Aid To Artisans

We create opportunities for low-income artisans around the world to build profitable businesses inspired by handmade traditions. We offer access to new markets, business training, eco-effective processes and design innovation through a network of partners to promote sustainable growth and community well-being. To expand and strengthen its worldwide leadership in craft sector development, Aid to Artisans (ATA) has joined Creative Learning, a Washington, DC-based non-profit organization dedicated to direct intercultural understanding and cooperation, effective October 31, 2012. This new partnership will broaden ATA’s capacity to transform artisan skills into profitable businesses in emerging countries. ATA’s signature approach is centered on market driven product development, entrepreneurial training and access to ATA’s international buyer network, developed during more than 40 years of creating sustainable income for artisans in more than 110 countries. Creative Learning brings expertise in large-scale development initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, upgrading health and education, creating jobs, and preventing or reversing damage to the environment. With support in management and program design from Creative Learning, ATA will continue to leverage its global expertise for compounded economic impact, bolstering linkages between artisans and international markets. ATA is dedicated to providing immediate income to local artisans based on their present skills. With craft as the second largest source of income behind agriculture for marginalized groups in developing countries, the new, expanded ATA will continue to build successful craft enterprises and transmit business skills adaptable to the ever-changing requirements of the modern market place.