Center For Craft Creativity And Design Asheville
The Center for Craft Creativity and Design is a non-profit organization located in Asheville, North Carolina. The center was established in 1996 and is dedicated to advancing the field of craft through education, research, and public programming.
History
The Center for Craft Creativity and Design was originally founded as the Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) in 1985. The organization was established to provide emergency relief to professional craftspeople who experienced a career-threatening emergency. In 1996, CERF expanded its mission to include education, research, and public programming, and changed its name to the Center for Craft Creativity and Design.
Mission
The mission of the Center for Craft Creativity and Design is to advance the field of craft through education, research, and public programming. The center aims to support the next generation of makers, to celebrate the diversity of craft, and to promote the value of the handmade. The center also seeks to engage the broader community in a dialogue about the role of craft in contemporary culture.
Programs
The Center for Craft Creativity and Design offers a range of programs to support artists, scholars, and educators in the field of craft. These programs include:
- Research Grants: The center offers research grants to support scholars and artists in conducting research related to craft.
- Artist Fellowships: The center offers artist fellowships to support emerging and mid-career artists working in the field of craft.
- Curatorial Fellowships: The center offers curatorial fellowships to support emerging curators interested in the field of craft.
- Exhibitions: The center produces exhibitions that showcase the work of contemporary craft artists and explore the role of craft in contemporary culture.
- Workshops: The center offers workshops that provide hands-on instruction in a variety of craft techniques.
Facilities
The Center for Craft Creativity and Design is located in a 1912 brick building in the historic district of downtown Asheville. The building has been renovated to include exhibition galleries, classrooms, a library, and administrative offices. The center also has a 10,000 square foot warehouse that houses its research collection and provides space for workshops and events.
Conclusion
The Center for Craft Creativity and Design is a vital part of the craft community in Asheville and beyond. Its programs and facilities support the next generation of makers and promote the value of the handmade. The center's commitment to research, education, and public programming ensures that craft will continue to play an important role in contemporary culture.