The Artisans Initiative

Fine Arts/Tech Services Bureau | Arthandlers Training Program | Artisans Initiative

BCADC is pleased to announce the Artisans Initiative, a program designed to provide earned income opportunities and training to Bronx crafts artisans as well as underrepresented artisans of the Diaspora. It is our goal to cultivate a viable cultural and economic asset within our communities by providing these artists with marketing and valuable small business training. We will create a marketplace to sell their original products, and encourage entrepreneurial activities by this special group of craftspeople. We believe that artisans are ARTISTS and should be respected as such.

Folk Art & Artisans:

We define these works of art as originating among the common people of a given nation or region and such work reflects the traditional culture of that area. These can be 'everyday' or seasonal festival items produced by unschooled artists. Artisans and folk artists are people that create works such as handmade jewelry, leather goods, pottery, textiles, and clothing to name a few.

Target Group:

Our main focus is Bronx artists creating work in hand crafted contemporary and traditional art including immigrant and/or refugee communities residing in the Bronx and the artists that use their art to perpetuate and preserve cultural practices. We strive to encourage the use of one's culture as an asset and a tool for community empowerment. We will determine eligibility for participation based on the quality of the craftsmanship and the individual's desire to pursue their interest in their craft. We intend to provide the services and programming necessary to maximize the impact of the economic and cultural assets of these fine additions to our neighborhoods. We believe technical support, loan and grant opportunities, marketing via traditional means as well as e-commerce, can help them improve the quality of life for all involved.

Schedule:

We will tailor our services to match your needs, with pre-and post Marketplace Marketing workshops throughout the year.

Career Development:

Participants will be offered small business management counseling and pre-marketplace marketing workshops to ensure merchant productivity. BCADC coordinates community based services and functions as market developers to assist participants in launching independent careers as entrepreneurs.

Criteria:

To be considered for the program, candidates must be or be descendant of immigrants/ refugees; create original works/contemporary crafts that he/she is willing to sell; be willing to participate in or be represented at marketplace events; be able to produce enough products to sell; participate in pre-marketplace workshops.

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