Aid to Artisans Creates Economic Opportunities for Artisans around the World
Building profitable businesses inspired by handmade traditions. That’s the mantra at Aid to Artisans, a non-profit developed to “create economic opportunities for artisan groups around the world where livelihoods, communities, and craft traditions are marginal or at risk.”
The organization functions as a sophisticated mentorship program with lofty goals and proven results. ATA not only connects artisans with businesses and markets interested in their handcrafted goods, but adds to their skill set by teaching them the art of viable product development and the ins-and-outs of the business world.
ATA is committed to the environment as well. Sustainability of the natural resources that go into the products and the well-being of the communities the artisans call home is vital to the program’s success in each area in which it works.
ATA is not simply concerned with helping craftsmen to get one good product into stores. Rather, the goal is to help the artisans to build an infrastructure that will serve them well long after the ATA mentorship is complete.
Their program includes training in businesses practices and innovative product design that will help the artisans to thrive and earn a good living from the indigenous resources and craftsmanship that have been maintained and passed down for generations. The key is to provide the artisans with the skills to compete in a global market and then to connect them with partners throughout that market where their handmade products will be appreciated and profitable.
There is the opportunity to sponsor artisans to attend ATA’s Market Readiness Program where they will learn essential skills for their success in the global market, most importantly, how to turn their craftsmanship into a viable business.
One can also volunteer time and help to guide artisans on their path to self-reliance by sharing expertise in topics such as economic development, business management and research.
Aid to Artisans is an international non-profit organization. Since its founding in 1976, it has worked in more than 110 countries, linking artisans to new markets and buyers to the beauty and sustainability of handmade crafts. More than 30,000 artisans participate in its programs each year.
(Return to 5 Eco- & Socially-Responsible Organizations to Know.)
Artisan-friendly Goals
The organization functions as a sophisticated mentorship program with lofty goals and proven results. ATA not only connects artisans with businesses and markets interested in their handcrafted goods, but adds to their skill set by teaching them the art of viable product development and the ins-and-outs of the business world.
ATA is committed to the environment as well. Sustainability of the natural resources that go into the products and the well-being of the communities the artisans call home is vital to the program’s success in each area in which it works.
Long-term Viability
ATA is not simply concerned with helping craftsmen to get one good product into stores. Rather, the goal is to help the artisans to build an infrastructure that will serve them well long after the ATA mentorship is complete.
Their program includes training in businesses practices and innovative product design that will help the artisans to thrive and earn a good living from the indigenous resources and craftsmanship that have been maintained and passed down for generations. The key is to provide the artisans with the skills to compete in a global market and then to connect them with partners throughout that market where their handmade products will be appreciated and profitable.
Get Involved
Aid to Artisans invites businesses and consumers to join them as they “change the world with the power of handmade.” In addition to supporting the businesses that support ATA or making a monetary donation, individuals can become involved in a variety of ways.There is the opportunity to sponsor artisans to attend ATA’s Market Readiness Program where they will learn essential skills for their success in the global market, most importantly, how to turn their craftsmanship into a viable business.
One can also volunteer time and help to guide artisans on their path to self-reliance by sharing expertise in topics such as economic development, business management and research.
ATA Facts
Aid to Artisans is an international non-profit organization. Since its founding in 1976, it has worked in more than 110 countries, linking artisans to new markets and buyers to the beauty and sustainability of handmade crafts. More than 30,000 artisans participate in its programs each year.
(Return to 5 Eco- & Socially-Responsible Organizations to Know.)
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