Dr Lauren Baker Mitchell

Senior Research Fellow

Department: Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries

Originally trained as a textile designer, Lauren has significant experience in the craft sector as a maker which she has been able to share with others through the development of workshops, exhibitions, and creative events. Lauren’s professional background includes curatorial practice in both public and private galleries and museums, as well as freelance workshop facilitation in textiles, ceramics and paper craft.

Lauren completed her doctoral studies at the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD), University of Dundee and was a member of the Scottish Graduate School of Arts & Humanities (SGSAH) creative economy knowledge hub, where her research explored the role of organisational programmes in the development of the entrepreneurial craft profiles of makers in Scotland. Before joining Northumbria University, Lauren was Innovation and Research Associate at Creative Fuse North East, Newcastle University.

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Research Themes and Scholarly Interests

Lauren is a specialist in craft, innovation, unconventional entrepreneurship and identity. Drawing on years of working within arts organisations, with craft freelancers and practitioners, and across academia, Lauren values the relationships and stories that emerge when working with curiosity and in collaboration. Themes central to her work on the Creative Communities programme include co-creation, cultural democracy, and arts and culture as a mechanism for community activism.

Further Information

Baker, L., Bruce, F. and Cooper, S. (2023). The Co-Creation of Contemporary Craft Identities via Temporary Collaboration between Designer-Makers and Craft Development Organisations. The Design Journal.

Shaw, K., Baker, L. and Peel, S. (2023). By All, For All: The Power of Partnerships. AHRC Creative Communities Deep Dive Report 2023.

Baker, L. (2021). Unconventional Craft Identities: Acknowledging Alternative Approaches to Enterprise in Scottish Craft. Makings Journal, 2(1).

Baker, L. (2020). Craft & Covid-19: Vulnerabilities & Resiliency. Craft Futures at the American Craft Council.

Baker, L., Valentine, L., & Cooper, S. (2019). Designing Craft Opportunity: An Entrepreneurial Approach to Creating the Craft Scotland Summer Show. The Design Journal, 22(sup1), 123-135.