September 2017

Meet the 2017 TEDWomen Global Showcase participants:

The Alliance for Artisan Enterprise is thrilled to host the second-ever Global Showcase at the 2017 TEDWomen Conference, November 1-3 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year, the Alliance is highlighting artisan enterprises that provide vulnerable refugee populations with sustainable livelihoods. Join us as we celebrate the skills and stories of refugee artisans in an immersive learning experience, re-examining entrepreneurship on a global scale. Follow the Global Showcase at www.allianceforartisanenterprise.org/tedwomen, and learn more about this year's participants:

• Afrika Tiss | Providing income to more than 140 Tuareg artisans living as refugees in Burkina Faso
• Artisan Links | Employing over 100 Afghan refugees living in Pakistan in embroidery and handicraft production
• ARZU Studio Hope | Helping Afghan women rebuild their lives by providing steady income and access to education, healthcare, and sustainable community development
• GAIA Empowered Women | Empowering refugee women in Dallas, Texas through employment, encouragement, and dedication to their long-term success in local communities
• Heshima Kenya | Protecting unaccompanied women and girls from Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Burundi, and beyond
• INAASH | Providing employment for Palestinian refugee women in Lebanon through the preservation and promotion of traditional embroidery
• Indego Africa | Training, employment, and basic business education for 50 Burundian artisans at the Mahama Refugee Camp in Rwanda
• Jordan River Foundation | Established by Her Majesty Queen Rania to provide employment opportunities and enhanced livelihoods for Jordanian women and Syrian refugees
• Rania Kinge | Creating a safe place for displaced Syrian women to craft artisan jewelry and ensuring ancient cities are not abandoned
• Womencraft | Employing more than 300 rural East African women in the tri-border area of Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania

Submit a piece for the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise blog:

Has your organization's work been featured in any online news outlets or on one of your partner's blogs? Have you written any pieces about your recent impact or upcoming product lines? Submit your work to gina.rogari@aspeninst.org to be featured on the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise blog and social media pages, reaching 2,000+ viewers each month!

*Blog submissions do not need to be original pieces written for the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise, but can be re-posted from other outlets. 

Lessons Learned from Artisan Connect, an Online Marketplace for Global Artisans

This month, Amanda North of Artisan Connect shared learnings from running the online marketplace Artisan Connect on the Alliance Digital Learning Series. Her case study explores the issues of market access for artisans the company was formed to address, its business model and organizational structure, as well as the challenges it faced, which ultimately led to its merger at the end of 2016. Read her full case study on LinkedIn here, and watch the Digital Learning Series session online today!

Member updates:

• On Saturday, October 7, ClothRoads is sponsoring a day-long film festival featuring Sustainable Textile Practices and Indigenous Textile Cultures in Loveland, Colorado; learn more and buy tickets
• The "Buy Good Feel Good" Expo is offering a special discount to all international exhibitors for the upcoming May 2018 show. Find more information here, and contact Rafik Riad with any questions! 
• Help Ock Pop Tok send a weaver to Peru for November's TINKUY Gathering of Weavers; support their Indiegogo campaign today!
• Find Heshima Kenya, Mela Artisans, and Sasa Designs featured in the summer edition of the Aspen Institute's IDEAS Magazine - read their stories on the Aspen IDEAS blog
• Join the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, Andean Textile Arts, and weaving organizations from around the world at the 2017 TINKUY conference; register online today
• Throughout Latin America, more artisan businesses are turning to natural dyes. Read more in The New York Times
• Learn more about Indego Africa's work with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency to empower Burundian refugees in Rwanda's Mahama Refugee Camp through vocational and educational training, now featured on ONE Campaign
• Water hyacinth threatens natural ecosystems and people's livelihoods in more than 50 countries. Learn how MitiMeth Handcrafted Home Decor and Personal Accessories is tackling this issue in Nigeria through artisan enterprise - now on the Alliance blog
• As founder of Proud Mary, Harper Poe works with artisan makers around the world to bring their goods to global markets. Learn more about Harper's inspiration and vision for Proud Mary in a new interview with Ann Taylor

Did we miss something? Email gina.rogari@aspeninst.org with updates from your organization to be featured in next month's letter.

Get connected!

The heart of the Alliance community is our network of artisan businesses, social enterprises, non-profits, and more - over 140 active members! Visit our updated member directories and get in touch with Alliance members working across the globe. Find a full list of members here. 

Check out the full Member Portal (password: alliance2012) to access member directories, host an Artisan Innovation Workshop session, apply for the Artisan Loan Program, explore upcoming events, read past newsletters and more!

Header photo from Heshima Kenya

August 2017

Applications for the 2018 International Folk Art Market | Santa Fe due October 1!

The International Folk Art Market | Santa Fe is the world's largest annual folk art festival, celebrating 160+ artists and makers from across the globe. The 15th annual market will take place July 13-15, 2018 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Are you interested in participating in this year's market? Complete the full application (due October 1!) on the International Folk Art Alliance website. Find frequently asked questions and additional guidance for first-time applicants in the Application Guide. Email Gina Rogari with any questions throughout the application process! 

Welcome to the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise!

This month, 8 new members have joined the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise community. Learn more about our newest members below, and connect using the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise Member Directories, located in our Member Portal (password: alliance2012):

• Ansari Cachemire & Pashmina | Ansari Cachemire celebrates Artisans, Weavers and Embroiderers of the Kashmir Valley - specialists of the ultra-fine fiber of Pashmina.
• Buy Good Feel Good Expo | “Buy Good. Feel Good” connects people with social enterprises, building an economy that is healthy, equitable, and fair for all.  
• Terra Klay | Handmade by skilled artisans of local villages, Terra Klay offers a timeless treasure to be enjoyed with every sip for the perfect afternoon with friends and family.
• Wrapt | We use the science of gifting to find the best gifts for her, while doing a little good in the world.
• Gracia, Inc. | Helping disadvantaged Guatemalan girls and women achieve economic independence and create lives of confidence and success.
• Arcadia Home | A remarkable source for artisan-crafted, eco-friendly, thoughtfully produced home and holiday décor. 
• Raven + Lily | An ethical fashion and lifestyle brand dedicated to empowering women through design. 
• Tribe West | A California brand with a mission to make fashion-forward, socially conscious products for the entire family. 

