Study: Craft industry has big economic impact

Asheville Citizen-Times
ASHEVILLE – A new study concludes the craft industry pumps more than $206 million each year into the Western North Carolina economy, providing a clean and sustainable source of jobs in the mountains
The results were released Friday at the headquarters of HandMade in America, a group working to promote the region as a national center for craft.

The study is a potent tool for economic development, said Linda Carlisle, secretary of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources.

“It underscores the pivotal economic benefits of craft, often overlooked as we marvel at the creativity of a basket or weaving, a necklace or piece of glass that is so beautiful it defies description,” she said.

The study, organized by HandMade in America, was based on surveys of consumers, artisans and gallery and shop owners. The results were analyzed by the consulting firm DESS Business Research.

The economic impact of $206.5 million in the 25-county region was up from $122 million found in a similar study in 1995.

“This is impressive for any business model,” Carlisle said. “And, importantly, the number of craft artists attracted to live, work and study in Western North Carolina is up an astonishing 200 percent. This bodes well for the future of the craft industry.”

The region offers the greatest concentration of craft education in the nation, and half of all craft school residency graduates choose to stay and open their own studios here, she said.

“Craft artists make their homes in the mountains, and their work makes our homes more attractive, our lives richer and our communities more exciting,” she said.

“The Blue Ridge region is a magnet for creativity. Our data shows the presence of creative workers is the single-most important factor associated with the amount visitors will spend in an area.”

There are more than 130 craft galleries in Western North Carolina with average gross sales of $500,000, according to the study.

“The study proves the craft industry is alive and well in North Carolina,” said John Cooper, board chair of Blue Ridge Natural Heritage Area.