Indiana Artisan supports entrepreneurs who create high-quality art, crafts and value-added foods in the Hoosier state. This comprehensive program was launched in 2008 to:
Raise awareness about the availability of locally-crafted products
Establish a brand for Indiana-made goods
Provide artisans, particularly those in rural areas, with access to entrepreneurial
support including training and networking opportunities
Support artisan trail and retail development
Encourage visitation to Indiana
Lt. Governor Becky Skillman launched Indiana Artisan as an economic development program to help expand the businesses of Hoosier artisans through initiatives that support and promote their handmade work. The program was a joint venture between the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, and the Indiana Arts Commission.
The Indiana General Assembly passed a Resolution in 2010, making Indiana Artisan the state's official organization to review, recognize and promote the work of Indiana's highest-quality art and food artisans. Now as a non-profit corporation, Indiana Artisan, Inc. continues the program's mission of developing a brand that gives meaning and recognition to Indiana-made goods.
More than 175 artisans in 53 Indiana counties have had their food and art work juried into the organization. Every year, food and art jury panels meet at least once, and oftentimes twice or three times, to review applications. The timeline for the next adjudication is here.
Who is an Indiana Artisan?
A craftsman. A maker of specialty cheeses. A creator of handmade stoneware. A painter. A beekeeper, a woodworker. A winemaker, a jewelry designer, a weaver. An Indiana Artisan is a Hoosier recognized for careful attention to detail, knowledge of a craft and an entrepreneurial spirit. Their extraordinary talent contributes to Indiana's reputation for quality work.
A collection of exceptional talent
Indiana's heritage in glass, musical instruments, stoneware, woodwork, cheeses, candies, brandies and more is defined through Indiana Artisan. This program brings together the state's talented artisans and their one-of-a-kind art and food creations. Participation is through an adjudication process focused on design/quality, technique, originality or authenticity exhibiting the tradition or heritage of Indiana communities and marketability.
A showcase of Indiana's best
Indiana Artisan works with participants, retailers and communities to showcase and sell high-quality, handcrafted products in stores and on trails across the state. Follow the River of Glass, sample Art & Earth, find works by Hoosier Hands and more. Travel the trails and look for the Indiana Artisan logo on products and in the window of shops, galleries and studios.
For more Information
Eric Freeman
Indiana Artisan
PO Box 40777
Indianapolis, IN 46240
T: (317) 607-8715
E: Eric@IndianaArtisan.org
