The Craft Marketing Program's purpose is to expand the state's craft industry; support and empower Kentucky artisans and craftspeople; create an economically viable environment for craft entrepreneurs; preserve the state's craft traditions; stimulate and support product development; and generate public awareness, public support, and public/private partnerships.
Kentucky Craft Marketing is a program of the
Kentucky Arts Council, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. Since its inception
in 1982, the Program has been heralded for its pioneering efforts in marketing
the state's crafts and is one of the few states in the country that supports
its craft industry in this way. Activities and goals for the Program are set
forth by a planning process of the Kentucky Arts Council, where citizens of the
Commonwealth may provide input at public forums. The Program provides
assistance to Kentucky residents, individuals, and groups wanting to develop as
craft professionals through economic opportunities and training, and to other
outside entities (i.e., craft retailers, craft and art organizations, community
and government agencies), and the general public.
Program services are
divided into two areas: non-juried and juried. Non-juried services are geared
to beginning and part-time For craftspeople who may be interested in pursuing a
craft business. Technical assistance and educational training are available
through an annual weekend workshop, pre-jury sessions, individual
consultations, and other specialized training. The Program's involvement in the
state's cultural tourism projects, statewide craft initiatives, and the new
product development initiative provide marketing opportunities, both regionally
and nationally, to the Kentucky craftsperson.
All interested Kentucky residents may take advantage of the non-juried services. These services are for beginning craftspeople needing resources and technical assistance to develop their business and marketing skills. Program staff can provide assistance at this level to prepare craftspeople for “Kentucky Crafted”, juried portion of the Program.
All craftspeople who contact the Craft Marketing Program are included on the Registry, which also serves as the Program mailing list. The Registry is provided upon request, for a fee, to buyers, show and fair organizers, special interest groups, suppliers, etc. Registering with the Craft Marketing Program can provide valuable contact with the craft community and aid in the development of a craft network.
Technical assistance is available for craftspeople at all levels. Consultations may be scheduled with Program staff who can assist craftspeople in determining the necessary steps to take in the development of their crafts and businesses.
Workshops are designed to assist craftspeople on all levels in their craft development, business training, and marketing skills. These include pre-jury sessions and the annual craft mini-conference that focuses on various business and aesthetic topics. Registration information is sent to all registered craftspeople prior to each workshop. Program staff is also available, on a limited basis, to conduct basic workshops for community groups, local craft guilds, etc. All requests for special workshops must be made in writing.
The Craft Marketing Program can provide information on state and national organizations, publications, and services geared specifically to craftspeople and small businesses. This information can assist the beginning craftsperson in locating specific resources for individual needs. Some resource material is available in the office, can be covered via individual consultations, and is listed on this web site, click here.
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