Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026 is a national Semiquincentennial collaboration showcasing the importance of the handmade and celebrating the diversity of craft that defines America.
Exhibitions
HANDWORK 2026 culminates with a core exhibition opening in late 2026 at the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Participating institutions across the United States will present exhibitions representing the rich diversity of the handmade with related programs throughout the year.
Documentary Film Series
A four-part documentary film series will be produced by the team behind the Peabody Award-winning, PBS national series Craft in America. The series will present an exploration of the handmade in traditional, studio, and contemporary practices.
Digital Series
Three digital content initiatives complement the HANDWORK 2026 series, expanding access to craft education and inspiring viewers nationwide. Handmade America features short-form videos showcasing new artists and archival footage from Craft in America. Craft Class is a how-to series that engages multigenerational audiences in craft-making at home. Craft Across America presents a curated collection of craft-focused films from PBS stations and participating organizations, all available on the Handwork website.
Publications
Presenting the extraordinary range of the handmade in the United States, the HANDWORK 2026 book will examine craft history, artists, materials and processes, focusing on undertold stories in an object-based approach. It will include essays by leading experts, artist statements, and images of exquisite handmade objects.
Education
The education component of HANDWORK 2026 will include interdisciplinary learning initiatives at all levels of the education system, with a special focus on learning guides for grades K–12. It will take a wide look at the history, cultural traditions, and impact of craft in the United States, from Indigenous origins until today.
Engagement
In partnership with local, state and national organizations, HANDWORK 2026 will be amplified by a robust social media campaign, and all activities joining the national celebration will be documented on a comprehensive, aggregate website.