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.