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On Thursday, November 5, we hosted a live, virtual conversation with founders, team members, and colleagues of Crafting the Future, as part of our In the Making series. (CTF) is an organization working to diversify the fields of art, craft, and design by connecting young BIPOC artists with opportunities that will help them thrive.

View a video of the full conversation above.

The conversation featured , both practicing artists-makers, CTF intern and artist , CTF crew member and ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ Cabinet & Furniture Making graduate , and Executive Director Meg Miles, a CTF partner and New Orleans arts organization, with moderator Kristen Odle, ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ Retail & Exhibit Manager.

In practice, CTF partners with youth arts organizations across the country, in order to provide their students with scholarships to renowned craft schools and pre-college programs. In doing so, the organization 1. Creates pathways into the field for young BIPOC artists, 2. Connects them with professional opportunities, and 3. Helps them plant roots and extend their networks in the craft community.

The panelists discussed the origins of CTF, how it has grown rapidly over the last several years, how young artists have already benefitted from their programs, and the different ways they are working today to increase accessibility and awareness for opportunities in craft with new events, partnerships, and fundraising efforts.

Learn more about Crafting the Future and how you can support them , and discover more about YAYA (Young Aspirations | Young Artists) on .

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“In the Making” is a new public programs series where we connect with a range of new voices, fields, and perspectives. Learn more and view a full list of participants on the series homepage.