Who We Are
We envision a Canadian culture which embraces and values the artistic, economic, contemporary, historical and social significance of craft.
Mission Statement
Create connections and champion craft
Mandate
As a Federation of organizations, the CCF/FCMA works with the Provincial and Territorial Craft Councils and affiliate organizations to unite, enrich, empower and celebrate the professional contemporary craft sector through collaborative action, networking, and community development.
Approach
- We unite Canadian professional craft organizations in order to learn, share, collaborate, and strengthen the sector.
- We create and deliver programming and research that informs, engages, empowers, and celebrates the professional craft sector.
- We identify and act on craft-based projects and collaborations that have regional, national, and international impact.
- We actively pursue and develop meaningful relationships with organizations, institutions, and government agencies that are committed to the advancement of the craft sector.
- We advocate for craft from a national perspective.
Annual Report
History
1900
National craft organizations in Canada date back to 1900, starting with the foundation of the Canadian Guild of Crafts.
1974
In 1974, a number of craft organizations and guilds merged to create the Canadian Crafts Council (CCC). The CCC provided structure and a forum to unify and represent Canadian craftspeople nationally and internationally. Originally, it was intended as an organization of provincial crafts councils, but over the years, membership privileges were extended to other crafts organizations, honorary members, and in 1996, to individual craftspeople.
1996
Funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage, membership fees, contributions, contract revenues and donations from the private sector (principally from the M. Joan Chalmers Cultural Centre Foundation – MJCCCF) supported the CCC’s activities, which focused primarily on the actions of the federal government that interfaced with crafts and craftspeople. As of 1996, federal funding to the CCC was discontinued, as was the support from the MJCCCF. At this point the staff was laid off and the office in Ottawa was closed.
The CCC continued on without an office, staff, or funding through the energetic efforts of a small band of five volunteers who formed a transition board and who kept the CCC alive as a continuing legal entity but without any programming ability.
1998
In May of 1998, representatives of provincial crafts councils met with officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and The Canada Council for the Arts in Montreal to debate the future of a national organization for crafts in Canada.
From the discussions and ideas shared at this meeting, it was evident that a crafts organization at the national level was of vital and continuing importance. An organization that would collaborate with all provincial councils was required. An organization that would focus on the representation and international marketing of Canadian crafts, share information from international, national and provincial levels to the Canadian crafts community, and provide a conduit and information link between the community and the federal government.
To accomplish this, the CCC transformed into a national network for crafts to be known as the Canadian Crafts Federation / Fédération canadienne des métiers d’art (CCF/FCMA). The CCC’s charitable tax status was transferred to the CCF/FCMA. Despite challenges with funding and personnel constraints, the new organization attempted to address national issues and to provide a forum for discussion and action on matters of common concern amongst the provinces.
The CCF/FCMA thereby came into being as an organization of national consensus, mutual discussion and decision making.
1999
The first Annual General Meeting of the CCF/FCMA was held by conference call in September 1999, and a slate of officers were elected. A coordinating secretariat rotated as required amongst the ten councils. The Ontario Crafts Council (now known as Craft Ontario) was the first to provide this service.
2007
In partnership with the New Brunswick Crafts Council and The New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, the CCF/FCMA’s head office transferred to Fredericton, New Brunswick.
2023
After 16 years, the CCF/FCMA headquarters relocated back to Ottawa, Ontario, now with an office in the Arts Court.
Logo Guide
Logo and Brand Guide
Download the CCF/FCMA Logo Kit
This logo kit comes with colour, white, and black files for print and digital. There are files for horizontal and vertical logos, as well as an acronym version.
Organization Blurbs
Short Description
The Canadian Crafts Federation is a national arts service organization that creates connections and champions craft.
Long Description
The Canadian Crafts Federation is a national arts service organization representing
provincial and territorial craft organizations and makers in Canada. We envision a Canadian culture that embraces and values craft’s artistic, economic, contemporary, historical and social significance.
As a Federation of organizations, the CCF/FCMA works with the Provincial and Territorial Craft Councils and affiliate organizations to unite, enrich, empower and celebrate the professional contemporary craft sector through collaborative action, networking, and community development.