Member updates:

• The "Buy Good Feel Good" Expo is offering a special discount to all international exhibitors for the upcoming May 2018 show. Find more information here, and contact Rafik Riad with any questions! 
• Find Heshima Kenya, Mela Artisans, and Sasa Designs featured in the summer edition of the Aspen Institute's IDEAS Magazine - read their stories on the Aspen IDEAS blog
• Join the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, Andean Textile Arts, and weaving organizations from around the world at the 2017 TINKUY conference; register online today
• Spotted! Angelina Jolie wearing Heshima Kenya, and visiting the organization's Nairobi headquarters. See more and shop the "Angie" scarf online
• What does "fair trade" actually mean? Learn more on the GlobeIn blog 
• The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) engages women entrepreneurs to foster inclusive economic growth and strengthen US-Africa ties - learn how from the U.S. Department of State's Office of Global Women's Issues
• Kiva, the world's first crowd-lending website, hit $1B in crowdfunded loans this month; explore their journey and next steps on Devex
• Find Alliance member Raven + Lily featured in Billboard Magazine as "The Ethical Fashion Brand Celebs Stand Behind"
• Register today for Help Hand Partners' 3rd annual fundraiser in Chicago, IL; sign up here
• Learn more about TO THE MARKET founder & CEO Jane Mosbacher Morris in an interview with uBack for Good
• Help Ock Pop Tok send a weaver to Peru for November's TINKUY Gathering of Weavers; support their Indiegogo campaign today!

Did we miss something? Email gina.rogari@aspeninst.org with updates from your organization to be featured in next month's letter.

Get connected!

The heart of the Alliance community is our network of artisan businesses, social enterprises, non-profits, and more - over 140 active members! Visit our updated member directories and get in touch with Alliance members working across the globe. Find a full list of members here. 

Check out the full Member Portal (password: alliance2012) to access member directories, host an Artisan Innovation Workshop session, apply for the Artisan Loan Program, explore upcoming events, read past newsletters and more!

Header photo from U.S. Department of State's Office of Global Women's Issues

July 2017

Find members of the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise at NYNOW this August:

Will your business participate in the 2017 Summer NYNOW trade show? Let us know! Find members of the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise featured in the Handmade Global Design, Artisan Resourse, and Personal Accessories sections August 19-23, 2017 - be sure to stop by and say hello! 

This summer's participants include:

• Global Girlfriend, booth 212
• Global Goods Partners, booth 204
• Indego Africa, booth 121
• Living Threads Co., booth 628
• Mata Traders, booth 304
• Mercado Global, booth 8215
• Sidai Designs, booth 3663
• Soko, booth 207
• Textiil, booth 644

Artisan Business Coaching: Record Keeping

This July, the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise team hosted the first-ever pilot session of Basic Record Keeping, a business training tailored for artisan entrepreneurs, at the International Folk Art Market | Santa Fe. The training is part of the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise's Artisan Business Coaching program, a series of workshops to support and grow artisan businesses in the global marketplace. 

Learn more about the pilot session on the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise blog! Are you interested in becoming a trainer or learning more about Basic Record Keeping? Please contact Gina Rogari at gina.rogari@aspeninst.org. Additional trainings will be announced soon!

Member updates:

• Tickets are now available for the Summer 2017 NYNOW trade show, August 19-23 in New York City!
• Find Heshima Kenya, Mela Artisans, and Sasa Designs featured in the summer edition of the Aspen Institute's IDEAS Magazine - read their stories on the Aspen IDEAS blog
• This fall, Thrums Books will publish three new books by Alliance members and partners: Embroidering Within Boundaries by Rangina Hamidi and Mary Littrell, Secrets of Spinning, Weaving, and Knitting in the Peruvian Highlands by Nilda Callanaupa Alvarez, and Silk Weavers of Hill Tribe Laos by Joshua Hirschstein and Maren Beck. Congratulations!
• Join the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, Andean Textile Arts, and weaving organizations from around the world at the 2017 TINKUY conference; register online today
• Annie Waterman talks business, design, and development with Proud Mary's Harper Poe on the AOW Handmade blog
• Textiil will debut their TablePop! Japanese block batik napkin collection and other products at booth #644 in the River Pavilion at the NYNOW summer gift show
• Just released! Indego Africa's new collection of hand-embroidered children's clothing; learn more about the Izi Collection on their blog 
• Learn more about the launch of Meridian NY, a new online artisan marketplace, in the Observer
• The annual Caravana Americana trade show takes place October 6-8 in Mexico City; meet the designers and register to attend the show online
• Find behind the scenes images from AOW Handmade's recent visit to Swaziland, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Namibia and discover South Africa's most impressive artisan talent
• ARTHA Collections has been awarded the Butterfly Mark from Positive Luxury - congratulations! Find an interview with the ARTHA founders on Positive Luxury

Did we miss something? Email gina.rogari@aspeninst.org with updates from your organization to be featured in next month's letter.

Get connected!

The heart of the Alliance community is our network of artisan businesses, social enterprises, non-profits, and more - over 140 active members! Visit our updated member directories and get in touch with Alliance members working across the globe. Find a full list of members here. 

Check out the full Member Portal (password: alliance2012) to access member directories, host an Artisan Innovation Workshop session, apply for the Artisan Loan Program, explore upcoming events, read past newsletters and more!

