Unesco Makers

UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art

Creativity runs through Perth like a beautifully spun thread. From independent studios and galleries to makers, designers and craftspeople, this is a place where traditional skills and contemporary talent come together every day.

As Scotland’s first UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art, Perth is recognised as part of a global network of places where creativity shapes culture, communities and visitor experiences. For those exploring the city and surrounding towns, that means opportunities to discover unique handmade pieces, meet talented makers, take part in workshops and experience events that celebrate craftsmanship in all its forms.

Whether you’re browsing local galleries, watching artisans at work or finding the perfect handcrafted souvenir, creativity is never far away in Perth.

Close up Pottery Making

Maker

Making a paper heart

The Make Room

At the heart of Perth’s creative community, The Make Room is a welcoming space where visitors can discover the work of local artists, designers and makers. Showcasing everything from ceramics and jewellery to textiles, prints and contemporary crafts, it’s the perfect place to browse, buy and be inspired.

More than a shop, The Make Room offers a chance to connect with the people behind the work and experience the creativity that helped earn Perth its UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art status. Whether you’re searching for a unique gift or a lasting reminder of your visit, you’ll find something truly local here.

Window with Make Room and Perth City of Craft and Folk arts decals, blue and white scarf displayed behind glass.
The Make Room

See All See All
Cultural Summit Instagram Post 45

25 JUN – 25 JUN

Perth & Kinross Cultural Summit 2026

Perth Theatre, Mill Street Perth
09:30 – 14:00
Weathered Horizons Scotlands Wild Edges JUN 2026 Instagram 45

27 JUN – 26 SEP

Weathered Horizons: Scotland’s Wild Edges

North Inch Community Campus, Gowans Terrace Perth
10:00 – 18:00
Short haired woman, in a open plan room , holding a handmade ceramic bowl.

27 JUN – 12 JUL

Perthshire Open Studios Summer Show

2 High Street Perth
10:00 – 17:00
Cultural Summit Instagram Post 45
25 JUN – 25 JUN
Perth & Kinross Cultural Summit 2026
Perth Theatre, Mill Street Perth
09:30 – 14:00
Weathered Horizons Scotlands Wild Edges JUN 2026 Instagram 45
27 JUN – 26 SEP
Weathered Horizons: Scotland’s Wild Edges
North Inch Community Campus, Gowans Terrace Perth
10:00 – 18:00
Short haired woman, in a open plan room , holding a handmade ceramic bowl.
27 JUN – 12 JUL
Perthshire Open Studios Summer Show
2 High Street Perth
10:00 – 17:00

Local Artists and Makers

One of the best ways to experience Perth’s creative spirit is through the people who make it. Across the city and surrounding towns you’ll find artists, craftspeople and designers creating beautiful work inspired by Perthshire’s landscapes, heritage and culture.

From working studios and galleries to workshops and maker spaces, visitors can discover everything from painting and photography to ceramics, textiles, jewellery and woodcraft. Many makers welcome visitors, offering the chance to see traditional skills and contemporary creativity in action. It’s an opportunity to meet local talent, hear their stories and take home something made with genuine care and craftsmanship.

A smiling woman wearing black glasses and a black and blue shirt leans against a red framed shop window
Silver Linings Jewellery Design Studio

See All See All
A brick building with a blue tartan sign which reads 'Coorie in the Corner'.
Coorie in the Corner

Pitlochry
A smiling woman holding a Westie dog in front of a pale green shop.
Honest Thistle

Pitlochry
Bright, white room with dark wooden floor displaying art on walls with a wooden bench and large wooden art displayer, with art inside.
Ruthven Gallery

Auchterarder
A woman wearing a blue shirt leans next to a large grey window displaying jewellery outside Sarah Cave Silversmith
Sarah Cave Silversmith

Blairgowrie
A white sign with black writing mounted on a fence next to a painting of flowers held by a person.
Rosemount Gallery and Picture Framing Services

