Earlier this year, the Canadian Craft Federation / Fédération canadienne des métiers d’art presented a report, “Study of the Crafts Sector in Canada,” to Heritage Canada / Patrimoine canadien. This study highlights the sector’s economic impact, diversity, and potential for growth, particularly in exports. Here’s an overview of the study. To read it in full, scroll to the bottom of this page.

Craft in Canada: An Introduction

The Canadian craft sector comprises a vibrant array of craftspeople, studios, businesses, guilds, and galleries, all recognized internationally for their quality. This sector is deeply embedded in both cultural and economic spheres, engaging with a diverse range of materials to create traditional and contemporary items. It is supported by a network of stakeholders, organizations, galleries, and educational institutions, all contributing to the industry’s vibrancy and sustainability.

Craft in Canada transcends the division between fine art and craft, embracing a spectrum where material origins and skill-based making intertwine with artistic expression. Read more about the Craft Spectrum here. This spectrum is reflected in the country’s wide variety of craft practices, each bearing the unique imprint of local materials, traditions, and communities. The sector thrives on innovation, integrating new technologies with traditional craft skills and benefiting from a robust tradition of mentorship and apprenticeship, which adapts to modern educational platforms while preserving hands-on skill transmission.

Craft professionals contribute significantly to the Canadian labour market, generating 29,858 jobs in 2021. These craftspeople are not hobbyists but highly trained and skilled creators who take on multiple roles: from designing and making to selling craft objects, running businesses, or organizing exhibitions. Their work supports the cultural sector and creates demand for various professional services, illustrating its broad economic impact.

Economic Impact

In 2021, the craft industry played a significant role in Canada’s economy, contributing $4.53 billion in cultural exports. According to Statistics Canada, the craft sector contributed $2.668 billion to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This sector is a key attraction for local and global markets, driving tourism, export, and entrepreneurship.

Key export partners include the United States, where exports rose from $2.947 billion in 2017 to $3.989 billion in 2021, and the European Union, which peaked at $413.9 million in 2019.

Challenges and Opportunities for Growth in the Craft Sector

Unfortunately, the export potential of craft is often underestimated and a number of challenges prevent the export of Canadian craft, including:

• The Canadian Cultural Property Export Control List, particularly regarding Objects of Applied and Decorative Art, necessitates special permits and complicates the export process.
• Crafts eligible for export but manufactured abroad are often falsely labelled as “Canadian,” undermining the integrity of the “Made in Canada” label. This discrepancy poses challenges to the sector’s reputation, as local production is crucial for conveying authenticity and cultural significance.
• Access to materials, shipping considerations, and the rising cost of raw materials present additional hurdles for craftspeople, impacting production and the ability to maintain a sustainable practice.
• Training and mentorship remain pivotal in craft practice, yet there is a noticeable gap in formal and informal training opportunities, especially for Indigenous and heritage crafts.
• Globalization and technological advancements offer many opportunities for artists but also risk diluting local craft traditions. Efforts are ongoing to preserve traditional skills and recognize crafts as integral to cultural heritage amidst these global influences.

Overall, the Canadian craft sector is confronted with the dual challenge of navigating a complex regulatory and economic landscape while striving to preserve the authenticity and cultural significance of craft. Greater support systems across the country are needed to address these challenges. Community organizations, government bodies, and consumers can play a pivotal role in championing the craft sector and ensuring its sustainability.

Indigenous Craft Practices

There is a critical need for support to ensure Indigenous craftspeople can fully participate in the import and export of craft. Indigenous craft practices are imbued with a profound connection to the land as tangible expressions of Indigenous peoples’ spiritual and ecological relationships with their territories. These works not only serve aesthetic purposes but also act as vital repositories of cultural identity and knowledge.

Traditional and contemporary Indigenous crafts encompass a diverse range of media, including sculpture and carving (wood and stone), jewellery making, drum-making, glass and metal art, textiles, ceramics, bark biting, quillwork, hair tufting, printmaking, drawing, beadwork, embroidery, and basketry.

However, existing copyright laws in Canada fail to adequately protect Indigenous knowledge, often allowing for its exploitation without proper recognition or compensation for the original creators. Initiatives such as the Indian Arts and Crafts Act in the United States and Canada’s Igloo Tag Trademark aim to protect and authenticate Indigenous art, helping consumers identify genuine Indigenous products.

Upholding authenticity, respecting Indigenous protocols, and ensuring proper attribution is essential for honouring and preserving the cultural heritage encapsulated in Indigenous crafts.

Additionally, awareness of the Jay Treaty is vital for Indigenous artists seeking opportunities in the United States, as it grants rights to enter the U.S. for employment. Understanding this treaty and its identification requirements highlights the importance of legal knowledge and protections in facilitating cross-border professional engagements for Indigenous artists.

Unlocking Growth Potential

With significant and strategic government investment, the growth potential within the Canadian craft sector is high. The sector’s success hinges on government support through awards, grants, and loans. By fostering collaboration among craftspeople, encouraging mentorship programs, promoting craft education, advocating for the protection of Indigenous crafts, and supporting Provincial and Territorial Craft Councils, the government can help build a more robust craft ecosystem that benefits everyone involved.

Conclusion

The Canadian craft sector is a significant contributor to GDP and job creation while showcasing the nation’s cultural diversity and artistic innovation. However, it faces underrecognition and requires cohesive support to thrive fully. Stakeholders must work together to advocate for and promote the craft sector both domestically and internationally, ensuring its growth and the preservation of its invaluable practices for future generations.

Like what you read? Discover more by reading the full “Study of the Crafts Sector in Canada” below.