Craft Councils and CCF/FCMA Affiliates connect you to craft
Our members are always busy working hard to inspire and uplift craft. Through hands-on workshops and carefully crafted podcasts, the passionate and skilled arts administrators of our membership have your craft needs covered. Whether you’re an artist, maker or craft appreciator, we’ve gathered a list of our top 3 lessons in craft and how to access them.
1. The Learning Never Ends
With a title like top 3 Lessons in Craft, I’m sure you were expecting to learn a little. Craft Councils and CCF/FCMA Affiliate Members across Canada produce high-quality workshops, offer post-secondary education, and even produce great podcasts. Feel free to level up with others in a classroom setting or online at your own pace. Whether you want to brush up on your weaving skills or discover a local potter, these organizations are bound to pique your interest.
Workshops and Classes
- Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design: has five state-of-the-art studios in clay, metal and glass, weaving, printmaking and multi-purpose where courses are offered to the public in spring, fall and winter semesters.
- Lunenburg School of the Arts: offers workshops led by professional art educators and artists. We are located in Lunenburg, NS
- Saint John Arts Centre: Try your hand at making your own clay works of functional art in Greater Saint John’s community arts centre’s pottery studio.
- The Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery: A relevant and dynamic cultural organization, the Gallery provides supportive education programs to people from across the region.
- Maison des métiers d’arts de Québec: The MMAQ offers a diversified programming of master classes and workshops to professional and emerging artists and artisans.
Post-Secondary Education
- Alberta University of the Arts: All around you, artists, designers and craftspeople are pursuing their passions. Find out what you can study at AUArts.
- NB College of Craft and Design: Forge a sustainable, creative career at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design. Start your journey in Foundation Visual Arts or dip into advanced studio practice today.
Podcasts About Craft
- Craft Council of BC: Oh! for craft’s sake is a newly developed monthly podcast project hosted by the Craft Council of British Columbia as part of an institutional effort to have more conversations about contemporary craft as well as to highlight and promote work being done by craft artists and organizations in BC.
- Alberta Craft Council: Culture in the Making is the Alberta Craft Council podcast featuring fascinating conversations with Alberta Fine Craft artists.
2. Inspiration is Plentiful
If you’re looking for inspiration, our members have you covered. They showcase thousands of artists and host hundreds of events throughout the year, including gallery and artists’ talks offering unique insights into artists’ creative processes. Explore culture, innovation and ideas through the efforts of our members.
Exhibitions
- Yukon Art Society: The exhibit, Elevated Ground by Julia Cottle, explores the interplay of art and science through the practice of observation and shifting perspective.
- le Musée des métiers d’art du Québec: The permanent exhibition explores craft from New France to today, as a constantly evolving story of a multitude of trades, know-how, practices and traditions.
- Crafted Vancouver: Crafted Interiors | A Lifestyle Exhibition was designed to celebrate and promote the use of fine handcrafted furniture & other craft-based work as objects for everyday use in the home.
- Craft Alliance New Brunswick: Craft Alliance and industry partner Craft Nova Scotia commissioned the development of a video series focused on six master craft makers working in different artistic disciplines across Nova Scotia. Check out or revisit the “Life’s Work” series today.
Artist and Shops
- Northwest Territories Arts: NWT Arts is committed to connecting you with your next favourite piece of Northern artwork.
- PEI Crafts Council: Shop for PEI crafts from the comfort of your own desktop.
- Conseil des métiers d’art du Québec: Peruse this artist directory, bringing together all the professional members of the CMAQ.
Special Events
- Manitoba Craft Council: MCC Year of Eco Craft Talk Series relates to climate change and environmental sustainability through the lens of contemporary craft practice.
3. It’s Easy with Support
The skilled arts administrators at your local craft council are ready to support your creative venture. Through various membership structures and organization offerings, creative businesses have access to so many useful resources. If you’re an entrepreneur emerging or growing in the creative sector, check out your local crafts council or one of our affiliates for calls for entry, access to funding support, and discover resources to help grow your business.
Membership Perks
- Saskatchewan Craft Council: Being a member has its perks. A listing on the artists’ directory and a free subscription to Studio Magazine are just some of the benefits you can receive with a Professional Craftsperson membership
- Craft Ontario: Craft Ontario is pleased to offer members a free grant coaching opportunity. Hoping to apply for a grant to create new work, exhibit, tour, or study? Granting Coach, Marilyn McIntosh, is volunteering to work with Craft Ontario members to help develop an idea into a project.
- Craft NB Métiers d’art NB: A collection of online courses and resources for professional artists to enhance their skills.
- Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador: The Craft Council offers various forms of funding to members for education and professional development.
- My CEO: myCEO offers business coaching with a focus on implementing systems, strategies and action steps that will help you grow your business.
CCF/FCMA members and affiliates are passionate about craft in Canada and are ready to support your interests. From craft basics to grant support, we’re proud of the assistance our members have to offer. While the lessons in craft go well beyond the 3 listed here, we hope that you find something that intrigues you!