The cost-of-living crisis has mixed effects on the UK arts and crafts market. Any economic improvement in the coming years should mean more cash for consumers to spend on arts and craft-making hobbies but will also revive competition from out-of-home leisure.
Arts and crafts activity has expanded in recent years, boosted by online social platforms, the impact of the pandemic, contemporary wellness trends and a growing consumer need to ‘switch off’ from screens. Over half of adults have done an arts and crafts activity in the past 12 months. Over a third of adults under 35 have participated in three or more activities.
The biggest opportunity lies in arts and craft-related social experiences such as ‘paint and sip’ or ‘social pottery’, as younger generations increasingly seek alternatives to a traditional night out down the pub.
This Report covers the consumer market for arts and crafts activities. This includes activities such as drawing, painting and making things by hand, done primarily as a hobby in leisure time. The ‘market’ encompasses materials purchased by consumers for making arts and crafts, as well as services and experiences related to making arts and crafts. The Report also refers to the marketplace for buying and selling finished arts and crafts products, although this is not a major focus.
Please note the term ‘crafters’ is used throughout as shorthand for anyone engaged in arts and crafts activities.
This report was written by John Worthington. John has worked for Mintel since 2005, researching and writing reports on UK travel and leisure markets. Previously he worked for Deloitte as the research manager of their tourism, hospitality and leisure practice. He has a first-class BA in History and a postgraduate Library/Information Management qualification.
As the market goes more mainstream, specialists can stand out on quality, offering fine materials, authentic, original kit designs and craft-making experiences.
John Worthington
Senior Analyst
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