Blairgowrie
A smiling woman wearing a blue shirt holds a red kilt and grey sporran outside a shop window displaying other Scottish items.
Piob Mhor of Scotland

Blairgowrie
A smiling woman wearing a blue and white dress stands in a doorway next to a very large window displaying artwork and textiles.
Alba Bella Gallery

Blairgowrie
A smiling man and woman wearing denim aprons which have 'Osteria Bau Bau' embroidered on them in beige lettering. They are standing in front of a building with a green sign which reads 'Osteria Bau Bau in yellow writting.
Osteria Bau Bau

Perth
A smiling man wearing a blue jumper under a dirty red apron holds an empty picture frame outside a shop with red trimmings
The Picture Frame Maker

Perth
A smiling man with white hair wearing a blue jumper stands with his arms crossed outside a window displaying artwork in Perth
The West End Gallery

Perth
A purple shop with two large windows display Scottish kilts and costumes, either side of a glass pane door
Janet Eagleton MBE & Son Kilts & Sporrans

Perth
A framed beige certificate issuing a farming qualification to James Peggie, written in cursive and finished with a gold seal
Phoenix Home

Perth
An older man with grey hair wearing a grey jumper stands outside a white shop with a large green sign
Frames Gallery

Perth
A woman wearing a black dress leans against a tall, dimly lit window with hanging flowers and light bulbs decorating the inside
Byers&Co

Perth
A woman wearing a stripped shirt leans against a doorway painted blue next to a large window displaying textiles and small gifts
Boo Vake

Perth
A smiling woman wearing black glasses and a black and blue shirt leans against a red framed shop window
Silver Linings Jewellery Design Studio

Perth
A smiling woman wearing a white shirt and a necklace with a silver chain and floral pendant paired with matching floral earrings.
By Rebecca Jewellery

Kinross
A small printed piece of purple and white paper is cut out by a person using a craft knife over a cutting board
Perthshire Artisans

Perth
A small delicate broach with three white branches decorated with three small grey stones
Quinta Essenza Jewellery

Perth
A shop decorated with hanging framed pictures has shelves and stands of small pieces of printed artwork
Goldfinch Gallery

Comrie
A smiling man with a dark moustache wearing a shirt and black drapes a measuring tape around his neck and stands outside a shop
Shilling & Fitz

Perth
A grey shop has two large windows displaying hanging artwork and paintings on shelves either side of a doorway
Tayberry Gallery

Perth

Frequently Asked Questions About UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art

A UNESCO Creative City is a place recognised for using culture and creativity to support sustainable development, strengthen communities and enhance quality of life. Through the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, cities from around the world share ideas, collaborate on projects and celebrate their unique creative strengths.

The UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art designation recognises places where traditional skills, contemporary craftsmanship and creative practices continue to play an important role in everyday life. It celebrates not only a city's artistic heritage but also its commitment to supporting makers, artists and creative businesses for future generations.

Perth became the UK's first UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2021. The designation recognised the region's long history of craftsmanship, its thriving creative sector and the strong network of artists, makers and cultural organisations working across Perth and Kinross.

Perth was selected because of its rich craft heritage, vibrant creative community and commitment to supporting traditional and contemporary craft practices. From textile artists and woodworkers to jewellers, ceramicists and designers, the area is home to a remarkable concentration of creative talent that continues to shape the region's cultural identity.

Yes. Perth remains the United Kingdom's only UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art, placing it alongside a distinguished international network of creative cities that celebrate craftsmanship and cultural traditions as part of everyday life.

Perth is one of several Scottish cities to hold UNESCO Creative City status, each recognised for a different area of creativity. Edinburgh was named the world's first UNESCO City of Literature in 2004, while Glasgow was recognised as a UNESCO City of Music in 2008. Dundee joined the network in 2014, celebrating its reputation for innovation, design and creativity. Perth became the UK's first UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2021, adding another distinctive chapter to Scotland's growing presence within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

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