About the Alliance

For over 45 years, the four Atlantic provincial governments have been working together to assist the craft industry in Atlantic Canada. Craft East Buyers’ Expo is a new event and the main trade activity for this purpose, launching in 2018.  In 2009, the government partners involved in producing the expo (formerly the Atlantic Craft Trade Show) developed a new organizational model to more effectively involve and engage the craft industry in our region.

As a result, a pan-Atlantic trade association was formed to further develop the sector and begin the process of government and industry partners working together on a pan-Atlantic basis for the benefit of all craft related organizations in Atlantic Canada.

Mandate

  • To provide marketing opportunities for Atlantic Provinces producers of quality craft, apparel and giftware products
  • To encourage entry into wholesale and export markets and to enhance the professionalism, education and advancement of the above sectors in Atlantic Canada.

Objectives

  • Conduct, coordinate, and encourage effective marketing and development of the craft, giftware and apparel sectors in Atlantic Canada
  • Research, publish and advocate for craft sector development with our craft organization members and partners in the region
  • Provide a forum for the exchange of information and policy in the craft, giftware and apparel sectors
  • Provide developmental services and opportunities to the craft, giftware and apparel sectors
  • Engage in activities like trade shows, export missions, and workshops which will enhance the professionalism, education and advancement of the craft, giftware and apparel sectors in the region

About the Craft Portal

The Craft Alliance Atlantic web portal & Craft East Virtual Marketplace has been in conceptual development for several years, with the goal of establishing a digital companion to the Craft East Buyers’ Expo (formerly Atlantic Craft Tradeshow — ACTS).

In our 2015 Pan-Atlantic Consultation, both buyers and producers expressed an interest in seeing an enhanced online presence for wholesale networking and the trade show, that would include producer profiles, with the ability to post and view new products throughout the year. The plan to develop an enhanced Craft East Buyers’ Expo website was included as part of our Communications Plan within the Envision 20/20: Framework for Success update in June 2015.

Our Framework for Success found that buyers’ survey responses indicated overwhelmingly that they found value in seeing a handmade product in person before ordering it (97% responded “Yes”), we believe this new online presence can grow to become a strong complement to the physical trade show, which we hope will continue to grow.

Programs

Part of the Craft Alliance’s mandate is to provide marketing opportunities for craft producers in the Atlantic Provinces. This includes offering opportunities for educational mission, trade shows & exhibitions, and export opportunities at craft and giftware events across North America. Visit our Producer Registration page and sign up as a Project Member to gain access to our special projects section. Once registered, you will gain access to the full list of opportunities we are currently offering.

Craft HUB
Direct consultation with the craft sector across Atlantic Canada and engage with our craft industry partners to deliver programs and services relevant to the sector both provincially and regionally.

Craft LAB
Assist craft producers with business development by providing marketing support, educational opportunities, trade show assistance, exhibition assistance, product development, productivity/capacity building and more!

Craft TEK
Technology development by investigating and initiating projects that contribute to innovation through design, collaboration or creation of new cross-sectoral initiatives that advance the craft sector.

Craft X
Exporting initiatives including trade shows, training resources, market development and travel, cost related to initiatives that assist with export market development outside of the region.

Partners

General Members

Craft Nova Scotia

Craft Nova Scotia (formerly the Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council, NSDCC) was formed in 1973 by a group of craftspeople who recognized the need for a provincial organization to support and develop the quality craft movement. Through markets, exhibitions and other activities, the NSDCC promotes the work of its members locally, nationally and internationally. Today the NSDCC represents close to 300 individual artisans and craft enthusiasts, and up to 1,000 others through various member groups and guilds. Throughout its history, the NSDCC has played an active role in promoting craft in the province and building the craft community into the thriving economic and cultural force it is today.

Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design

As a strong sector association and non-profit charitable organization, Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design (the Centre), has been serving the needs of the Cape Breton Island craft sector and the public since 1972. The Centre’s mandate is to promote excellence in craft and design, both professional and recreational, through education and training. The Centre’s role as an integral and leading force within the craft sector on Cape Breton Island is essentially educational, promotional and developmental.

