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Authentic Shopping Guide—Crafts Online
Two organizations that help support and encourage individual artisans include Novica and Global Exchange. Both organizations offer a wide range of authentic, locally made handicrafts for sale online. Working in association with the National Geographic Society, Novica offers handcrafted items from more than 2,000 artists around the world. An active supporter of the Fair Trade movement, Global Exchange works directly with cooperatives and artisans as well as a network of Fair Trade importers. The following organizations work to promote artisans and their crafts.
Aid to Artisans (United States) Offers assistance to artisans worldwide to foster artistic traditions, improve livelihoods, and keep communities healthy and strong.
Alberta Crafts Council(Canada) Dedicated to supporting and developing Alberta's craft culture and its participants.
American Craft Council(United States) Promotes understanding and appreciation of contemporary American craft.
Artisan Enterprise Network (United States) Brings together different organizations to pool experiences and knowledge for the benefit of artisans worldwide.
Assembly of British Columbia Arts Councils (Canada) Focuses on the role of art in building community by advocating for the arts and providing networking, education, and other arts services resources.
Canada Council for the ArtsAdvances development of the arts through grants, services, and awards to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations; also administers scholarly awards.
Canadian Crafts Federation The national arts service organization representing provincial and territorial craft councils and the Canadian craft sector.
Canadian Quilters' Association Promotes appreciation of the art, techniques, and heritage of patchwork, appliqué, and quilting.
Crafts Association of British Columbia (Canada) A service organization committed to promoting, researching, and building connections between professional crafters of British Columbia.
Crafts Center at CHF InternationalInternational nonprofit organization promotes entrepreneurship and economic development by training low-income artisans.
Crafts Council (United Kingdom) Promotes English contemporary crafts through establishing standards and educating the public.
Crafts Council of Andhra Pradesh (India) Works to support Indian crafters, preserve craft traditions, and harness contemporary technology to improve the lives of artisans.
Craft Victoria (Australia) Encourages the growth of Australian contemporary craft and design through public awareness, exhibitions, seminars, and advocacy.
Eshopafrica.com (Africa) Fair-trade business that supports artisan development by promoting traditional African crafts from Ghana, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Mali, and more.
Fair Trade Federation (international) Works to foster a more equitable market by linking low-income producers with consumers, and by educating the public about fair wages and healthy working environments.
Handwerkermarkt (Germany) An information and trade search portal for German and European handicrafts and trades.
Harbourfront Centre Crafts (Canada) Helps new craftspeople to establish professional careers and exposes the public to modern-day craft.
Konsthantverkscentrum (Sweden) The largest crafts organization in Sweden, with close to 700 members.
Manitoba Crafts Council (Canada) Markets and promotes contemporary crafts and ensures that producers are valued for their contributions to the cultural and economic life of the province.
Metal Arts Guild (Canada) An organization for the promotion of silversmiths, jewelers, and metal artists in Canada.
Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council (Canada) Supports the work of its members locally, nationally, and internationally through markets, exhibitions, and other activities.
Ontario Crafts Council (Canada) Aims to increase recognition and appreciation of craftsmanship by building a sustainable, talented craft community and acting as its advocate.
Saskatchewan Craft Council (Canada) A charitable organization dedicated to creating a supportive craft community of Saskatchewan craftspeople, supporters of crafts, and the public.
Scottish Arts Council (United Kingdom) Fosters the Scottish arts community by funding, developing, and advocating for the arts.
Textile Society of America, Inc. (United States) By providing an international forum, the Society enables members to share information about textiles worldwide.
Weavers Studio (India) Employs craftspeople in the production of hand-printed, hand-embroidered, and hand-woven textiles.
World Crafts Council-EuropeAs oneof the World Crafts Council's five regional branches, it promotes design-led crafts and applied arts in Europe by publishing numerous arts directories and awarding prizes for excellence in art.
Published in March 2006. All content accurate as of press time.