Brand Guide
Our brand guide features how the CCF/FCMA brand should be communicated, both externally and internally. This guide covers; logo use, colours, brand assets, type, and photo guidelines.
Future
2017–2020 Strategic Plan
The CCF/FCMA is proud to present our Strategic Plan for 2017–2020. After a year long process of visioning, deliberation, and consultation, our Board of Directors have approved the organizations new and expanded goals, objectives and initiatives. The CCF/FCMA’s three new goals are to “Unite, Support and Inspire”, encouraging connection and exchange among the national craft network, strengthening and empowering the craft sector, and raising the profile of Canadian contemporary fine craft nationally and internationally.
Unite: Encourage connection and exchange among the national craft network
The CCF/FCMA is first and foremost, a federation. Our primary goal is to connect the distinctive professional facets of the Canadian contemporary craft sector, embracing the diverse resources of our membership to form a vibrant national craft network. Through the facilitation of craft-focused gatherings and the distribution of craft-focused information, we create and share opportunities, spark conversation and open doors to strengthen the craft sector.
Support: Strengthen and empower the craft sector
The CCF/FCMA recognizes the great strength of collective craft community action. We provide connections, information and encouragement to the national craft network, ensuring that the craft sector is represented and recognized as a thriving component of Canadian culture.
Inspire: Raise the profile of Canadian contemporary fine craft nationally and internationally
The CCF/FCMA is proud to promote the unique contemporary fine craft sector of our country. Craft is one of the many languages of our culture, a means to celebrate who we are and the values we share. We showcase Canadian craft, elevating its status as a respected art form and increasing recognition of Contemporary fine craft as a reflective, engaging and inspiring contributor to Canadian culture.
Intrigued? Read the Strategic Plan here.
Staff & Board of Directors
Our Remote Team
Connect with our dedicated staff and see our board of directors. Meet the people guiding our vision and find the right contact for your inquiry.
Director of Operations and Digital Strategist
Heather Steinhagen
Digital Content Developer
Lauren Polchies
design@canadiancraftsfederation.ca
Craft Content Developer
Shannon Stride
content@canadiancraftsfederation.ca
Meet Our Volunteer Board of Directors
President
Kathleen Morris
First Vice President
Bernard Burton
Second Vice President
Marc Douesnard
Treasurer
Chantal Frappier
Secretary
Bettina Matzkhun
Former President
David Freeman
Regional Representative,
British Columbia
Bettina Matzkhun
Regional Representative,
Alberta
Vacant
Regional Representative,
Saskatchewan
Cindy Hoppe
Regional Representative,
Manitoba
Candice Ring
Regional Representative,
Ontario
Stuart Reid
Regional Representative,
New Brunswick
Jennifer Pilon
Regional Representative,
Newfoundland and Labrador
Katie Parnham
Regional Representative,
Quebec
Marc Douesnard
Regional Representative,
Northwest Territories
Rosalind Mercredi
Regional Representative,
Prince Edward Island
Jody Racicot
Regional Representative,
Nova Scotia
Nancy Oakley
Regional Representative,
Nunavut
Rowena House
Director at Large
Jose Niaison
Regional Representative,
Yukon
Vacant
Work With Us
Work With Us
Job Opportunities at the Canadian Crafts Federation / Fédération canadienne des métiers d’art (CCF/FCMA)
We post occasional opportunities to join our national team at the intersection of professional craft, digital innovation, and arts advocacy. Roles are typically remote, flexible, and rooted in the craft sector’s cultural and community impact.
We welcome candidates from across Canada, especially individuals who bring diverse experiences and perspectives to their work. Our values of collaboration, equity, and sector-wide empowerment guide our hiring practices.
Current Postings
Each role listed below links to a full job description, downloadable PDF, and application form.
Stay Connected
Job postings are also shared through our newsletter, social channels, and national networks. Follow us or check back here for the latest updates.
If no positions are listed, we encourage you to explore our About Us page.
K. Claire MacDonald, Wind and Water, Ontario