Participant FAQs
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 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 2026 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! Regular newsletter updates with accompanying assets will be available in 2026.
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 exhibitions and/or events throughout the year
- Help amplify the Handwork 2026 initiative through social media, joint publicity and cross-promotion.
What does it mean to be a Participant
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 2026 book event
- Combination of some or all of the above
- Something else – we are open to your suggestions!
How can I learn about what other Participants are planning?
Visit our Exhibitions & Events page or explore our Craft Map.
Join our Handwork 2026 Participants Facebook Group, where you can connect with fellow participants, share ideas, and learn more about each other’s plans for Handwork 2026.
Attend monthly virtual meetings designed exclusively for all Handwork 2026 Participants.
How do I get started?
To get started, submit your participation request to let us know that your organization would like to be involved. A member of the Handwork 2026 team will follow up with additional details and next steps.