The Centre offers a variety of educational opportunities in both contemporary and traditional craft, while promoting and marketing Cape Breton craft through exhibitions, special events and craft tourism campaigns. The Centre also operates a permanent, year-round storefront Gallery and Gallery Shop representing over 90 Cape Breton artists in the Sydney Waterfront District.

Craft Council of Newfoundland & Labrador

The Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador advances excellence in craft for the cultural and economic benefit of the province and for the individual well-being and prosperity of professional craft makers. The Craft Council provides stable and innovative programming that builds upon a wealth of experience, while anticipating new opportunities and changing directions. Formed in 1972, the Craft Council supports and promotes a high standard of excellence in craft production and in service to members and the general public.

Anna Templeton Centre for Craft, Art & Design

A craft & art school dedicated to nurturing the future producers and consumers of fine craft and art, the Anna Templeton Centre for Craft Art & Design offers a wide range of adult evening classes, weekend workshops and a young artist program. Classes vary from introductory level to more advanced, for either general interest for the practicing craftsperson. Anna Templeton Centre is also home to Textiles: Craft and Apparel Design, a two-year College of the North Atlantic diploma program.

Craft NB

Craft NB (formerly the New Brunswick Crafts Council) is a non-profit organization promoting excellence in crafts, maintaining standards of craftsmanship, and developing markets for fine crafts in New Brunswick. Our diverse membership includes juried and non-juried craftspeople, gallery and retail owners, businesses, artists, artisans and individuals. The NBCC Mission is to provide opportunities and support to our members by developing, promoting and fostering an appreciation of excellence in fine craft.

New Brunswick College of Craft & Design

The New Brunswick College of Craft & Design (NBCCD) is a learner-centered cultural community, providing an excellent foundation for professional practice. Established in 1938, NBCCD is the only college in Canada that focuses entirely on fine craft and applied design with an entrepreneurial focus.

The campus is located in the heart of historic downtown Fredericton, just steps away from a vibrant selection of restaurants, galleries, markets and the picturesque St. John River. With two-year Diplomas in eight craft & design studios, as well as one-year Certificate programs, a joint BAA program with University of New Brunswick, and a selection of LEAP non-credit courses, NBCCD has offerings for every stage of an artistic career. Graduates leave with tangible and transferable skills — creativity, critical thinking, innovation, and adaptability — assets needed in today’s growing creative economy.

Prince Edward Island Crafts Council

Prince Edward Island has long been celebrated for its strong sense of place. Historically, Islanders have been a self-sufficient people who respect and appreciate the traditions of the past. The Prince Edward Island Crafts Council was formed in 1965 to represent the handcraft sector on the Island, and was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1975.

The mission of the PEI Crafts Council is to promote the making and acceptance of quality handcrafted items through the provision of programs and services; to encourage and assist those who are creating and producing Prince Edward Island’s future heirlooms. PEICC invites you to help fill an increasing demand for quality, Island-made, hand-crafted products; to keep informed about activities in the craft sector and to become part of a growing community of dedicated craftspeople.

Mawi’ Art Collective

Mawi’Art: Wabanaki Artist Collective is the only pan-Atlantic, Indigenous led organization that supports Indigenous artists in the region. Established in 2013, we organize and host events for and with our member artists; provide training and mentorship opportunities, and access to physical and digital markets; serve as a hub for communication and network building; and are increasingly recognized regionally and nationally as a solid organizational model for promoting Indigenous art and artists.

Associate Members


     
        

Board of Directors

Industry Partners

  • Lori Burke, Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design
  • Kelly Jerrott, Craft Nova Scotia
  • Shawn Dalton, Mawi’ Art Collective
  • Nancy Oakley, Indigenous Artist
  • Erica Stanley, New Brunswick College of Craft & Design
  • Denise Richard, Francophone Representative, New Brunswick
  • Ayelet Stewart, PEI Crafts Council
  • vacant, Craft Council of Newfoundland & Labrador
  • Katie Parnham, Anna Templeton Centre for Craft, Art & Design
  • Alex Antle, Indigenous Artist

Government Partners

  • Nova Scotia Communities, Culture, Tourism & Heritage
  • Innovation PEI
  • Newfoundland & Labrador Industry, Energy & Technology
  • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
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