Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
Tennessee Craft is a network of craft artists and the craft art communities dedicated to uplifting the past and present of handmade craft, and securing the future of craft to be equitable and vibrantly diverse. Tennessee Craft acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland and territories of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Muscogee (Creek), Shawnee, and Yuchi People, the first craft artists of this region. We also acknowledge the legacy of slavery in Tennessee and respectfully recognize and remember enslaved Africans of this region. We envision a present and future where the freedom, justice, success, and health of craft artists in Tennessee are not pre-determined by race or ethnicity. We envision a Tennessee where all craft artists have the access, opportunity, and tools to share and amplify their stories, cultures, and experiences. We are committed to equity for all craft artists, no matter one’s race, ethnicity, age, ability, sexuality, gender identity, religion, citizenship, socioeconomic status, geographic origin, language, or appearance. We at Tennessee Craft see the role of craft art in modern society beyond the bounds of marketplace metrics and debates of fine art “worthiness.” We see craft art as the long historical practice of making and honing the creation of handmade goods foundational to the creative expression of every culture and community.
Adopted by the Tennessee Craft Governing Board, June 12, 2021.
