Craft Nova Scotia, formerly the Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council, is a non-profit, charitable service organization that works to encourage and promote both the craft movement in Nova Scotia and the public awareness and appreciation of craft products and activities.
History
Craft Nova Scotia 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. Today, Craft Nova Scotia is the provincially recognized craft organization; we have a membership of over 300 individual artisans and craft enthusiasts, and represent over 1000 others through various member groups and guilds. We welcome new members—membership is open to anyone with an interest in craft.
Our Standards Assessment process is only one of the many ways in which we seek to foster the ongoing development of fine craft, and to nurture the development of the individual craftsperson. In 2004, Craft Nova Scotia took over the management of the Nova Scotia Centre for Craft and Design which houses the Mary E. Black Gallery and six craft studios where we offer courses, workshops and residencies. Through retail craft markets, exhibitions, publications and other activities, we promote the work of our members locally, nationally and internationally.
Craft Nova Scotia also lobbies various levels of government on behalf of its members regarding craft-related issues. We play an active role in promoting craft in the province and in building the craft community into the thriving economic and cultural force it is today.
Mandate
Our mandate is to encourage and promote both the craft movement in Nova Scotia and the public awareness and appreciation of craft products and activities.
Partners
- Annapolis Region Community Arts Council
- East Hants & District Chamber of Commerce
- Canadian Crafts Federation
- Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design
- Centre for Arts & Technology
- Craft Alliance Atlantic Association
- Craft Organization Development Association
- Cultural Federations of Nova Scotia
- NSCAD University
- Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia
- Visual Arts Nova Scotia
Heather Lawson Emergency Relief Fund
Craft NS has established The Heather Lawson Fund, an emergency fund for craftspeople in the province. Primarily self-employed, many of Nova Scotia’s craftspeople have little or no financial cushion in the event of a sudden catastrophic illness or event. This Fund will provide the temporary, short-term financial support needed to safeguard and sustain the careers of professional craftspeople who have suffered disabilities or experienced a career-threatening illness, accident, natural disaster, or personal catastrophe.