Craft NB, formerly known as the New Brunswick Crafts Council, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting excellence in crafts, maintaining standards of craftsmanship, connecting makers and buyers, and creating  a knowledgeable and supportive community of craftspeople and craft enthusiasts. We further public education in the value of handmade goods created by local craftspeople who contribute to the cultural and economic sectors of this province. Regular Craft NB activities include sales and festivals, tradeshows, exhibitions and publications, awards, lectures, residency programs, jurying and standards and workshops. Craft NB seeks to be present in communities throughout the province and partners with various cultural and community organisations such as the Craft Alliance, the Canadian Craft Federation, the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, ArtsLink, Arts NB, the NB Craft Foundation Inc and the Province of New Brunswick’s Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture.

Always ready to answer a phone call or respond to an email, Alison, Vena and Ross are the office administration staff and your main point of contact with Craft NB. They are friendly and approachable and work closely together to keep Craft NB running smoothly. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to send them an email or give them a call.

Our friends

PROVINCIAL CRAFT ORGANIZATIONS

NATIONAL AND REGIONAL CRAFT ORGANIZATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS

Craft Alliance

This organization’s structure is a great example of how government and industry partners can work together on a pan-Atlantic basis for the benefit of the craft sector in Atlantic Canada. Yearly programming partnering Craft NB, The New Brunswick Government, and Craft Alliance includes the New Brunswick Artisans Nouveau-Brunswick Booth at the Atlantic Craft and Trade Show; the opportunity for export-ready companies to participate in the New York Now tradeshow and the Toronto One of a Kind show, as well as various educational missions such as visiting SOFA Chicago and SURTEX in New York. This type of activity not only provides training and sector growth, but also infuses the local craft community with inspiration and a global perspective on aesthetics, design and export practices.

Canadian Crafts Federation

The Canadian Crafts Federation (CCF) is a national arts service organization which represents and connects all provincial and territorial crafts councils. Together these organizations work on national initiatives to strengthen the appreciation and presence of Canadian fine craft within the country as well as internationally. Each year Craft NB staff members attend a national conference to discuss the joint Citizens of Craft movement as well as various other national and international projects. Currently Craft NB Communications Manager, Andrea Turcotte sits on the national marketing committee for the CCF, and Executive Director, Alison Murphy works closely with the organization on various initiatives to keep New Brunswick a strong voice in the national and international craft scene.

Craft NB’s relationship with The New Brunswick College of Craft and Design

In recent years, serious effort has been made to reinvigorate and strengthen the relationship between Craft NB and the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design (NBCCD). Craft NB aims to have at least one representative from the College on its Board of Directors each year to encourage the ebb and flow of information and resources and to foster a strong and meaningful relationship between the two organization. Frequent visits and talks with students, a discounted student membership, workshop discounts, and invitations to apply to Craft NB programs are all a part of the offerings to current students. During their final year at NBCCD students are encouraged to apply for juried status with Craft NB and once these students has graduated from the college it is a natural progression for them to become more involved in Craft NB’s programs and turn to the organization for support and guidance.