ABOUT
The Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador is a member-based organization that works to maximize the artistic and economic potential of the craft community of the province.
The Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador is a voluntary, charitable organization and a member of the Canadian Crafts Federation. A professional staff supports the Board of Directors and numerous standing committees in the management of the Council's operations.
High Standard of Excellence in Craft
Formed in 1972 as the Newfoundland & Labrador Craft Development Association, the Craft Council still, and always, takes its role as a development association as the crucial focus of its operations. The Council supports and promotes a high standard of excellence in craft production and service to members and the general public. Programs and services are varied, and include work in the area of marketing, exhibition, product development, training and communications.
Partners in Craft
With partners the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the provincial Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, the Council co-manages the Craft Industry Development Program to provide financial assistance for research, marketing and product and skill development projects. The Council also works closely with the College of the North Atlantic and the Anna Templeton Centre for Craft, Art and Design to further professional training opportunities for craftspeople in the province.
Labrador Craft Marketing Agency (LCMA)
In 1997, a particularly significant initiative was added to the Council's roster of programs, with the creation of the Labrador Craft Marketing Agency (LCMA).
Through its office in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and the efforts of its full-time coordinator, the LCMA allows the Craft Council to provide special support to craftspeople in Labrador.
Assisting Members
In addition to these activities, the Council answers members' requests for assistance, advice, and information in a variety of craft-related areas, and works with other cultural industry organizations, with private and public agencies and with all levels of government to respond to and keep pace with the evolving craft industry.
Province-wide, the Council's members number close to 300, including craft makers, educators, agents and resource people. Through its bi-monthly newsletter the Craft Council regularly reaches a spectrum of craftspeople that ranges from producers of functional craft to makers of craft-based art.
Devon House Craft Centre
In 1991, the Craft Council acquired a home and a landmark -- an historic stone and brick building overlooking the harbour in downtown St. John's. It serves as both the Council's headquarters and as the focal point of the craft industry of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Today, the "Devon House Craft Centre" contains the only craft gallery in the province, an ever-expanding gift shop, a teaching clay studio, incubation studio spaces, a library and resource centre, and offices for administration and special project management.
Programming
The Craft Council provides stable and innovative programming that builds upon a wealth of experience and anticipates new opportunities and changing directions. The strength of the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador lies in the dedication of its volunteers and members, its wise use of resources and the energy and clarity of vision that the Council brings to all endeavours.
Video
This video was produced by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development with assistance from the Craft Council. It profiles some of our province's best craft.
