From June 6th – 8th, 2016, St. Andrews, New Brunswick, played host to key members of the Atlantic Canadian craft sector at the Craft Alliance conference. Representatives from all four provinces were in attendance, including Provincial Craft Council Executive Directors, provincial government Cultural Officers, an instructor from the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design and the Director of the Canadian Crafts Federation. Between all ten participants, there was an estimated 263 years of collective experience in craft and culture, bringing a wealth of knowledge and history as well as fresh perspectives and new ideas to the table.

An opportunity to gather, network, learn and collaborate on current and future projects, the meetings delved deep into the Craft Alliance’s new Craft Industry Development Program. While the organization is best known for the long running Atlantic Craft Trade Show, the collective has a much broader reach, providing professional development and export opportunities for craft artists and galleries through SOFA Chicago, New York Now and Syrtex trade missions. The conference was specifically focused on furthering the details of new program development for the organization, including proposals for the expansion of export based trade missions and wholesale activity, regional workshop sessions, product assessment and export readiness development, and the development of a new client management program designed to track and report on the economic impact of the Atlantic Canadian craft sector.

Interspersed throughout the official meetings were presentations from the Canadian Crafts Federation and the Sheila Hugh MacKay Foundation, as well as visitations to local St. Andrews’ cultural attractions. Participants were treated to a tour of Alanna Baird‘s printmaking and metal studio, a visit to Water Street Fine Crafts with jeweller and shop owner, Connie Hatt, and a site visit for the Kingsbrae Gardens upcoming artist in residence location.