Header photo by Jordan River Foundation

From Artisan to Enterprise

Aspen IDEAS Magazine: From Artisan to Enterprise

The Alliance for Artisan Enterprise is proud to foster a community of over 130 artisan businesses, support organizations, and others working with artisan producers in over 100 countries around the world. This summer, find three Alliance members featured in Aspen IDEAS Magazine - the biannual magazine of the Aspen Institute. Read their stories and explore the diverse ways these organizations are impacting women across the globe. 

Header image from Heshima Kenya

June 2017

See you in Santa Fe for the International Folk Art Market!

Will your business participate in the 2017 International Folk Art Market? Let us know! Hosted by the International Folk Art Alliance, the International Folk Art Market is one of the largest and most impactful trade shows in the world. Over 160 artisan businesses and 20,000 attendees gather on Museum Hill for the three-day event. 

At the Market, the Alliance is excited to join key partners to lead two business training workshops exclusively for Folk Art Market artists. Please contact Gina Rogari if you are interested in learning more about our sessions and for sign-up information. 

Introducing the Aspen Global Innovators Group

The Alliance for Artisan Enterprise is a proud initiative of the Aspen Global Innovators Group at the Aspen Institute, formerly Aspen Global Health and Development. The Alliance is one of three key programs at the Aspen Institute tackling overlooked challenges in global health of development that falls under the Aspen Global Innovators Group umbrella. These initiatives are linked by one common aspiration: We want to widen the access to health and prosperity for people living at the world’s margins. Read more about our new brand, new logo, and our portfolio of programs on the Aspen Institute blog!

Member updates:

• Tickets are now available for the 2017 International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico - the 14th annual market. See you there!
• Join the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, Andean Textile Arts, and weaving organizations from around the world at the 2017 TINKUY conference; register online today
• Find Caitlin Ahern of Thread Caravan in Clementine Daily, discussing the intersection of artisan business, tourism, education, and cross-cultural connection
• Camper has collaborated with the Ethical Fashion Initiative to craft hand-dyed shoes in Ethiopia - learn more about the project on Fashion Revolution
• Artisan & Fox co-founder Laura urges consumers to "pull the brake on fast fashion" in the Huffington Post
• Why should consumers support the artisan industry? Hear from Kicking Asana, featuring GlobeIn
• Indego Africa baskets and pillows are now available at The Dreslyn - shop today!
• Learn more about Sierra Leone-based artisan business Pangea from VSL Spotlight
• After growing a global fashion brand, Donna Karan founded Haiti-based Urban Zen; learn more about her latest efforts on Business of Fashion
• Kate Spade employs more than 150 artisans in Masoro, Rwanda in the brand's On Purpose initiative; download and read a study of the brand's initial impact from Georgetown's Women's Leadership Institute

Did we miss something? Email gina.rogari@aspeninst.org with updates from your organization to be featured in next month's letter.

Get connected!

The heart of the Alliance community is our network of artisan businesses, social enterprises, non-profits, and more - over 140 active members! Visit our updated member directories and get in touch with Alliance members working across the globe. Find a full list of members here. 

Check out the full Member Portal (password: alliance2012) to access member directories, host an Artisan Innovation Workshop session, apply for the Artisan Loan Program, explore upcoming events, read past newsletters and more!

Header photo by Gahaya Links

Announcing the 2017 TEDWomen Global Showcase

Announcing the 2017 TEDWomen Global Showcase: Building Livelihoods for Refugee Women

The Alliance for Artisan Enterprise is thrilled to announce the second-ever Global Showcase at the 2017 TEDWomen Conference, November 1-3 in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 2016, the Alliance featured 12 extraordinary artisan businesses in the inaugural Showcase. Together, these women employ over 6,300 artisans, support tens of thousands of family members, and have rediscovered hundreds of ancient techniques across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. 

This year, the Alliance is reinventing the Global Showcase, highlighting artisan enterprises that provide vulnerable refugee populations with sustainable livelihoods. Join us as we celebrate the skills and stories of refugee artisans in an immersive learning experience, re-examining entrepreneurship on a global scale. 

We are excited to stay in touch with updates throughout the Showcase planning process. See you in New Orleans!

Support the Showcase:

The generous contributions of our partners and supporters make the Global Showcase possible. Please contact Gina Rogari (gina.rogari@aspeninst.org)if you are interested in learning more about our Artisan Scholarship program for this year's Showcase. We sincerely appreciate your support in our mission to promote the full potential of artisan enterprise around the world. 

How else can you get involved in the Alliance community?

• Become a member of the Alliance network; now only $100!
• Join the Global Campaign for Artisan Enterprise - use #ChooseArtisan on social media in your efforts to spread awareness about the value of the global artisan sector

Header image of Africa Tiss, in partnership with UNHCR

May 2017

Announcing the 2017 TEDWomen Global Showcase: Designing Livelihoods for Refugee Women

The Alliance for Artisan Enterprise is thrilled to announce the second-ever Global Showcase at the 2017 TEDWomen Conference, November 1-3, in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 2016, the Alliance featured 12 extraordinary artisan businesses in the inaugural Showcase. 

This year, the Alliance is reinventing the Global Showcase, highlighting artisan enterprises that provide vulnerable refugee populations with sustainable livelihoods. Every member of the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise that is working with refugees is eligible for this opportunity, and will be considered by the Showcase review team. We are excited to stay in touch with updates throughout the Showcase planning process. See you in New Orleans!

Heritage Initiative Showcased at Town & Country Philanthropy Summit!

On May 9, Alliance director Peggy Clark joined the TreadRight Foundation, Michael Bloomberg, John Legend, and others for the 2017 Town & Country Philanthropy Summit in New York City.

At the summit, Town & Country showcased the artisan businesses working in partnership with the Alliance and TreadRight as members of the Heritage Initiative, including the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, TRIA ETC, Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti, and Ock Pop Tock. Learn more about the Summit and see photos on the TreadRight blog.

