Feb. 12, 2013. Over the last 20 years, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy seasonal food directly from local farms. With that buy-local spirit in mind, Community Supported Art is a similar endeavor to support regional craft artists and collectors.
HandMade in America is seeking craft artists to launch its inaugural Community Support Art (CSA) program. This local CSA program is modeled after the Community Supported Art project created by Springboard for the Arts and mnartists.org in Minnesota, where it continues successfully season after season.
For CSA artists, the benefits extend far beyond a marketing opportunity. Artists will receive intellectual and financial support for the creation of new work in addition to receiving learning opportunities for scaling up production levels. This will be a great opportunity for artists to establish relationships with local collectors, patrons, and the community at large, completing the ‘conversation’ between ‘maker’ and ‘audience’.
Participants will gain increased relevance and distinction in the regional craft community by participating in the launch of the exciting new CSA model of art support and distribution. CSA Shareholders benefit by receiving multiple works from regional craft artists at a fantastic value while being able to discover new artists in a variety of disciplines.
The CSA program provides the opportunity for shareholders to develop relationships with local craft artists and the craft community at large by supporting artists’ careers. By purchasing regionally sourced handmade items, shareholders contribute to a sustainable economic model for WNC, where the money spent will be reinvested locally. They also contribute to the reduction of fossil fuel erosion and CO2 emission by eliminating overseas shipping.
The best part? Shareholders will receive six works of craft art made with love in the community by artisans who have a passion for their work! If you’re a craft artist and want to join us in launching this program, please visit handmadeinamerica.org to view the call, details, application checklist, application form, and tips/tricks for giving your submission the best possible chance! Questions? Just e-mail Ryan-Ashley Anderson at randerson@handmadeinamerica.org
About HandMade in America
HandMade in America grows economies through craft, transforming both individuals and communities through education, entrepreneurship and economic development. HandMade in America has an 18-year tradition for pioneering innovative ways to empower the people and towns of Western North Carolina through programs that educate and facilitate the needs of creative entrepreneurs and communities. Additional information is available online at www.handmadeinamerica.org or by calling 828-252-0121 x. 307.
You must be logged in to post a comment.