In February 2025, members of the craft community from across Canada came together in Ottawa for the 2025 Canadian Crafts Federation Symposium, Crafting Connections. This gathering marked a pivotal milestone for our organization, kicking off a year-long celebration of our 50th anniversary and the enduring impact of Canadian craft.

Held from February 6th to 9th at the Ottawa Art Gallery, this four-day event brought together artists, cultural workers, and craft advocates for keynote addresses, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, networking opportunities, and more. The symposium provided a space for deepening connections, sharing insights, and discussing the challenges and opportunities facing Canadian craft today.

Key Takeaways

The symposium sparked important conversations and connections that will help shape the future of the Canadian craft sector: 

• Strengthening National Networks: Attendees left with a renewed sense of connection, having engaged in meaningful exchanges with colleagues from across Canada. Representatives from craft councils in every region of the country had the opportunity to meet face-to-face, share experiences, and discuss strategies. We’re grateful to all our participants, especially those who travelled long distances to join us, for contributing to such a vibrant, collaborative atmosphere.

• Increasing Awareness: Cross-country collaboration is more crucial than ever as trade barriers and political challenges mount. This event emphasized advocacy strategies and highlighted opportunities to unite and strengthen the voice of the Canadian craft community in both domestic and global spheres.

• Embracing Digital Innovation: One of the major themes explored during the symposium was how the craft sector can leverage digital spaces. Our new eLearning platform and resource-sharing initiatives were highlighted as tools to drive accessibility, knowledge-sharing, and innovation within the craft sector.

• Celebrating Craft Leadership: The symposium included the prestigious Robert Jekyll Award ceremony, where Dr. Carol E. Mayer was honoured for her exceptional contributions to the Canadian craft community. To learn more about Dr. Mayer’s remarkable work, read about the award here.

Event Highlights

Day 1: The event kicked off with heartfelt welcome remarks from CCF/FCMA Executive Director Jennifer Wicks, Board President David Freeman, and Alexandra Badzak, Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ottawa Art Gallery. The evening was enriched by live music by singer-songwriter Larissa Desrosiers and the opening of Coast to Coast to Coast, our national exhibition at the Ottawa Art Gallery, with a speech from curator Mike Patten. 

Day 2: The second day started with a thought-provoking keynote from artist and curator Don Kwan, whose presentation delved into themes of cultural identity and memory in craft. Attendees then received updates from provincial craft councils and some affiliate members during the cross-country presentations, showcasing their many achievements over the past year. Topics include new initiatives, upcoming exhibitions, and advocacy efforts. Next, we were joined by PAA Advisory / Conseils, a government relations and communications firm, who shared invaluable advice on advocating for craft with lawmakers. The day wrapped up with a hands-on workshop led by Jennifer Wicks, where participants shared practical insights into leadership transitions and strategies for preserving institutional knowledge within craft organizations.

Day 3: Day three was a highlight for many, beginning with a wonderful keynote by beadwork artist Nico Williams. Williams is an award-winning master beadworker with an innovative approach to traditional craft, exploring themes of identity, culture, and community.

The day continued with a panel discussion on cultural appropriation in craft with Nancy Oakley, Dawn Sanders Dahl, and Heather Steinhagen, moderated by Don Kwan. This panel underscored the responsibilities of artists, organizations, and institutions to ensure ethical and respectful creative practices. Later, Mike Patten led a tour of Coast to Coast to Coast, and the symposium culminated in the highly anticipated Robert Jekyll Award ceremony.

Day 4: On the final day, members of the CCF/FCMA participated in peer-to-peer discussion groups, focused on board leadership, advocacy, and operational strategies. The day also featured a digital strategies update from Nordicity, which showcased the upcoming launch of our new resource-sharing platform designed to foster collaboration and innovation within the craft sector.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the insights and discussions from the symposium, we’re excited to continue building connections among craft leaders across regions. The 2025 symposium served as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration in our work. As we celebrate 50 years, the ideas and partnerships sparked at this event will fuel our ongoing advocacy and innovation. Many thanks to all who participated in Crafting Connections!