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Craft Marketing Program
Kentucky Crafted: The Market 2007 Celebrating 25 Years of Style and Quality
The Kentucky Craft Marketing (CMP), a program of the Kentucky Arts Council, is preparing for one of the most important shows in its history. March 3-4, 2007 will mark the 25th Anniversary of Kentucky Crafted: The Market and will again be held in Louisville at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, South Wing B.
Although this event started out as a handcrafted show opened only to the trade industry, through the years, additional elements have been integrated to enhance sales and ramp up awareness and recognition for the talent and economic impact that Kentucky artists lend to the Commonwealth.
This national award-winning show features over 300 exhibitors of contemporary and traditional craft, two-dimensional visual art, books, musical recordings, and “Kentucky Proud” food products. Kentucky cultural entertainment and children’s educational craft activities (ages 4-12) are also included.
As a premier marketing event for the state, the Market is the nation's first, and remains one of the very few, state-sponsored wholesale events of its kind in the country. Kentucky’s craft industry contributes 252 million dollars to the state’s economy. An additional impact of 147 million dollars is realized through sales made outside of Kentucky. The Market is a collaborative effort among several state agencies and cabinets, which promote Kentucky’s rich cultural heritage while supporting the state’s economy and generates 2 to 3 million dollars in direct sales.
CMP Director, Fran Redmon says, ”The anniversary celebration gives us a time to reflect on the Market’s many accomplishments over its 25-year history and those that have been part of its success. It is also a time to recognize the tremendous asset it has become for our state, one that enhances Kentucky’s image and is something that any Kentuckian can be proud to claim as their own.”
Based on reader nominations from a national on-line survey, American Style Magazine selected Kentucky Crafted: The Market as one of the Top 25 Art Fairs and Festivals in the country in 2004 and the Southeast Tourism Society has named Kentucky Crafted: The Market as one of the Top Twenty Events in The Southeast for the twelfth time.
New for the 2007 Market will be a special, “walk through the Market history,” retrospective exhibit where visitors will be able to view archival photos and facts about the origins and growth of the Market. Special recognition will be given to those exhibitors that have participated in the most Markets with a select few having participated throughout the show’s 25 year history. More anniversary plans are in the works and will be announced as the event draws nearer.
The Market is produced by the Kentucky Craft Marketing, a program of the Kentucky Arts Council, a state agency in the Commerce Cabinet. For more information, call 888-KYCRAFT (592-7238), local (502) 564-3757, or visit our web site at: www.kycraft.ky.gov.
If you plan to attend:
Public Days March 3 - 4
Saturday, 9am - 6pm - Sunday, 10am - 5pm, (EST)
Adults $8 Children (ages 15 and under Free) Parking $5
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Since 1981, the Kentucky Craft Marketing's purpose is to develop the state's craft industry, support and empower Kentucky artisans and craftspeople, create an economically viable environment for craft entrepreneurs, preserve the state's craft traditions, stimulate and support product development, and generate public awareness, public support and public/private partnerships.
The Program provides assistance to Kentucky residents, individuals, or groups wanting to develop as craft professionals through economic opportunities and training, to other outside entities (e.g., craft retailers, craft and art organizations, community and government agencies), and the general public. The craft industry in Kentucky contributes 252 million dollars in annual sales and Kentucky is recognized as a model state for its craft programs and its role in the $14 billion national craft industry.
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