In case you missed it: Improving your Design Process with Angel Chang

In this month's Digital Learning Series, womenswear designer Angel Chang led a one-hour webinar focused on design and product development. Angel shared her creative process and discussed steps artisan organizations can take to make their product lines stronger. Miss the session? Watch the recorded webinar in the Alliance member portal today!

Member updates:

• Tickets are now available for the 2017 International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico - the 14th annual market. See you there!
• Turquoise Mountain is looking for a Saudi Arabia-based Operations Director and Crafts Training Director; apply today on the organization's website
• Find Nest featured in Refinery29 UK in celebration of Fashion Revolution
• This October, Thrums Books and ClothRoads will host a Textile Film Festival in Loveland, Colorado. Follow ClothRoads as films are announced!
• Find ABURY featured in InStyle's Independent Handbag awards as the "most socially responsible handbag" - vote today!
• Cultural Survival Bazaar is now accepting applications to participate in the July 2017 Bazaar in Plymouth, MA; learn more and apply today
• AOW Handmade visits artisans businesses and trade shows around the world to collect and connect the best talent; follow Annie's travels on Instagram
• Save the date! This year's Caravana Americana trade show will take place in Mexico City, Mexico October 6-8; apply to participate online
• Looking for textile events this June? Explore top picks from ClothRoads
• Find Indego Africa featured on Man Repeller in celebration of summer's "full blown wicker [basket] obsession"

Did we miss something? Email gina.rogari@aspeninst.org with updates from your organization to be featured in next month's letter.

Get connected!

The heart of the Alliance community is our network of artisan businesses, social enterprises, non-profits, and more - over 140 active members! Visit our updated member directories and get in touch with Alliance members working across the globe. Find a full list of members here. 

Check out the full Member Portal (password: alliance2012) to access member directories, host an Artisan Innovation Workshop session, apply for the Artisan Loan Program, explore upcoming events, read past newsletters and more!

Header photo by Earth Heir

April 2017

Celebrating Fashion Revolution week with Alliance members across the globe:

Every year, Fashion Revolution Week is celebrated in remembrance of the Rana Plaza factory collapse, where over 1,000 people were killed on April 24, 2013 outside Dhaka, Bangladesh. Fashion Revolution Week urges millions of consumers around the world to ask: "Who Made My Clothes?" and demand greater transparency in the fashion supply chain. 

Around the world, members of the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise answered with photos, videos, and messages sharing the stories of their artisan partners: explore posts from TO THE MARKET, Living Threads Co., Artisan and Fox, The Batik Boutique, Mata Traders, Pebble Child, Soko, Pangea, Sprout Enterprise, ABURY, and GlobeIn! Then, read "Fashion Revolution Week: 6 Ways to Shop Mindfully," in Vogue UK, and ask "How much has actually changed 4 years on from the Rana Plaza collapse" with Refinery29.

Did you participate in this year's Fashion Revolution Week? Let us know! Tag @allianceartisan and use #ChooseArtisan as you spread the word about the value of the global artisan sector.

The Alliance in the field: Jordan!

This month, Alliance for Artisan Enterprise director Peggy Clark visited Jordan with the Jordan River Foundation, members of the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise Advisory Board, and more! One of the Jordan River Foundation's keystone projects is the Bani Hamida Rug Weaving Project, an artisan business sustained for over 30 years. The project reaches more than 1,300 women each year, and supporting hundreds of Bedouin families. 

Learn more about the trip and find photos on the Alliance Facebook page!

Member updates:

• On Thursday, April 20, brand strategist Robin Albin discussed the basics of building strong personal and business brands with members of the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise community. Did you miss our previous Digital Learning Series sessions? Watch online today!
• The third edition of the ABURY Design Experience is accepting entries from designers through May 12! Apply today; the winning designer will head to Ethiopia for 2 months to live and work with the artisan community Sabahar.
• TINKUY, a gathering of weavers hosted by the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco and Andean Textile Arts, will take place November 8-11, 2017 in Cusco, Peru. Join Alliance members Kandahar Treasure, Ock Pop Tok, and the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco at this extraordinary event! Contact Gina Rogari for more information. 
• Hear from Fibre Tibet's Monica Garry about sourcing sustainable cashmere on the AOW Handmade blog
• Are your clothes poisoning the planet? How can we make the fashion industry more sustainable? Hear from Angel Chang in her recent TED talk
• “How can we create a business and supply chain model where everyone wins?” Learn from Soko founder Gwendolyn Floyd on the Nordstrom Blog
• Artisan sector expert Lori Fox has 10 years experience in partnership development and implementing structural systems for asuccessful artisan based businesses. Are you interested in connecting with a new designer or hiring a creative director? Contact Lori today. 
• Thrums Books was recently recognized by the Independent Book Publishers' Association for Oaxaca Stories in Cloth by Eric Mindling and Textile Fiestas of Mexico by Sheri Brautigam. Congratulations!
• Meet A., an asylum seeker from Syria, living in Malaysia in "Refugee Artisans: We Are Human," a short film by Earth Heir

Did we miss something? Email gina.rogari@aspeninst.org with updates from your organization to be featured in next month's letter.

Get connected!

Are you interested in expanding your network of trade shows, markets, and other events this year? Explore upcoming events for artisan businesses around the world in the Alliance Member Portal (password: alliance2012). Find relevant contact information, application details, and 2017 deadlines here!

Then, explore the full list of current Alliance for Artisan Enterprise member organizations, and get in touch today! 

March 2017

Welcome to the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise!

This March, the Alliance network gained 7 new members. Join us in welcoming Soko, Hello Crisp, Batik Boutique, Bellezza Global Consulting, Artisan & Fox, The Rich & Strange, and Batiqua to our community of artisan organizations working in more than 100 countries across the globe. Explore the contact and social media directories in the Alliance member portal to get connected! 

