July 2009

The Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance prides itself on its diverse group of members and wide range of capabilities in implementing broad-based economic growth programs. VEGA recently welcomed its newest member, Aid to Artisans, the recognized leader in the field of economic development for the craft sector. Aid to Artisan's specific expertise in the craft sector adds yet another valuable skill set to the alliance.

Aid to Artisans (ATA) is an international non-profit organization that creates opportunities for low-income artisans around the world to build profitable businesses inspired by handmade traditions.  Their programs offer producers access to new markets, business training, eco-effective processes and design innovation to promote sustainable growth and community well-being. Through its unique marketing and training approaches, ATA creates self-sustaining, profitable business that thrive after receiving mentoring from ATA.

Currently, ATA is implementing programs in: the Caribbean, Colombia, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jordan, Mexico, Lesotho, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Chad, Senegal and South Africa.The programs in El Salvador and Haiti link the agriculture, tourism and craft sectors. In West Africa, ATA provides value-added operations in cotton processing and development into finished goods. In India, ATA works with local partners to build capacity of artisans working with silk, cotton and wool. In Lesotho, ATA provides workshops and local market access for artisans working in mohair and wool felt.

In Jordan, ATA is developing a national strategy for crafts within the tourist market and also conducting training programs on marketing, product development and retail management - all aimed at demand creation. ATA is also working with internally displaced people in Colombia where artisans produce crafts from natural fibers, tagua nuts, bamboo and other natural resources.

Past projects have been in countries such as Armenia, Ghana, Honduras, Peru,  and Russia. In Honduras, the craft export businesses that started as a result of ATA's 1984-86 project have generated US $15 million in sales; no artisan business existed prior to the project. In Ghana, ATA implemented a four year project with $1.4 million of funding from USAID. The objective of the project was to increase non-traditional exports, improve artisan livelihoods and communities and continue developing the country's intrinsic artistry and central position in West African trade routes. ATA, along with the Ghana Export Promotion Council, brought buyers to Ghana, including Pier 1 Imports, Cost Plus and Mar Maxx (includes Marshall's and TJ Maxx). Several Ghanaian producers supplied not only the large buyers but also small niche importers of African products such as Bamboula, Swahili Imports and Tribalinks. Cumulative sales amounted to $859,000 at project end. Sales continued to increase and surpassed the project budget within two years of end of project and Ghana's exports increased from $160,000 in 1989 to $11 million in 2002. The Ghana Export Promotion Council attributed 60% of this increase as a direct result of ATA.

Aid to Artisans has recently launched two new initiatives which incorporate Environmental and Health Issues: 1) Artisan Health  & Safety Manual-it is a comprehensive technical manual on all materials and production processes affecting artisans, 2) Lead- Free Initiative-Aid to Artisans partnered with Barro Sin Plomo a local organization in Mexico's Michoacan state, that works with potters in 122 communities to remove lead from traditional pottery.

ATA is also in the process of launching ATA University, which is a comprehensive online university, including modules on all aspects of developing a profitable craft business.

Learn more at www.aidtoartisans.org

Read an ATA Publication

Recently, David O'Connor, ATA President, conducted an informative presentation on the best practices and lessons learned in providing assistance to handicraft entrepreneurs, enterprises and markets.  Read the publication, Building a Profitable Craft Business, on the Business Growth Initiative website in the Notes from the Field section at https://www.businessgrowthinitiative.org/BGIProducts/Pages/Publications.aspx