PROGRAMS & AWARDS

The first Craft Masters Award was held in 2008 (Hangzhou) and then in 2012 (Suzhou), 2016 (Nanjing). In 2023, 60 craft master finalists had their work assessed by a skilled jury in Dongyang, China.

In 2027, the Craft Masters Awards for the Asia Pacific Region will be held again, this time presented as the ‘Asia Pacific Craft Masters Awards 2027’. These awards are intended to recognise and honour those living artisans and artists who have committed their working lives to becoming a master of their chosen craft and who have demonstrated particular qualities and fulfill the agreed criteria.

There are two levels of awards as follows:

• CRAFT MASTER – An artisan/artist who has at least 20 years’ experience working in their chosen field and who has achieved excellence, public recognition, and is an example to their community nationally and/or internationally.

• HONOURABLE CRAFT MASTER – An artisan/artist of the highest calibre who has at least 40 years’ experience working in their chosen field and is an acknowledged leader and example to their community nationally and/or internationally.

PROCESS AND TIMING

Information packs about the awards will be circulated to members and interested parties from March 2026.

Each region (West Asia, South Asia, South East Asia, East Asia, South Pacific and Central Asia) will host their own regional awards event, with all nominations and regional assessments set to take place in 2026 and up to March 2027 at the latest.

All Regional winners will then be eligible for the International Craft Masters Award, due to be announced October 2027.

Information packs and detailed guides are currently in production. Once completed, these will be shared on our website, email and social channels.