Do you know any artisan businesses, social enterprises, or non-profits working in the artisan sector that should join our community? The Alliance is now accepting new member applications; learn more about member benefits and complete an application on our directly on our website!

Digital Learning Series: Brand Building & Storytelling with Robin Albin

On Thursday, April 20, join the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise and brand strategist Robin Albin for this month's Digital Learning Series! The one-hour session will cover the basics of building strong personal and business brands, alongside tips to effectively tell your story. Sign up today! The session will take place April 20, 2017 at 1:00pm ET, and will be recorded and saved in the Alliance member portal (password: alliance2012). Did you miss our previous Digital Learning Series sessions? Watch online today!

Next week: Skoll World Forum

Alliance for Artisan Enterprise director Peggy Clark will be attending next week's Skoll World Forum in Oxford, England, which seeks to accelerate entrepreneurial approaches and solutions to the world’s most pressing problems by uniting social entrepreneurs with essential partners in a collaborative pursuit of learning, leverage, and large-scale social change.

Are you attending this year's forum? Contact Gina Rogari to find a time to connect with the Alliance team, members, or partners that will be in Oxford next week!

Member updates:

• TINKUY, a gathering of weavers hosted by the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco and Andean Textile Arts, will take place November 8-11, 2017 in Cusco, Peru. Join Alliance members Kandahar Treasure, Ock Pop Tok, and the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco at this extraordinary event! Contact Gina Rogari for more information. 
• The annual Peru Gift Show takes place April 5-7 in Lima, Peru! Are you planning to attend? Get in touch with AOW Handmade to connect or seek out other local artisan groups unable to attend the show. 
• Heshima Kenya's 2017 Fashion Challenge will occur April 27 at the Chicago Cultural Center - buy tickets today to attend!
• Find handwoven baskets and accessories from Indego Africa featured on "Conscious Consumption" from Garance Dore!
• Purple Impression empowers women artisans throughout Pakistan. Learn more about the brand's mission and work from Rohan Potdar
• Artisna explores the transition of scarves from history to fashion in a new blog post
• Esther and Marta Asensio founded Mimeyco to preserve ancient Spanish weaving traditions; read more about the sisters on Españolita
• Mercado Global provides threads of hope to women entrepreneurs in Guatemala; read more about the organization in the Huffington Post

Did we miss something? Email gina.rogari@aspeninst.org with updates from your organization to be featured in next month's letter.

Newsworthy!

• Who made your clothes? Read an interview with Fashion Revolution founder and director Orsola de Castro on Ekathimmerini
• Can craft and design coexist in Southeast Asia? asks Garland Magazine
• The New York Times declares textiles the "of the moment" artisanal trend in the United States
• Take a tour of the ongoing Turquoise Mountain: Artists Transforming Afghanistan exhibit at the Smithsonian's Freer/Sackler Galleries and online!

Get connected!

Are you interested in expanding your network of trade shows, markets, and other events this year? Explore upcoming events for artisan businesses around the world in the Alliance Member Portal (password: alliance2012). Find relevant contact information, application details, and 2017 deadlines here!

Then, explore the full list of current Alliance for Artisan Enterprise member organizations, and get in touch today!

Happy International Women's Day!

Today and every day, we recognize the full power and potential of women across the globe.

The Alliance for Artisan Enterprise is proud to support artisan businesses that drive increased incomes and economic opportunities to women around the world. In 2016, members of the Alliance network reached over 81,000 artisans, 89% of whom are women. These extraordinary women increase standards of living for hundreds of thousands of family members in global communities. The Alliance for Artisan Enterprise network recognizes the women driving economic, cultural, and social value through artisan work. Together, we can elevate the importance of this sector and drive more resources and recognition to artisan entrepreneurs everywhere. Thank you for joining us. 

#ChooseArtisan

Header image by Indego Africa

February 2017

Are you ready for a Kiva loan?

Kiva is the world's first online crowd-lending platform, connecting entrepreneurs around the world (like you!) with over one million individual lenders. Leveraging the Internet and a global network of Field Partners (including the Alliance), Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 each to help create opportunity. Hundreds of people fund each loan on the Kiva website. 

Check out this month's Digital Learning Series (now available in the Alliance Member Portal!) session to learn more about the online Kiva lending platform, the Alliance-Kiva Artisan Loan Program process and requirements, and frequently asked questions from potential borrowers. Find more information about the Alliance-Kiva Artisan Loan Program and complete an application here!

Join the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco in Peru for TINKUY 2017!

The Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco is dedicated to the survival of Cusqueñan textile traditions and the support to the indigenous people who create them. November 8-11, 2017, CTTC will host the second TINKUY conference, an international gathering of textile artists and enthusiasts, art historians, anthropologists, and more to celebrate the wealth and diversity of textile traditions across the globe. Join us in Cusco, Peru to attend the conference, or sponsor a weaver to join the festivities. Find registration information here, or email Gina Rogari to discuss sponsorship opportunities.

Member updates:

• Hear from Sasi Kimis, founder of Earth Heir, on Creative Mornings
• ABURY recently teamed up with Sidai Designs; learn more about their classic warrior bracelets on the ABURY blog
• Explore trends and takeaways from this month's NYNOW show from AOW Handmade
• Register now to attend the annual Heshima Kenya Fashion Challenge on April 27!
• Join Serrv, Raven + Lily, and more at this year's Fair Trade Federation's 360 Fair Trade Conference
• Learn how craft workers are becoming businesspeople from BBC News
• 22 days left! Support Luis Mendez Artesano's crowd-funding campaign on Verkami
• Are you reaching out to millennial consumers, the biggest consumer block in the United States? Read tips and tricks from NYNOW Industry Insights
• Take a closer look at the women behind Mata Artisans in a special feature in Hand/Eye Magazine

Did we miss something? Email gina.rogari@aspeninst.org with updates from your organization to be featured in next month's letter.

