Craft Studies:
Canadian Culture Satellite Account 2010: released in 2014
This paper articulates the Canadian Culture Satellite Account (CSA) developed by Statistics Canada. The Canadian CSA provides measures of the economic importance of culture (inclusive of the arts and heritage) and sport in Canada in terms of output, gross domestic product and employment, for reference year 2010. The biggest take-away from the report is: that culture represents $47.8 billion worth of GDP, and of that total, $2.8 billion is attributed to the Craft sector.
Download the study here.
Traditional Craft Trades as Employers and Training Mechanisms for Canadian Youth: 2013
The Vancouver Island University has released a study on what they are calling ‘Traditional Craft Trades’ and the role they play in protecting Canada’s heritage. An interesting take on craft, which includes artistic practices as well as the more agriculturally tied craft activities, the study concludes with more questions we should all consider. (Unfortunately, this study is only available in English).
Download the study here.
Profile and Development Strategy for Craft in Canada: 2003
A Study Coordinated by Conseil des métiers d’art du Québec (CMAQ) for The Canadian Craft Federation/Fédération canadienne des métiers d’art (CCF/FCMA) and prepared by Bert Pereboom, Peartree Solutions Inc., October, 2003.
This study provides a qualitative and quantitative profile of the craft sector in Canada. It is the first study to utilize a consistent methodology to measure craft activity across Canada. The study was also the first attempt to develop a cohesive domestic and international development strategy for the craft community in Canada. It reveals that the sector is largely populated with skilled craftpersons working in home-based and other small studios producing one of a kind work or production work. Craft activities are estimated to support some 22,600 individuals, generating total output valued at $727 million, and exports approaching $100 million dollars annually, representing 16 percent of craft revenue of the survey respondents.
Download:
English Study
English Appendices
en français: Portrait et stratégie de développement des métiers d’art au Canada
en français: les appendices du rapport
Canadian Fine Craft Niche Market Study by A.L. Arbic Consulting.
Initiated by the Trade and Investment Development Directorate of the Department of Canadian Heritage, in cooperation with the Trade Team Canada Cultural Goods and Services Working Group (TTC-CGS) for Crafts, this study focuses on the niche connections in crafts. It identifies the trends, habits, experiences and conditions of Canadian fine craft exporters, as well as the niche market opportunities with particular potential for Canadian fine craftspeople.
Download:
English Full Report
l’étude complet: version franéaise
Report on the “Market Intelligence for the Buyers Market of American Craft”
Prepared by Heather O’Hagan, former Executive Director Crafts Association of BC, for the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Funding provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage, The Canadian Consulate in New York and International Trade Canada.
This report offers detailed information and observations about the Buyers Market from a Canadian participant’s perspective.
Download:
English Report
Version française
Craft International Trade Action Plan
Developed by Tom McFall, Executive Director of the Alberta Craft Council and Chair of the Trade Team Canada – Cultural Goods and Services Working Group for the Craft sector; Anne Manuel, Executive Director of the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador; Louise Chapados, Director of Development for Services and Exports of the Conseil des métiers d’art du Québec; Rosalyn Morrison, former Executive Director of the Ontario Crafts Council; and Susan Greene, former Senior Trade Officer responsible for Craft with the Trade Routes program of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Based in large part upon the research and findings presented in the document “Profile and Development Strategy for Craft in Canada,” (see above), the scope of the action plan is limited to recommendations for action on the part of the Government of Canada.
Download:
English Report
Version française
Marketing Guide for Contemporary Fine Craft in the United States
Commissioned by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2002. Managed by the Crafts Association of British Columbia, co-authored by Dana Boyle, Business Development Officer with the Canadian Consulate General In Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Lou Lynn, artist and faculty member at the Kootenay School of the Arts in Nelson, British Columbia.
The guide is a source of information for craftspersons interested in entering US markets or expanding their US exposure. Topics include: Getting Ready to Go, Working with Galleries, Preparing to Export and Border Issues. Also included are: tips for preparing portfolios; advice about approaching US galleries; descriptions of wholesale and retail shows; and more.
Find recommendations for converting your prices for selling in the US market, classifying your work for US customs, finding customs brokers, shipping, working with embassies and consulates, and much more.
Download:
English Report
Study of the Crafts Sector in Canada: Inventory and Summary of Current Literature; Defining the Crafts Sector; Working Together to Develop the Crafts Sector
Coordinated by Conseil des métiers d’art du Québec (CMAQ) for the CCF/FCMA. Prepared for Industry Canada and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) by Bert Pereboom, Peartree Solutions Inc., May 2001
Download:
English Report
CODA Craft Survey:
Prepared by Dana Boyle, Business Development Officer – Consumer Products & Cultural Industries Canadian Consulate General, 2001.
In April 2001, the Craft Organization Development Association released the results of their landmark study, providing a much-needed tool for craftspeople, craft organizations, and businesses. The study outlines the general size and scope of the American craft market.
For summary information from the study, visit: www.codacraft.org
Emergency Preparedness:
CERF+ (the Craft Emergency Relief Fund and Artist Emergency Resources) is the resource for craftspeople looking for information on emergency preparedness and and how to deal with a disaster. Information is available on their website about safeguarding, disaster planning, cleanup, salvage and e-salvage, and is freely accessible online to Canadians.
Visit the Studio Protector website to find out how to prepare before a disaster occurs.
Craft Resources:
CARFAC (Canadian Artists’ Representation/Front des Artistes Canadiens) is a national nonprofit group dedicated to defending Canadian artists’ economic and legal rights. They also direct research and promote Candian art. Fee schedules, copyright information, and other invaluable information can be found on their website or through a provincial representative.
The Cultural Human Resources Council has multiple studies on employment and careers in the Canadian culture sector:
The Labour Market Information Report for Canada’s Culture Sector proves “…the breadth and strength of the sector with a labour force of 539,000 employers and workers across the country, and an economic impact of $39 billion or 3.1% of GDP”.
The HR Trends and Issues Report “highlights include industry fast facts; environmental overviews of HR issues, with employer and worker perspectives; and promising policies, programs and practices”.
The Cultural Human Resource Council also provides extensive information in both official languages about opportunities for cultural employment, including Craft. Here you can learn about what it takes to work in any given cultural field, browse Internship programs and Job opportunities, review research studies, and more. Of particular interest is the Art of Managing Your Career, a resource guide for cultural careers in all fields, with detailed information about the craft sector as a whole in both English and French.