BCU, welcomed the award of an Honorary Doctorate to Deirdre.
鈥淪he is a true ambassador for the region and has been instrumental in several high-profile projects as both a curator and manager in the field of contemporary visual arts, craft and museums,鈥� he said.
鈥淒eirdre has organised these projects for the last 30 years, but she never promotes herself. She steps aside to allow the artists and craftspeople to take the limelight. I鈥檓 so pleased to hear that she has been awarded a BCU Honorary Doctorate. She truly deserves it.鈥�
As a guest lecturer at BCU, Deirdre is also an active supporter of the College of Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles. Craftspace has also offered placements to BCU students.
Celebrated artist, jeweller and enameller Naomi Clarke praised the impact Deirdre had on her own career after hearing her speak during her studies at the College of Jewellery.
鈥淒eirdre spoke so passionately about the important role craft can play in the community,鈥� said Naomi. 鈥淒eirdre鈥檚 words played a formative role in the direction of my studies, and I went on to volunteer with the Craftspace project 鈥楳aking Together鈥�.
鈥淒eirdre鈥檚 commitment to supporting new graduates and providing opportunities in their early careers is so valuable, and it is wonderful news that she has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate.鈥