Get connected!

Are you interested in expanding your network of trade shows, markets, and other events this year? Explore upcoming events for artisan businesses around the world in the Alliance Member Portal (password: alliance2012). Find relevant contact information, application details, and 2017 deadlines here!

Then, explore the full list of current Alliance for Artisan Enterprise member organizations, and get in touch today! 

Header image from Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco

Join the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise on Kiva

Join the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise on Kiva to empower artisan entrepreneurs around the world:

In partnership with Kiva - the world's first online crowd-lending platform - the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise offers loans tailored to artisan businesses. Artisan businesses are often overlooked by traditional lenders; Kiva allows these entrepreneurs to bypass banks and secure capital to buy raw materials, access international markets, invest in equipment and training, and more. In one year, the Alliance has raised over $100,000 in loan funds from individual Kiva lenders and has maintained a 100% repayment rate. Learn more about the program and see all 17 of our Kiva borrowers here!

Spotlight: Askarbek, Kyrgyzstan

Lend to Askarbek today!

Askarbek practices centuries-old hand-weaving techniques, representing centuries-old nomadic art from Central Asia. By weaving each piece by hand, Askarbek believes he can weave a bridge between the cultures of the past and the present. 

Askarbek has been selected to participate for a second year in the competitive International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico, after a very successful first trip in 2016. Askarbek will use a loan of $8,000 to be able to participate in the market, and continue providing stable employment for 10 artisans in Kyrgyzstan. Participating in international markets will expose his handcrafted pieces to people around the world, employ more artisans in his workshop, and increase the production of traditional handwoven goods.

Thank you for your constant support!

We sincerely appreciate your support in our mission to promote the full potential of artisan enterprise around the world. Would you like to become more involved in the Alliance community? 

• Support our innovative financing initiative to drive financial resources to artisan business owners around the world
• Become a member of the Alliance network; now only $100!
• Join the Global Campaign for Artisan Enterprise - use #ChooseArtisan on social media in your efforts to spread awareness about the value of the global artisan sector

January 2017

Our work matters more than ever.

At a time of such momentous change, it is so important for us to continue working to support small scale artisans around the world and to believe we can create positive change. Thank you for your ongoing support of the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise community and your belief in the potential of artisan entrepreneurs everywhere!

The Alliance team encourages each of you to continue building relationships with one another, and take full advantage of Alliance programs this year. Explore our impact in our 2016 Impact Report. Catch up with our program offerings in the Alliance Member Portal (password: alliance2012). Finally, if you missed this year's annual Handmade is Human forum, watch the keynote remarks and panel sessions online now!

Plan your 2017 calendar!

Are you interested in expanding your network of trade shows, markets, and other events this year? Explore upcoming events for artisan businesses around the world in the Alliance Member Portal (password: alliance2012). Find relevant contact information, application details, and 2017 deadlines here! 

Sign up to pilot the Artisan Innovation Workshop:

At Handmade is Human in December 2016, the Alliance introduced the updated Artisan Innovation Workshop to members and friends. Before we can fully release the tool to artisan businesses around the world, the Alliance needs your help to pilot the Workshop and share your feedback. If you are interested in hosting a day-long Artisan Innovation Workshop pilot session with artisans in your home community, please contact Gina Rogari at gina.rogari@aspeninst.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

Preference will be given to organizations that work with artisan producers in Georgia, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Peru, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Rwanda, and Turkey. 

Welcome to the Alliance community!

This month, the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise welcomed 8 new members to our network. Learn more about our community of members, and get in touch today! 

• Artisna | an artisan marketplace connecting global consumers with handmade crafts
• DANDELION | contemporary rugs handmade in Afghanistan
• Living Textiles of Mexico | Sharing Mexican textiles & textile events
• Nü Market | advancing economic opportunity in rural China by expanding women's market access
• Sprout Enterprise | artisans, designers and entrepreneurs creating sustainable livelihoods for rural communities
• Be Snazzy | a marketplace for discovering different, funky, and snazzy accessories made in India & Morocco
• Pangea | home decor & accessories made in Sierra Leone
• ME to WE | socially conscious products to help you do good through your everyday choices

Member updates:

• Thread Caravan is offering Alliance members & friends an exclusive discount on upcoming 2017 trips. Learn more about their upcoming Panama visit, and use the code "artisanalliance" for $150 off your experience! 
• Do you run a brick & mortar store? Increase your sales and impact with these merchandising tips from NYNOW
• Read the story of Mercado Global partner artisan Julia Par Yaxon, new on their blog
• Register now for By Hand Consulting's Artisan & Handmade Seminar Series at NYNOW!
• Women's Partnership Market is hiring a project manager to lead the Artisans' Thrive Training Program in Guatemala - apply today!
• Explore the richness of Polish cutouts with My Poland

Did we miss something? Email gina.rogari@aspeninst.org with updates from your organization to be featured in next month's letter.

December 2016

Thank you for an exceptional year!

2016 has proved the most impactful and exciting year yet for the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise! We are so grateful for your commitment to the Alliance community. Explore our impact and initiatives over the past year in our 2016 Impact Report, and read more about the Handmade is Human forum on the Aspen Blog!

What do you need to know about Alliance membership in 2017?

The members of the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise are the heart of our community. Our network contains 128 unique members and partners working in 108 countries around the world, reaching over 81,000 artisans. We are so glad you share in our mission and vision for the future of the global artisan sector!

What do you need to know about your membership with the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise as we move into the new year?

