Membership FAQs
How do I become a member of the Alberta Craft Council?
Learn about our membership categories here, call us at 780-488-5900, or visit us in person during business hours.
Why have new membership categories been introduced?
The introduction of Craft Lovers, Professional Emeritus membership categories continues the ACC’s efforts to promote, develop and advocate for Fine Craft in Alberta, to elevate the value and perceptions of Fine Craft, and to enhance craft professionalism. Click here to view the ACC's mandate.
The Alberta Craft Council researched other provincial craft councils as well as similar Canadian and US organizations. For example, the Craft Council in Quebec, the Conseil des métier d’ art, has an exclusively professional juried membership, whereas the Saskatchewan Craft Council and Nova Scotia Designer Craft Council have marketing member categories. Other organizations vary widely in membership structure. Overall it seems that organizations with different levels of membership; for supporters, customers, students and dedicated amateur craftspeople, and another expanded membership for professional craftspeople or craft artists, academics, curator/writers, gallery operators, and others working in the craft field; seem to offer the best balance of service, promotion, and member satisfaction.
Who are the new Craft Lovers and Craft Emeritus membership categories intended for?
The Craft Lovers membership is for our ever-growing crowd of supporters, patrons, customers, and collectors who also believe in Alberta Craft Council’s mandate to support, promote and advocate for fine craft in Alberta. Craft Lovers will, like all our members, be the first to receive invites to Alberta Craft Council events. Their subscription to Alberta Craft magazine will keep them informed and connected to Alberta craft artists and Craft Council activities. To show our thanks for their choice to buy and support local craft, Craft Lovers receive a 10% discount on all purchases from the Alberta Craft Gallery - Edmonton & Calgary. The Craft Lover membership is an affordable $40 for one year.
Alongside the new Craft Lovers category, we are also introducing a new Craft Professional membership option for working senior craft artists. The Craft Professional Emeritus option is open to those who are working craft professionals who are 60 years+ and meet our professional membership criteria. Craft Professional Emeritus will receive the same membership perks as Professional members. This includes reduced (and in some instances free) participation prices on professional development events such as craft tours, talks and webinars as well as a subscription to Alberta Craft and Studio magazine. Those who are current Professional members and are 60 years+ are eligible to renew at the new reduced rate. The Craft Professional Emeritus membership is $60 one year / $110 two year.
How do I apply to become an ACC Professional Member?
A Professional Craft Artist, as defined by the Alberta Craft Council, has specialized training in their discipline, either academic and/or self-taught or traditional knowledge, and has professional recognition amongst his or her peers and/or public. He or she should also operate a studio practice and create a distinctive body of work that is sold and/or exhibited locally, nationally, and/or internationally. The Professional Membership is intended to best benefit craft artists who are on an active career path, expanding their body of work and business.
Alberta Craft Council Professional members can also be those with craft related expertise including: academics, teachers, researchers, curators, writers, and arts administrators.
The Alberta Craft Council takes all aspects of an artist's craft career into consideration including:
current involvement with the ACC (retail gallery, ACC organized exhibitions, advisory services
craft related expertise: research, writing, curating, teaching, etc.
relationships with reputable galleries, shops, craft sales and/or studio sales
participation in exhibitions provincially, nationally and/or internationally
post-secondary education related craft and/or self-taught or traditional knowledge
awards and/or grants in recognition of your work
public recognition through publications, videos, media coverage, etc.
Learn more and apply here. Please note that all Professional Membership applicants will be reviewed by the Alberta Craft Council.
How is a Professional Membership application assessed?
The Alberta Craft Council reviews Professional membership applications on a ongoing basis. Learn more about our Professional Membership categories and access the online application form here. Please note the application requires links containing current CV and a maximum of 10 good quality images. Any questions can be emailed to membership@albertacraft.ab.ca.
I am a current Alberta Craft Council Member who applied but was not selected to sell my work in the Alberta Craft Gallery. Can I still become a Professional Member?
Yes, you can. You can apply at any time.
What if I am not approved as a Professional Member?
If the Alberta Craft Council does not believe that you currently fit into the Professional category you can become/remain a General Member and reapply in the future.
Do I have to pay for my Professional Membership before I know if I am accepted?
No, you can apply for the membership and then based on the decision of the Alberta Craft Council you can pay accordingly, $60 for a General One Year ($110/2 year) or $120 for a Professional One Year ($230/2year) or Professional Emeritus ($60/1 year).
What if I have other questions?
Anyone at the Alberta Craft Council would be happy help you with your questions but for specific questions or concerns you can contact:
Member Services Coordinator - membership@albertacraft.ab.ca - ext. 231
Retail Gallery Coordinator – shop@albertacraft.ab.ca ext. 232
780-488-6611 or toll free in Alberta 1-800-DO CRAFT (362-7238)