MARKET CONNECTIONS
Our mission is to provide guidance to artisan groups to find appropriate markets for their skill level, and to prepare them for markets that may be available to them, through training, funding, and practical assistance.
We aim to encourage consumers to explore these alternative markets and to support the cultural production that is work of indigenous, rural, and often marginalized people.
Until recently, there have been many opportunities to sell and buy Fair Trade in the United States through both wholesale and retail markets.
Today, most of the markets that were going to be held during this past spring and summer of 2020 were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As this challenge continues, markets for the sale of Fair Trade goods will remain limited.
The Fair Trade Federation provides a list of member stores and organizations in the U.S. who either work directly with artisans and/or sell wholesale or retail.
The New York Gift Show is one of the largest wholesale shows that convenes twice a year. There are sections within the market dedicated specifically for hand-made and fair trade goods. New York Now is a section of that market that assists new international artisan groups to show and sell wholesale. Unfortunately, the entire show has been cancelled for the remainder of 2020.
Cultural Survival is a non-profit organization that empowers and supports indigenous peoples and advocates for their human rights. They offer opportunities to sell products made by native artisans directly to the public through street sales. Today, they are more concerned with assisting these indigenous cultures to access health care information. For more information about this organization and their current activities, follow the link above.
Nest is a non-profit 501c (3) organization building a new handworker economy to increase global workforce inclusivity, improve women’s wellbeing beyond factories, and preserve important cultural traditions around the world. Currently, they are urging people to support artisan groups by purchasing masks they are making for sale and for PPE to go to frontline workers – Give a mask, employ an artisan.
Santa Fe International Folk Art Market has been creating economic opportunities for folk artisans around the world since 2004. This vibrant and well-attended market is by invitation only and requires a proposal. It is one of the most popular and well-attended markets. Earth Bound has assisted the Ye’kwana artisans to participate in 12 of these markets since 2005 and has assisted many other artisan groups in the rigorous application process.
