ASHEVILLE, NC (August 10, 2020) – The Center for Craft is delighted to announce that the Building a Future for Craft campaign has successfully reached its goal with over $11 million raised. Originally launched in 2017, this comprehensive campaign aimed to fortify the Center’s core public programming, revitalize its historic 1912 building, and endow the Windgate-Lamar Fellowship program in perpetuity.

The success of this campaign was made possible with leadership support provided by the Windgate Foundation, Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, Bresler Family Foundation, University of North Carolina Asheville, and Warren Wilson College, as well as the generous support provided by many foundations, businesses, and donors. The Building a Future for Craft campaign has transformed the Center into a national catalyst for discovery and learning about craft for all ages, backgrounds, and interest levels.

Executive Director Stephanie Moore conveys the impact this campaign has made on the national nonprofit organization, “Our ambitious plans were just what the organization needed in a time where things are rapidly changing and shifting in the field of craft. With the support of our partners and donors  we are now able to better serve as a resource and better equipped to tackle future challenges head-on.”

Following an 8-month building renovation, the Center reopened its doors to the public in November 2019 with two galleries, optimal event & meeting spaces, additional classroom & conference spaces, a Study Collection of the Craft Research Fund's publications, and a world-class coworking space (“Cowork”) for the creative sector. 

After temporarily closing its doors in March as a result of the pandemic, the Center moved programming online and redirected grant support to emerging craft leaders and educators to provide the resources they need, and their communities need, to thrive. This resulted in a new grant program, online exhibitions, and virtual programs for all to explore at centerforcraft.org. 

As a 501c3 national nonprofit, the Center for Craft relies on donor support to continue its mission to advance the understanding of craft by encouraging and supporting research, critical dialogue, and professional development in the United States. The Center recently opened with reduced hours and increased safety measures. To pre-register for a tour visit centerforcraft.org/visit. For more information on naming opportunities at the Center for Craft, contact Erin Cameron, Development Director at ecameron@centerforcraft.org.

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ABOUT CENTER FOR CRAFT Founded in 1996, the Center for Craft is the leading organization in the United States identifying and convening craft makers, curators, and researchers, and matching them with resources, tools, and networks to advance their careers. Over the years, the Center has become a vital community resource, serving thousands of visitors annually. As a national 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the field of craft, the Center administers more than $300,000 in grants to those working in the craft field. For more information on all grants administered by Center for Craft, click here.

The Center is offering free, unguided visits and affordable tours of its exhibitions to the public. Guests can reserve a 30-minute visit to explore the current exhibitions, learn more about the Center’s national impact in the Craft Research Fund Study Collection, and enjoy interactive activities. The Center is monitoring the effects of COVID-19 on the community and following the instruction of federal, state, and local health departments. Their top priority is always the health and safety of our staff, coworkers, and visitors. www.centerforcraft.org