10127758CraftStory: AI-Driven Narratives for Craftworkers' CreationsClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKYou have probably bought a piece of craft over the last year, at a craft fair, at the maker's studio, in an arts centre, maybe online: according to the Craft Council, 73% of consumers bought craft in 2020\. When you talked to craftworkers and learned about how they make their pieces and the skills involved, you probably appreciated your purchase even more because you'd heard the story behind it. There is a huge scope for craftworkers to get more impact from their websites and their social media. Not only could this unlock more online sales, it could also drive more physical visits to craft fairs, craft centres, workshops etc, generating sales and also giving consumers the opportunity to experience craftworking themselves. Our company supports craftworkers and others in the creative sector with AI tools to achieve stronger online presence, across all social media platforms as well as the maker's own website and online shops. To date we have 20 UK clients, including several in Devon. But many craftworkers tell us that whilst they are interested in better online promotion, they rely on pictures on their website or Instagram (for instance) to show what they produce. They are put off by the time, effort and drafting skills required to bring their art alive with words to tell the stories behind their craft. They feel excluded from 'more wordy' social media platforms that they know could reach new audiences (eg LinkedIn, X, WhattsApp, even Facebook). The challenge of drafting text is exacerbated for many because the rate of neurodivergence in the craft sector is very high. Our project uses AI makes it easy for the craftworker to find the words to tell the stories behind their craft. The AI is personalised to each individual maker, it is 'trained' on their existing website, social media and anything else they chose to provide, it 'understands' them and writes 'in their voice'. The project is highly innovative, it uses a range of advanced technologies, it is not just ChatGPT. It has the potential to transform the business success of craftworkers in the UK by giving them more access to social media platforms and enhancing public appreciation of the stories and value in craft pieces. And it will also mean that you will know more about the pieces you consider buying online, getting closer to the craftworker, as you would at a craft fair