Program areas at ACC
American Craft made marketplaces- American Craft made is a series of marketplace events produced by the American Craft Council, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting Craft and its artists. In 2022, acc returned to in person marketplaces with our inaugural show in baltimore. Over 12,000 tickets were reserved for the event that hosted 315 artists selling their Craft. The marketplaces are open to artists from across the country who are creating work that reflects the diversity of contemporary Craft. We also hosted an online marketplace to coincide with the baltimore in person show at which 135 artists participated. Our online marketplaces expanded the diversity of artists who were able to exhibit and sell their work through acc by removing travel expenses, costly booth fees, and other barriers associated with in-person shows. The online marketplace was also well received by audiences, who could appreciate and support Craft art without risking their health during the pandemic.
Library & educational programs - the acc library & archives' 20,000 print publications, 4,000 artist files, four archival collections, and robust digital collection provide a wealth of resources for Craft historians, students, writers, curators, collectors, and artists from across the globe. In 2022 the library website received nearly 120,000 page views by more than 17,000 web visitors. Acc's other educational programs include digitally distributed, educational content about Craft art and artists; a quarterly library newsletter distributed to 10,000 email subscribers; American Craft forum virtual events, acc's college of fellows and in 2022 acc produced a podcast called "object as". Acc's library & archives and other educational programs are supported through the generous contributions of individuals, foundations, and government funders.
American Craft magazine -American Craft is a quarterly magazine that celebrates the modern makers who shape the world around us. With 80,000 readers per print issue, 2,500 weekly views of digital content, over 100,000 unique readers, 40,000 subscribers to our bi-weekly artist interview newsletter, and attendance upwards of 400 at the magazine's public online forums, acc provides a large audience and wide visibility for the voice and talents of American makers. American Craft also generates important revenue for our work. In addition to funds generated by our membership program, of which American Craft is the main benefit, our magazine also brings in advertising sales and grant support from foundations, culminating in funds that we use to support Craft artists at every stage of their development.
Emerging artists program- the American Craft Council's emerging artists cohort is a virtual three-month intensive program, followed by continued monthly support, that cultivates the next step for independent Craft artists to advance their professional careers. In 2022 the program supported 10 innovative artists new to their careers who are expanding Craft boundaries and challenging us to new perspectives.through facilitated workshops, presentations, and conversations, participating artists gained a deeper understanding of the professional skills and opportunities that will help them diversify income streams and thrive in their chosen careers. Participants connected with established industry leaders from a variety of Craft sectors including gallerists, curators, marketplace artists, exhibiting artists, social practice artists, designers, and more. After the three-month program was completed, all participating artists received a $10,000 accelerator grant to help propel them to the next level of their profession. When the 2022 intensive was complete, the 2022 cohort joined artists from the 2021 cohort for monthly check-in calls, 1:1 coaching, quarterly workshops, and pathway calls.the American Craft made emerging artists program is a juried showcase of top emerging talent that provides a pathway for early-career artists into our established Craft marketplaces. With lower-cost booths, extensive exhibitor support, and marketplace award opportunities, this program gives emerging artists an unparalleled opportunity to grow their clientele and careers. Artists may enroll in the program for up to three years.the emerging artists programs at acc are supported by foundational, individual donor, and corporate support. Member services- membership in the American Craft Council serves over 10,000 people annually with the quarterly magazine, American Craft, advantageous travel benefits, discounts on select Craft books, special invitations to acc virtual events and other discounts as they present themselves through ad hoc opportunities.