“Hello to all our members, supporters and friends”

As we come to the end of 2025, it seems a good time to reflect on the current status of craft.

What has become increasingly clear is that there is a strong revival in interest and investment in traditional and contemporary crafts by governments at all levels throughout our region. The number of festivals, exhibitions, competitions, symposia, conferences, meetings and events has grown exponentially. Curators world-wide are seeking skilled and imaginative artists and artisans to contribute work to major exhibitions. Cities are seeing the value of major craft festivals for cultural, community, tourism and economic values. Public spaces – particularly airports, major venues and shopping centres are commissioning works of craft to tell the story of the culture and traditions of their countries.

The economic and cultural case for craft is being made by demonstration, rather than rhetoric and there are increasing opportunities for our members to participate at local, national and international levels.

Ongoing research and policy changes in our region and internationally has been a field of activity. In addition to new, stronger Geographical Indicators legislation in the EU, we are seeing cities and universities leading the way in research, international exchanges and knowledge transfer. Cheongju Craft Biennale in South Korea recently hosted a panel of global experts to discuss the future potential and current activities of craft cities. Minjiang University in Fuzhou, China recently hosted artisans from Myanmar, Thailand and Pakistan to share knowledge about lacquerware design and production and to discuss the potential for cultural experience tourism with a panel of experts.

For 2026, expect to see more festivals and events supported by APCA; a series of workshops both online and in person designed to help navigate the 21st century in craft; and more opportunities for artisans, artists and the organisations that support them to participate in international events. In the meantime enjoy the last days of 2025; and see what’s been happening recently here and we will see you next year.

There have also been some changes to the membership structure of WCC APR.

WCC-APR is part of the World Crafts Council International (WCCI).

WCCI has decided that regional entities such as WCC-APR do not have the right to operate as membership organisations. This decision has impacted on our ability to provide services to our members.

The Asia Pacific Crafts Alliance (APCA) is taking on the member service role previously undertaken by WCC-APR. They will continue to,

• Send regular newsletters

• Share opportunities to present your work

• Support and develop regional and national awards, and

• Advocate on your behalf.

We have developed a new membership form for individual members, so we can better understand our members and support you in your work. You can find the new forms on the APCA website.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO

You don’t need to do anything. Your current membership to WCC-APR will transfer to APCA unless you tell us you do not wish it to.

Membership renewals will go out in January at which time we will ask you to update your membership information so we can better serve you.

To become a member of APCA, review our member benefits and apply here

Wishing all a peaceful conclusion to 2025 and a prosperous and positive year in 2026.

— Jude van der Merwe