​Why should my organization participate in HANDWORK 2026 ?

Be a part of a collective effort to raise awareness about craft and craft artists, and how/why it is an important part of our culture, past and present. That will be good for your organization, and for the whole craft ecosystem!

It’s virtually free marketing!! Your organization and your event will be listed on the main HANDWORK 2026 website. There will be national and regional PR efforts to promote all events that are a part of HANDWORK 2026. Your organization’s event can “ride on the bigger coattails” of the national and regional “buzz” about HANDWORK 2026.

• Your organization will be provided with marketing materials, including the HANDWORK logo, style guide, and sample press releases with templated language that you can customize to your event and to your local market.
• Collaborating with other organizations in your area is strongly encouraged. Multiple events happening and being marketed in a coordinated manner are more likely to gain media attention than one alone.

Any more details about how HANDWORK 2026 will be promoted? Awareness Partner Americans for the Arts, and Lead Partners Craft in America and the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, will promote HANDWORK 2026 with additional press releases and social media promotion in 2025 and 2026. All Partners and Participants are encouraged to join the effort! A promotional content calendar with accompanying assets will be available in 2025.

What does it mean to be a Participant, and how do I get started?​

As a Participant, you are agreeing to host one or more exhibitions or craft-related events during 2026 under the HANDWORK 2026 “banner.” 
Really. It’s that simple. A craft-related event could be a(n):

• Exhibition opening
• Artist demonstration or lecture
• Workshop
• Preview screening of a Craft in America episode and/or other collaboration with your local PBS station
• HANDWORK book event
• Combination of some or all of the above
• Something else – we are open to your suggestions!

To get started, just contact HANDWORK 2026 Project Manager Jen Ruppmann at handwork@craftinamerica.org to let her know that your organization would like to participate, and she will schedule an introductory call with you and the HANDWORK 2026 team. You do not need to provide details of your planned event at this time, but do send them along as soon as your plans firm up so that your event details can be listed on the national website.​

​What is the difference between a “Partner” and a “Participant”

Partners are national organizations that:

• Commit to assisting with PR for the HANDWORK 2026 initiative on a national level
• Serve as connectors to local arts organizations within their region
• Foster efforts among participants to coordinate scheduling and PR for local events
• Assist Craft in America to identify and possibly approach funders for Handwork 2026
• Serve as connectors to arts organizations in their region as well as national arts organizations.

Participants are local organizations that will:

• Host HANDWORK 2026 events throughout the year
• Help amplify the HANDWORK 2026 initiative through social media

How can I learn about what other Participants are planning?

A private Facebook group is in the works, which we hope will encourage idea sharing across Participants. Stay tuned for more information if you become a Participant!