The World Crafts Council-Asia Pacific Region (WCC-APR) is one of the five regional branches of the World Crafts Council (WCC). Encompassing Asian countries from West to East, Australia, and Moana Oceania (South Pacific) and North to South (Central Asia to Sri Lanka).

WCC-APR works to bring crafts, artisans and artists into the mainstream, elevate their social and economic status, build fellowship among them, enhance the quality of crafts, and promote it in local and international markets.

WCC-APR is governed by an elected board. Board membership includes two elected representatives from national entities of the six sub-regions (West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, South East Asia, East Asia and the South Pacific/Moana Oceania). We are assisted in our work by the inclusion of advisors in each sub-region who contribute a wealth of knowledge and experience in the fields of government, education, community development, research and academia.

Any institution, organisation, group, or individual involved in the promotion, development, and encouragement of crafts within the WCC-APR's operational areas is eligible for membership. The WCC-APR Executive Board meets up to four times a year, and the Asia Pacific Regional General Assembly, composed of all members, meets biennially.

Our Vision

WCC APR is an inclusive organisation which strives to strengthen, maintain, promote and ensure that crafts in each country of the Asia Pacific Region are recognised and respected for their cultural contribution to the well-being of society.

1. To honour and safeguard the traditions and knowledge held and passed through continuing craft practices.

2. To encourage innovation and creativity in order to maintain the dynamism of craft practices.

3. To address the challenges that AI, industrialisation and mass production present to livelihoods.

4. To raise awareness of the effects of climate change, gender equality, child slavery, loss of livelihoods on craftspeople and seek instruments to address those issues.

5. To advocate for mechanisms to improve the quality of life of the craftsperson of the Asia Pacific Region and their status within broader community.

6. To promote knowledge transfer and the stories of craft making through multiple means.

7. To provide a network and fellowship among craftspersons of the various nations, and to create communication pathways.

8. To promote cooperation between member countries in general in order to achieve these objectives.

WCC-APR is guided by the principles of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Our culture is one in which everyone in the organisation feels responsible and accountable for upholding these values in how they work and behave.

Respect
We acknowledge that cultural traditions, knowledge and experiences shape us all. WCC-APR strives to create safe spaces to allow meaningful expressions. Expanding our knowledge of the region’s multiple histories and contemporary challenges underpins our approach.

Social Responsibility
Around the Asia Pacific Region we are mindful of our obligation to maintain public trust through ethical and transparent operations, transactions and relationships, with people, places and partnerships.

It is important to us that all of our partners can demonstrate similar Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments relating to the ecosystems in which they operate, and in relation to the pursuit of the UN sustainable development goals.

Sustainability
We recognise that mitigating climate change and environmental damage is everyone’s responsibility. WCC-APR consciously adopts practical and technological solutions where possible to reduce our carbon footprint and pollution, and to protect biodiversity. Operating a lean organisation, being mindful of our risks, and open to change is understood to support our resilience and sustainability.

Collaboration & Inclusion
This is central to how we research and facilitate dialogue with organisations, partners and individuals to strengthen the voice of the handmade and to co-design our program.