“If you respect the original, the personal, the authentic – you are a citizen”

So opens the brand new national craft website, citizensofcraft.ca. A place where the true meaning of craft is explored. Where the misuse and abuse of the meaning of handmade is banished, and the word ‘craft’ is proudly reclaimed. With this launch, the Citizens of Craft can come together to celebrate, and to welcome newcomers, by sharing a new understanding of contemporary craft.

“You are not automated, manufactured or cloned”
“You believe in 10 digit technology”
“One size should not fit all”

These are just three of the ten point manifesto statements that outline the values of craft. Read them all at citizensofcraft.ca, where you can watch our movement’s video, share the messages, and declare yourselves as #citizensofcraft.

Of all the exciting activity that Craft Year 2015 has brought us so far, the biggest and boldest is Citizens of Craft. A nationally collaborative project, citizensofcraft.ca is a marketing campaign intended to help every craft based artist, organization, association, educational institution, or otherwise, to reclaim the word ‘craft’, and to bolster its recognition in society.

Immense credit must be given to Craft Ontario, who spearheaded the endeavor and continues to lead the project on behalf of all the Craft Councils to make Citizens of Craft a reality, and this is just the beginning! We are only at stage one of a three part project that will increase the audience for craft in Canada, and abroad.

Declare yourselves as #citizensofcraft TODAY, and join us as we work together towards an expansion of the public’s understanding and appreciation for craft.