• If you receive this monthly newsletter, your organization is an active member of the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise!
• If you joined the Alliance prior to 2016 and contributed between $500 and $1,500, your membership will continue through 2018. Don't worry - we will let you know when your membership nears its expiration date!
• If you are a new member of the Alliance community, we will contact you with membership renewal information approximately 3 months before your membership expires. When you receive this message, please read it carefully for instructions on how to remain an active member of the Alliance community!   
• Find information about all resources and programs available exclusively for Alliance members in the Alliance member portal (password: alliance2012)
• Alliance member benefits include:
  • Contact and social media information for all Alliance members
  • Calendar of markets, trade shows, and other events
  • Access to Alliance-Kiva Artisan Loan Program
  • Artisan Innovation Workshop facilitation guide
  • Digital Learning Series webinar sessions
  • Invitation to the annual Alliance for Artisan Enterprise meeting of members and partners
  • Monthly  newsletter containing information about our ongoing programs and member updates

We encourage you to get in touch with the like-minded organizations in our network to discuss learnings, best practices, partnership opportunities, region-specific initiatives, and more! Find member contact information and other important resources in the Alliance member portal using the password alliance2012!

Member updates:

• Coca-Cola and Babson College published a new report on the 5by20 program, including ongoing work with artisan cooperatives around the world
• Download NYNOW's 2016-2017 trend report and discover what's next for the global market
• Learn more and sign up today for one of Thread Caravan's 2017 trips!
• Explore Catrinka's new 2016 holiday collection, now available on their website
• Travel to Atitlan, Guatemala with Maya Traditions to experience Maya culture and support local entrepreneurs
• Explore the new Discovered blog to discover artisan stories, shopping guides, and other handmade inspiration

Did we miss something? Email gina.rogari@aspeninst.org with updates from your organization to be featured in next month's letter.

Newsworthy!

Read about the state of the artisan sector, consumer trends, development issues, and more: 

• "Why the Holiday Season is the Best Time to Start Shopping Ethically" in Verily Magazine
• "Want to Start an Ethical Business? Don't Forget About the Business Part of It" from CNBC

Explore our 2016 Impact Report!

Thank you for an incredible year!

2016 has proved the most impactful and exciting year yet for the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise! We are so grateful for your passion for the artisan sector and dedication to driving more resources and recognition to artisan businesses around the world. 

This year, the Alliance community: 

• Grew from 55 to 128 members working in 108 countries across the globe, reaching over 81,000 artisans
• Released a member survey and updated our membership structure, reducing annual fees and improving member communications and benefits
• Funded our largest loan to-date on Kiva, and began offering artisan business loans up to $20,000 USD with 0% interest
• Transformed the Artisan Value Chain Toolkit into the Artisan Innovation Workshop
• Hosted the Global Showcase at TEDWomen and Handmade is Human

...and more! Read about all our 2016 activities and impact in our 2016 Impact Report. Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or suggestions as we look forward to 2017!

2016 IMPACT REPORT

Stay involved!

The Alliance especially thanks our partners for your critical investment in the global artisan sector. Are you interested in becoming more involved with the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise? Join the Artisan Partners Circle today!

November 2016

This Friday! Handmade is Human at the Aspen Institute

On December 2, the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise will host Handmade is Human at the Aspen Institute in Washington, DC - our annual gathering of members, partners, and friends. Thank you for sharing quotes, images, and videos explaining why you believe "handmade is human!" Follow the Alliance on Facebook, Twitter, and our blog to receive updates from the forum and see your submissions in action.

Supporting Tibetan entrepreneurs on Kiva

This month, the Alliance posted the stories of four extraordinary entrepreneurs preserving ancient techniques and increasing local incomes in Tibetan regions of China. The four loans were funded on Kiva in record time! Follow the Alliance on Kiva to learn more about all of our artisan business borrowers, and support their work to create employment opportunities for local artisans across the globe.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we increase access to credit for artisan businesses across the globe. Are you interested in participating in the Alliance-Kiva Artisan Loan Program? Learn more and complete and application in the Alliance member portal today (password: alliance2012)!

Member updates:

• Did you miss the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise at TEDWomen this October? Read more about the Global Showcase on the TED blog!
• Join Women's Partnership Market on Indiegogo as the organization plans to launch and train two new sustainable artisan cooperatives in Guatemala and Ghana
• Download AOW Handmade's new behind-the-scenes look at Moroccan artisan enterprises today!
• Learn more about traditional Polish ceramics from My Poland, featured on the Alliance blog
• This month, TO THE MARKET celebrated 2 years of bringing survivor-made goods to global markets; read more on their blog
• The holiday season has begun! Celebrate giving well with Kakaw Designsand every Alliance member bringing handcrafted goods to the global market
• Target has made a commitment to responsible sourcing and sustainable design in partnership with Alliance member Goodweave! 
• Mayan Hands, founded in 1989, partners with 200+ weavers throughout Guatemala; learn more about their work with The Little Market on their blog
• Learn about Andrea Bury, the creator of ABURY, in a new interview with Sparkle Mag
• Download the new resource guide "How to Travel Sensitively and Sensibly in Textile Cultures," free on the Clothroads website! 

Did we miss something? Email gina.rogari@aspeninst.org with updates from your organization to be featured in next month's letter.

Get talking!

The Alliance community now contains over 125 unique members and partners. Take advantage of their extraordinary skills, knowledge, and experience and get in touch today!

Find our member directories, artisan loan application, logo, and other important resources in the Alliance member portal using the password alliance2012.

Why Is Handmade Human?

Tell us why you believe handmade is human!

On December 2, 2016, the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise will gather artisan entrepreneurs, business owners, partners, experts, and friends at the Aspen Institute for our annual meeting. This year's meeting, Handmade is Human, will explore the depth of what it means for something to be "handmade." 

Get involved! Why do you believe handmade is human? Submit your photos, videos, quotes, stories, and other digital content to be featured during the meeting! Share your existing work, or simply complete the sentence: "Handmade is Human because..." Send content to info@allianceartisan.org by Wednesday, November 30 to participate!

