Five Philadelphia arts organizations, including two longtime South Philadelphia institutions, will share $500,000 in unrestricted grants through a new national initiative aimed at strengthening craft communities across the country.
South Philadelphia’s Fleisher Art Memorial on Catharine Street and Brandywine Workshop & Archives on Broad Street are among five Greater Philadelphia organizations each receiving $100,000 through the Craft Catalyst Initiative, a partnership between the Center for Craft and Etsy. The three-year program will invest $10 million in nonprofit organizations that support craft artists nationwide.
The other local recipients are The Clay Studio, InLiquid and the Museum for Art in Wood.
In its first round, the initiative awarded $2 million to 20 nonprofit organizations across five designated craft hubs. Organizations were selected based on their commitment to supporting craft in their communities, research conducted in each region and recommendations from a panel of national craft advisers.
For South Philadelphia, the awards recognize two organizations with longstanding ties to the city’s arts community. Fleisher Art Memorial has provided accessible arts education for more than a century, while Brandywine Workshop & Archives has served artists and preserved multicultural printmaking traditions for more than five decades from its Broad Street home.
“As the Center for Craft celebrates its 30th anniversary, partnering with Etsy to recognize the value of craft organizations marks a particularly significant milestone,” Center for Craft Executive Director Stephanie Moore said. “In an increasingly AI-driven and digitized world, human connection through craft is more essential than ever. This initiative will fortify craft’s place by investing in the spaces, relationships and infrastructure that encourage artists, sustain creative careers and strengthen communities across the country.”
In addition to the funding, leaders from each organization will participate in a yearlong cohort focused on strengthening regional craft ecosystems and developing new ways to support artists.
“Over the past 54 years, Brandywine Workshop and Archives has been a safe space for artists to create and stretch their capabilities outside of their typical medium,” said Rebecca Morrison, executive director of Brandywine Workshop & Archives. “We are so honored to have been recognized by the Center for Craft and Etsy, along with other amazing organizations in Philadelphia. Craft is inspiring and art is so important to document our history, especially in Philadelphia. This funding comes at an incredible time for us as we enter a new chapter in our organization and become a hub for people to engage with craft and our fellow cohort to strengthen the power and increase the visibility of craft.”
Monica Zimmerman, executive director of Fleisher Art Memorial, said the recognition highlights Philadelphia’s reputation as a center for makers and artists.
“Philly should be super proud of this acknowledgment,” Zimmerman said. “We who have the privilege of working to serve the craft economy are excited it proves what we already know: Philly runs on creatives. As a creative city with limited civic arts funding, this kind of investment from Etsy and the Center for Craft is transformative in making sure we can keep hiring and serving makers of all stripes.”
Chelsea Mozen, Etsy’s head of impact and sustainability, said the partnership is intended to help preserve craft traditions while creating new opportunities for artists.
“Thriving craft communities are essential to preserving traditions, fostering creativity and creating opportunity for makers,” Mozen said. “We’re proud to partner with the Center for Craft to invest in the people and organizations that make these creative ecosystems possible, helping ensure artisans have the support they need to grow, connect and keep craft thriving for generations to come.” ••
