ASHEVILLE, NC (October 17, 2024)—The Center for Craft is reactivating the Craft Futures Fund emergency relief grant program to direct essential resources to the artists and community of Western North Carolina (WNC) in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The Craft Futures Fund's relaunch is made possible by initial crowdsourced funding and major gifts amounting to $876,000 and will begin disbursing funds immediately.

The Center for Craft is located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, one of the communities most affected and a critical epicenter for craft in the United States. This region is a tight-knit, resilient community of craft artists, makers, creative manufacturers, and cultural bearers. According to a recent Americans for the Arts study, Buncombe County, NC, was home to 483 arts and culture establishments in 2022. Asheville's River Arts District, which has gained national recognition as a vibrant hub with 26 warehouses and 300 artists, was devastated by an estimated 80% loss. Significant damage has also affected key establishments like Highwater Clays, Southern Highland Craft Guild, New Morning Gallery, and Mudtools, among others.

The goal of the fund is to retain the artistic talent of the region, which has nurtured creativity for many generations. Smaller, artistically vibrant communities in the area, including Spruce Pine, Burnsville, Marshall, and Chimney Rock, have also been hit hard. This relief effort will extend across 29 counties, providing support to sustain artists who are an essential part of the culture and economy of Western North Carolina.

Funding will be distributed in two phases: WNC Emergency Relief and WNC Recovery. WNC Emergency Relief will take form of one-time $500 emergency relief funding. The deadline is rolling, and funds will be distributed weekly based in funding availability. To increase accessibility for these funds, the Center is offering three ways to apply: online using Formstack, over the phone, and in person.

Expanding Relief Through Donations

The Center for Craft seeks additional donations to expand the fund's reach and impact. Your contributions of any size will enable the awarding of more grants to support craft artists in dire need of assistance, making you an integral part of this relief effort.

"The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has left many of the region's craft artists in crisis," said Stephanie Moore, Executive Director of the Center for Craft. "By launching the Craft Futures Fund, we aim to provide immediate, tangible support to help these artists recover and rebuild their practices during this extremely challenging time."

For more information about applying for a grant from the Craft Futures Fund or to donate, please visit our website at www.centerforcraft.org. We encourage you to learn more about our mission and how your support can make a difference.

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ABOUT CENTER FOR CRAFT Founded in 1996, the Center for Craft's mission is to resource, catalyze, and amplify how and why craft matters. A 501(c)3 national nonprofit, the Center increases access to craft by empowering and resourcing artists, organizations, and communities through grants, fellowships, and programs that bring people together. The Center is widely acknowledged as one of the most influential organizations working on behalf of craft in the United States. For more information, visit www.centerforcraft.org.