WELCOME
Welcome to the Asia Pacific Crafts Alliance Ltd (APCA). This new organisation has been developed in response to the changing needs of the crafts sector and its ecosystems in our vast region, and the importance of a broad membership base. We are a democratic body whose expanded voting rights and membership voice enables participation in decision making and direction.
Message from the Chairperson
“Hello to all our members, supporters and friends.”
As we come to the end of 2025, it seems a good time to reflect on the current status of craft.
What has become increasingly clear is that there is a strong revival in interest and investment in traditional and contemporary crafts by governments at all levels throughout our region. The number of festivals, exhibitions, competitions, symposia, conferences, meetings and events has grown exponentially. Curators world-wide are seeking skilled and imaginative artists and artisans to contribute work to major exhibitions. Cities are seeing the value of major craft festivals for cultural, community, tourism and economic values. Public spaces – particularly airports, major venues and shopping centres are commissioning works of craft to tell the story of the culture and traditions of their countries.
The economic and cultural case for craft is being made by demonstration, rather than rhetoric and there are increasing opportunities for our members to participate at local, national and international levels.
Ongoing research and policy changes in our region and internationally has been a field of activity. In addition to new, stronger Geographical Indicators legislation in the EU, we are seeing cities and universities leading the way in research, international exchanges and knowledge transfer. Cheongju Craft Biennale in South Korea recently hosted a panel of global experts to discuss the future potential and current activities of craft cities. Minjiang University in Fuzhou, China recently hosted artisans from Myanmar, Thailand and Pakistan to share knowledge about lacquerware design and production and to discuss the potential for cultural experience tourism with a panel of experts.
For 2026, expect to see more festivals and events supported by APCA; a series of workshops both online and in person designed to help navigate the 21st century in craft; and more opportunities for artisans, artists and the organisations that support them to participate in international events. In the meantime enjoy the last days of 2025; and see what’s been happening recently here and we will see you next year.
Jude van der Merwe
Chairperson, Asia Pacific Crafts Alliance
Carousel image credits: ‘Ma Lai Tolie’, Pinaree Sanpitak (care of Cheongju Craft Biennale); Toraja wood sculptures (care of ASEPHI); Jewellery pieces from Almaty 2025; ‘Durga’, Panchannagram Mahila Samity (Sasha Association for Craft Producers).