It’s been evident in recent years that craft has had a major impact in both design circles, in particular in the field of fashion design, where many have returned to ancient techniques to imbue products with a sense of depth and beauty.
It seems the influence of craft has not gone un-noticed in the art world either, with the recent notification we had about this new exhibition in Bristol, exploring the role of craft in modern art.

Craftivism responds to the renewed presence of craft in contemporary art practice and will include 14 different projects that employ 'craftivism' (combining crafting + activism).  The exhibition will involve artists who engage with craft-based traditions through art, technology, performance, design and fashion.  It places an emphasis on interaction and participation within the community and invites the public to take part, making 'work and learning' craft-based skills to customise products.        
Craftivism, a project bringing together craft with social activism, made possible by funding from the Crafts Councill, opens at the Arnolfini Gallery in Bristol on 11 December 2009.

Craftivism is part of the Artist/Activist season at Arnolfini in Autumn/Winter 2009/10 which provides a socially-active forum for debate and learning around issues of climate change and alternatives to the culture of consumerism.

Craftivism is curated by Zoe Shearman who received a Spark Plug award in 2008, alongside Geoff Cox, Associate Curator of Online Projects, Arnolfini and Ann Coxon, Assistant Curator, Tate Modern.
 

Sounds intriguing!

http://www.arnolfini.org.uk/