Then, be sure to follow the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise on Facebook and Twitter for additional updates about the meeting, and for links to watch the panels live all day on December 2.

October 2016

Save the date: Handmade is Human!

On December 2, join the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise in Washington, DC for our annual meeting! This year, our conference will dive into the meaning of handmade, exploring why Handmade is Human. We hope to see you in Washington, DC! Look for an official invitation and additional details early this November. We are thrilled to gather our members and partners for this vibrant event, and continue to grow the Alliance community!

TEDWomen Global Showcase: People, Place, Product

October 26-28, 2016, 12 artisan entrepreneurs joined the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise team in San Francisco for the 2016 TEDWomen Conference! Alliance director and three amazing representatives took the TEDWomen stage, and shared their stories, products, and impacts with over 1,000 TEDWomen attendees in a Global Showcase. The conference was an extraordinary success, shining a bright light on the power of artisan enterprise, exploring the sector's potential, and expanding the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise network. Join us in congratulating this year's TEDWomen participants - meet the makers here! The Alliance especially thanks our Artisan Partners Circle for making the TEDWomen Global Showcase possible. 

Recap: Building Artisan-Retail Partnerships for Success

This month, Mercado Global shared more than ten years of experience building successful partnerships with retailers around the world with the Alliance community. Miss the session? Tune in on the Alliance member portal to view, and stay in touch to learn more about upcoming sessions! 

Watch all previous Digital Learning Series sessions on the Alliancemember portal (password: alliance2012)!

Member updates:

• TreadRight grantee Marta Cucchia of Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti threads past with present in The Star
• GlobeIn explores how it takes a village to change the world, on the organization's blog
• Learn more about Sasibai Kimis, founder of Earth Heir, in a new feature in HandEye Magazine
• Explore some of the ins and outs of the artisan sector in Proud Mary's new interview platform Business of Craft
• Indego Africa introduces the process and history of its new mudcloth poufs, on the organization's blog
• What is the human factor of managing migration? asks Simone Cipriani in Huffington Post
• Learn more about Helping Hand Partners with Make it Better
• Find TO THE MARKET founder Jane Mosbacher Morris featured in Connect Corporate
• Learn more about traditional Greek artisanship by TRIA ETC in AOW Handmade's Artisan Spotlight
• This year, the Alliance's partner Kiva celebrates 10 years of financing entrepreneurs around the world through crowd-lending; read more in GOOD

Did we miss something? Email gina.rogari@aspeninst.org with updates from your organization to be featured in next month's letter.

Get talking!

The Alliance community now contains over 125 unique members and partners. Take advantage of their extraordinary skills, knowledge, and experience and get in touch today!

Find our member directories, artisan loan application, logo, and other important resources in the Alliance member portal using the password alliance2012. 

Save the Date! Alliance Annual Meeting

Save the date: December 2, 2016!

This December, join the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise in Washington, DC for our annual meeting:  

Handmade is Human

The full-day Handmade is Human event will gather Alliance members, partners, and friends to celebrate the power of the and meaning of "handmade." Join us at the Aspen Institute to explore some of the most innovative ideas in the vibrant world of artisan enterprise.

Additional information is coming soon! Please do not hesitate to reach out to Gina at gina.rogari@aspeninst.org with any questions.

Announcing: TEDWomen Global Showcase

Announcing the Global Showcase!

This October 26-27, the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise will host a Global Showcase at the 2016 TEDWomen conference - the premier women's conference in the world. Twelve artisan entrepreneurs will share their stories with over one thousand TEDWomen attendees, and three women will take the TED stage!

This year's TEDWomen theme is "It's About Time." At the Alliance, we believe it's about time to recognize the impact of artisan work on community livelihoods, cultural preservation, and entire economies. Join us in recognizing these extraordinary organizations, who together employ more than 6,300 artisans around the world.

Explore the Alliance website to learn more about the Global Showcase! Then, tell us why #ItsAboutTime we #ChooseArtisan to be featured on Facebookand Twitter. 

Meet the makers:

The twelve artisan organizations participating the Global Showcase represent diverse regions, traditions, and skills. Meet the makers below, and visit our website to better understand the impact of each group!

• Gahaya Links | Dedicated to women's economic empowerment through enterprise design. 
• Heshima Kenya | The first organization in Kenya devoted to protecting unaccompanied and separated refugee women and girls.
• ROOTS of South Sudan | Empowering South Sudanese women and youth through the preservation of traditional arts and crafts. 
• Fibre Tibet | Integrating traditional techniques and generating positive social, environmental, and economic impact in Himalayan communities. 
• Turquoise Mountain | Regenerating historic areas, reviving traditional Afghan arts and architecture, and creating jobs and skills for Afghan men and women.
• Kandahar Treasure | Reviving rare and unique embroidery traditions and empowering women artisans of Kandahar, Afghanistan.
• Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco | Promoting the empowerment of local weavers through the sustainable practice of Peruvian ancestral textiles.
• Manos del Uruguay | Defending and promoting Uruguayan identity, where culture and tradition are mixed.
• Paula Mendoza | Exemplifying the richness of Colombian gold and the power of each emerald's green.
• Mercado Global | Providing income-earning opportunities to indigenous women in Guatemala's highlands. 
• TRIA ETC | Preserving and promoting Greek artisanship, collaborating with talented artisans and artistic minds in Greece.
• Yawanawa Handicrafts Initiative | Leveraging the intrinsic relationship the Yawanawa forest community in the Amazon has with their environment and community wellbeing. 

Thank you for your constant support!

The Global Showcase was made possible by members of the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise Artisan Partners Circle. We are so grateful for your ongoing support and critical investment in the global artisan sector. Are you interested in becoming more involved with the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise? Join the Artisan Partners Circle today!