Artisan Alliance

supporting the world’s most untapped startup economy

The Artisan Alliance provides an open-source library of resources for artisan businesses, social enterprises, and others working in the artisan sector in the United States and across the globe. Founded as a partnership between the Aspen Institute and the US Department of State’s Office of Global Women’s Issues, the Artisan Alliance has developed a set of tailored resources and a community of more than 240 artisan businesses committed to the sustainable growth of artisan businesses worldwide.

The Artisan Alliance offers consumers, retailers, and other artisan businesses with a curated list of Artisan Alliance organizations that have supported artisan producers in the United States and across the globe. In addition, individuals, businesses and social enterprises can access an expansive set of tools, research, and best practices for artisan business strengthening. The Artisan Alliance also engages specific projects that elevate the importance of the artisan sector, support and grow artisan businesses, and share best practices in a collaborative learning community.

The Artisan Alliance envisions a world in which artisans - particularly women - are fully integrated into global commerce and where increasing revenues flow to artisan producers and communities in need of economic opportunity. We commit to supporting the power and potential of the artisan sector to create jobs, increase incomes, enhance cultural heritage and promote development that respects the uniqueness of people and place. 

Learn more about our impact.