ATA is busy preparing for its first “Training for Entrepreneurs in Artisan Markets” (TEAM) initiative taking place from January 28-31, 2018 at the Las Vegas Market. TEAM is an on-site coaching and mentoring program for emerging international artisan businesses so they can successfully participate and trade shows. Our holistic training and trade show preparation process will help artisan entrepreneurs grow their businesses, expand into new markets, and achieve sustainable growth by exhibiting and selling at the Las Vegas Market.
“Aid to Artisans is excited to have the opportunity to partner with Las Vegas Market,” said Bill Kruvant, president of Creative Learning, Aid to Artisans’ parent organization. “As Las Vegas Market is rapidly expanding, becoming a beacon for under-serviced West Coast buyers, we believe the partnership is a perfect match and anticipate a long and productive partnership with Las Vegas Market” Bill added.
“Las Vegas Market is taking on a vital and important role in the growth and development of artisan-crafted merchandise through this exciting new partnership with Aid to Artisans,” says Dorothy Belshaw, president of Gift Leasing and Chief Marketing Officer, International Market Centers. “This is a brand-new industry offering that is unique to Las Vegas Market, and one that represents the next step in the evolution of our presentation of handcrafted and maker-produced goods,” adds Belshaw.
Aid to Artisans’ TEAM showcase will be in Pavilion 1 of the Market and will feature first-time exhibitors offering handmade gifts, home décor and accessories from South and Central America, Asia, as well as the Caribbean, Middle East, and Africa. Buyers will see exquisite hand-woven textiles, batik, natural fiber baskets, handmade jewelry and much more.
TEAM exhibitors include Ark of Crafts, a socially responsible Turkish supplier committed to bridging rich Turkish artisanal traditions and ethical, time-honored processes to a selection of artisan-crafted, home décor gifts and accessories and hand-loomed textiles. HoonArts Fair Trade LLC, one of only three Fair Trade Federation members working with artisans in Central Asia will provide suzani hand-embroidered home decor items, hand-woven silk ikat scarves, hand-felted wool on silk wraps, and hand-carved wooden combs, barrettes, toys and Christmas ornaments. Indus Heritage Trust that preserves and revives Pakistani indigenous crafts by working with 2,600 grassroots-level embroidery workers to create a unique collection of home décor and accessories. YUMAJAI, a Colombia based ethical fashion brand offering colorful handmade earrings, necklaces, rings, bags and unique accessories. Reve Jewellery, an international award-winning high quality handmade Jamaican jewelry and accessories brand will offer products made of precious and semi-precious stones, metals and natural materials sourced from Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.
