The Artisan Alliance has travelled across the globe, conducting field visits to learn more about the social and economic impact artisan work has on refugees. In this set of case studies, the Artisan Alliance explores Indego Africa, RefuSHE, and the Jordan River Foundation, three diverse social enterprises working with refugee artisans in Africa and the Middle East. During these field visits, the Artisan Alliance surveyed program participants, conducted in-depth interviews, and documented the insights of relevant stakeholders from the public and private sphere.

This case study examines the IKEA-Jordan River Foundation partnership in the context of Jordan’s refugee policy, including the government’s priorities, humanitarian strategies, and the for-profit private sector’s response. It describes the partnership in detail, including the incubation phase, business model, investments from each side, risks and lessons learned for possible replication. It offers suggestions for overcoming barriers to forming and expanding similar partnerships.

Read what Upstart Co-Lab, LISC NYC, Meow Wolf, E-Line Media, Artspace, the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Continuum Partners LLC, the UK’s Investing for Good, actor Mary Stuart Masterson, and others have to say about the opportunities art, design, culture, heritage and creativity offer impact investors today in this new report published by Cornerstone Capital LLC.

This report looks at more than 100 funds with $60 billion of aggregate assets that have been investing in the creative economy over the past 5 years. These include conventional, socially responsible, and impact funds focused on ethical fashion, sustainable food, social impact media, other creative businesses and creative places.

This report looks at investable opportunities in the Creative Economy with the potential to stabilize threatened communities and benefit regions looking to attract and develop quality jobs. This report suggests that impact investment can be used to shape a Creative Economy that is inclusive, equitable and sustainable.

2016 has proved the most impactful and exciting year yet for the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise! We are so grateful for your passion for the artisan sector and dedication to driving more resources and recognition to artisan businesses around the world. 

In 2014, the Alliance surveyed its member organizations about their work and impact in the global artisan sector. This report is an introduction to the major focus areas of the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise, including innovative financing, policy, research, learning forums, visits, and the Artisan Value Chain Toolkit. It also reveals data on the scope of job creation, income generation, and financing initiatives in our network of artisan entrepreneurs and partners.

"Creative Economy Outlook and Country Profiles: Trends in international trade in creative industries" is a 2015 report published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. This report highlights how increasing demographics, better access to ICTs and dynamic shifts to new lifestyles associated with creative products and services makes trade in these creative industries a promising avenue for future growth. 

"Cultural Entrepreneurship: At the Crossroads of People, Place, and Prosperity" is a 2010 report from the Global Center for Cultural Entrepreneurship. It provides a snapshot to the Cultural Economy in New Mexico. This groundbreaking study is the first to demonstrate the links among a family’s cultural security, economic stability, and social well-being.  

"Measuring Traditional Skills: Taking Stock of What We Have Before We Lose It" is a research report by UNESCO researcher Simon Ellis, commissioned by the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise and published in 2015.