As we celebrate the arrival of the new year, Craft Year 2025, we’re taking a moment to look back on the highlights of 2024. The Canadian Crafts Federation is proud to have worked throughout the past year to honour leaders in the craft community, advocate for policies that support the craft sector, and celebrate the incredible diversity of Canadian craftspeople. Let’s take a look at some of the key moments that have shaped this year.
Honouring Robert Jekyll and Celebrating the 2023 Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft
2024 began with a bittersweet moment as the craft community mourned the passing of Robert Jekyll, a leader who made monumental contributions to Canadian craft. Jekyll’s dedication to the craft sector left an indelible mark, and his legacy continues to inspire the next generation of craftspeople.
In his memory, the CCF/FCMA proudly announced the 2023 Laureate for the Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft. Gilles Latour, a tireless advocate for Canadian craft with over thirty years of service, was honoured for his significant role in shaping the craft sector. This recognition is a reminder of the invaluable work that sustains the vibrancy of our community. We look forward to announcing the 2024 Laureate in February! Read more about the Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft here.
Craft’s Future: Our 2024 Symposium
The CCF/FCMA’s 2024 Symposium, “Craft’s Future,” brought together artists, advocates, and enthusiasts from across the country to engage in meaningful conversations about the future of craft in Canada. Held online, the event explored how innovation, sustainability, and technology are shaping the craft sector today. Read a more in-depth summary of the 2024 Symposium here, and click here to register for our 2025 Symposium in Ottawa, Crafting Connections, from February 6-9.
Celebrating National Seal Products Day
On May 28, 2024, our Executive Director, Jennifer Wicks, was honoured to attend a reception on Parliament Hill celebrating National Seal Products Day. This day highlighted the invaluable contributions of Indigenous artists who work with seal products and advocated for federal policies to ensure that these traditional practices are celebrated and preserved. Read more about Jennifer’s experience at National Seal Products Day here.
Introducing our Craft Glossary
As part of our ongoing commitment to accessibility, the CCF/FCMA launched a comprehensive glossary of craft terms this year. This resource is designed to demystify the jargon commonly used in the craft sector, making the world of craft more accessible to everyone—from newcomers to seasoned professionals.
Advocating for Canadian Craft in our Recommendations for the 2025 Federal Budget
In 2024, the CCF/FCMA submitted key recommendations to the federal government for the 2025 budget. These recommendations called for increased funding for arts service organizations, the creation of an Employee Insurance program specifically for the arts sector, the formation of a Federal Basic Income Guarantee, and more. These recommendations aim to provide financial stability for the craft sector, enhance support structures, and recognize the significant role of artists in Canada’s economic and social life. Click here for the complete recommendations.
Studying the Craft Sector: Report to Heritage Canada
In 2024, the CCF/FCMA also submitted a comprehensive report on Canadian craft to Heritage Canada. This report provides valuable insights into the current state of the sector, its needs, and the opportunities for growth. It serves as an essential tool to assist Heritage Canada in understanding how to best support the craft sector in the years to come. Read the report here.
Exhibiting Canadian Craft at Coast to Coast to Coast
This past December, we were thrilled to present a collective exhibition of fine craft at the Conseil des métiers d’art du Québec, as part of the Salon des métiers d’art in Montréal. Featuring works from artists selected by Craft Councils nationwide and curated by Mike Patten, this exhibition highlighted the exceptional diversity of Canadian craft. Enjoy some photos from the exhibition below and be sure to visit its next iteration when it travels to the Ottawa Art Gallery this January.
Looking Ahead: Craft Year 2025
2024 was a wonderful year at the Canadian Crafts Federation. From honouring the legacy of Robert Jekyll to advocating for the future of the sector, the CCF/FCMA has remained steadfast in our mission to support, celebrate, and grow the Canadian craft sector.
As we welcome the new year, we are thrilled to kick off Craft Year 2025, a milestone celebration dedicated to honouring and promoting the world of Canadian craft. To begin the year, we have two exciting events this winter: Crafting Connections, our Symposium in February and the next stop of the Coast to Coast to Coast exhibition tour. As Craft Year 2025 unfolds, we’ll be unveiling even more events. Stay tuned for all the exciting updates ahead!