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(WASHINGTON, DC— April 18, 2024)—Americans for the Arts (AFTA) announces its participation in Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, a national Semiquincentennial initiative to showcase the importance of the handmade, both throughout our history and in contemporary life. Handwork 2026 is a yearlong collaboration among organizations, educators, and makers to celebrate the diversity of the crafts that define America, bringing compelling stories and underrepresented art and artists into the spotlight.
“Americans for the Arts is honored to serve as an awareness partner for Handwork 2026,” said Nolen Bivens, President and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “Handmade artistry holds a special place in U.S. history, and we are eager to highlight the diverse stories and work that represent American craftsmanship. Handwork 2026’s yearlong initiative aligns with the values of Americans for the Arts by promoting vibrant arts communities and fostering dialogues to strengthen our unique, collective cultural identity.”
AFTA is pleased to join Handwork 2026 lead partners Craft in America, the national organization promoting and advancing original handcrafted work through programs in all media, and the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the national museum dedicated to American craft, which will host the core exhibition for the project, opening in 2026.
“As the flagship museum of American craft, the Renwick Gallery is the driving force in the national conversation about the dynamic landscape of contemporary craft,” said Stephanie Stebich, the Margaret and Terry Stent Director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. “We are delighted to be a lead partner with Craft in America for Handwork2026. Together we will showcase the artworks being created now by innovative makers that help us better understand ourselves, each other, and the world around us.”
Handwork 2026 will focus on the following programs:
EXHIBITIONS
Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026 culminates with a core exhibition opening in late 2026 at the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Museums and art centers joining as participants in the Handwork 2026 initiative will complete the rich diversity of interpretations on the work of the hand with exhibitions and related programs throughout the year. We invite all museums and regional arts centers to join this effort with the craft-centric, culture-based exhibitions you are planning for the year 2026.
DOCUMENTARY FILM SERIES & DIGITAL CONTENT
A four-part Documentary Film Series will be produced by the team behind the Peabody Award-winning, PBS national series Craft in America. The series will present a rich, democratic exploration of the handmade in traditional, studio, ethnic, and contemporary practices. Handwork 2026 plans to partner with PBS and their 350+ independent member stations to broadcast and stream both current and archival craft programs, including new Digital Programs for YouTube and social media audiences.
BOOK
Presenting the extraordinary range of the handmade in the United States, the Handwork 2026 book will feature craft history, artists, materials and processes, focusing on undertold stories. The book will be object-based. It will include essays by leading experts, images of exquisite handmade objects and a craft timeline. It will illuminate the contributions of craftspeople throughout our history. It will be one of the first and only books to bridge history by exploring the craft continuum over the span of American culture.
EDUCATION
The education component of Handwork 2026 will include interdisciplinary learning initiatives at all levels of the education system, with a special focus on grades K–12. It will take a wide look at the history, cultural traditions, and impact of craft in the United States, from Indigenous origins until today. Marilyn Stewart PhD, a nationally recognized art educator and author of art textbooks, will oversee the creation of the education guides. The guides will include hands-on craft activities and will be available on craftinamerica.org and handwork2026.org.
ENGAGEMENT
In partnership with local, state and national organizations, Handwork 2026 will be amplified by a robust social media campaign, and all activities joining the national celebration will be documented on Handwork 2026 comprehensive, aggregate website.
More than three dozen partners, exhibitors and participants have joined Handwork 2026 to date, representing more than 20 states.
For more information, follow @americans4arts, @handwork2026, and @americanart.
Contact:
Mariaesmeralda Paguaga,
VP of Strategic Communication
[email protected]